Our "Root of all Health" series takes us next to the all powerful Maca Root. This ancient root vegetable has been used by native Indians in Peru as a vital ingredient to health for thousands of years. Maca's use goes back to around 3800 B.C., when Peruvian Indians cultivated and ate it for both its nutritional and medicinal value. It grows in the mountains of Peru at high altitudes of 7,000 to 11,000 feet, making it the highest altitude growing plant in the world. Maca is a radish-like root vegetable that is related to the potato family. I first started researching and using Maca Root while developing the formula for our Rockin' Wellness nutritional smoothie blend. I was intrigued with it because as a person who had withstood the effects of chemotherapy treatments on two different occasions, I was deemed infertile because chemotherapy is known to destroy sperm cells. The reason for this is that chemotherapy is a designed poison with a mission to kill rapidly dividing cells in the body. Sperm cells are just that, rapidly dividing cells. I am happy to say that I am now a proud father of a wonderful and beautiful 3 1/2 year old boy named Nash. I feel certain that incorporating Maca Root and Rockin' Wellness into my daily lifestyle were a catalysts in reversing my health state and situation. Below is an important list of 6 topics of discussion that relate to the possible health benefits of incorporating Maca into your life. Menopause Symptoms – Maca root is known to balance hormones in women, and research shows that its high nutrient density and phytochemical content may be the underlying contributors to this effect. The active ingredients in the maca root appear to lessen the severity and frequency of hot flashes that occur due to hormonal changes in a woman’s body as they reach middle age. Researchers evaluating the herb for weight loss observed that women taking a maca root supplement enjoyed a reduction in many of the most common menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep disruptions, night sweats, and depression. Mood — Research in nutrition shows that natural fatty acids found in maca root are necessary for supporting mood and overall brain health. A closer look into maca’s protective effect for the brain has shown promising results, offering many researchers hope for finding a natural alternative to cognitive-enhancement drugs. Fatty acids in maca root support brain function, which may be responsible for stabilizing analytical skills, cognitive function, and rational thinking. Many holistic practicing physicians often recommend omega-3 fatty acids like the ones found in maca, as a first step toward alleviating certain symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Energy, Performance and Endurance — Maca is rich in vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and protein. These nutrients naturally support energy levels and aid in recovery from injury. Antioxidant rich minerals and vitamins such as iron, iodine, manganese, zinc, calcium, potassium, B vitamins and Vitamin C can be found in this root vegetable. Numerous studies have evaluated maca root for its role in athletic performance for these exact reasons. Whether you are an athlete or just proactive with your health, incorporating maca into your daily routine could be an excellent way to bring a spring back into your step. Menstruation — Menstrual problems that often plague women of child-bearing age such as cramping, heavy or irregular periods, as well as PMS, have found that the maca root alleviates many of the uncomfortable symptoms. Depression — Another essential benefit of the maca root is its known ability to relieve mild depression. There is an increase in the body’s levels of serotonin in individuals using maca. Common treatments for depression are antidepressant medications which tend to have uncomfortable side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, and dulled senses. Maca has none of the side effects that are found in pharmaceutical antidepressants. In fact, the active ingredients in the maca root boost energy and lift depression naturally. The natural properties of the ancient Peruvian maca root continue through the present day as a leading superfood health enhancer. Maca comes highly recommended as a time-tested source of health. Libido & Fertility — Culturally, the ancient Peruvians ingested this powerful root to boost the potency of the libido. Its natural properties help to create an aphrodisiac-like response in men who have suffered from impotency, low sex-drive, and fertility problems. The maca root is known to improve the quality and quantity of sperm in men who have lower than normal sperm counts, which helps to increase the level of fertility. Maca Root is a staple ingredient in both of our delicious and nutritious smoothie blends, Chocolate Cacao and Vanilla Mocha Swirl . These nutritional smoothies also contain other powerful alkalizing superfood ingredients such as raw and organic Cacao, Goji Berry, Chia Seed, Hemp Seed, Flax Seed, Green Tea Extract and Vegan Probiotics. You can search out all of our healthy functional food options by CLICKING HERE: https://rockinwellness.com/product-category/cinnamon-spice-tea/ Please visit www.RockinWellness.com to find out more… The ROOTS!Seth LukerFounder and PresidentRockin' Wellness Inc.