Maca is a root vegetable related to the turnip and grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil of the Peruvian highlands, maca is another superfood. Maca curtails the effects of stress by helping the adrenal glands regenerate as well as to restore the negative effect that stress has on hormonal health. Even a slight decline or incline of certain hormonal levels will impair the body's ability to build muscle and recover from stress in general. An out-of-balance hormonal system is a catalyst for numerous ailments. A prolonged hormonal imbalance will also induce signs of premature aging and cause excess body fat to be stored. Balance is the key to adapting to physical stress and, by doing so, become stronger. Maca possesses the precursors for serotonin. The body will often try to self-medicate when it's feeling overwhelmed by stress-induced chemical reactions in the brain. This is when the sugar cravings kick in, they are the brain's attempt to raise serotonin levels. A diet that includes a daily dose of maca will supply the body with what it needs to ward off stress and construct serotonin, thereby reducing or altogether eliminating sugar cravings.

Sterols are steroid-like compound found in both plants and animals that promote quick regeneration of fatigued muscle tissue. Maca is a rich source of sterols. Strength is important for any athlete, even an endurance athlete, as it improves the efficiency of muscle contractions.

When choosing maca, get the gelatinized form. The process of gelatinization removes the hard-to-digest starchy component of the maca root, leaving an easily digestible, quickly assimilated, and more concentrated form of maca.

I recommend at least 1/2 tsp of maca daily, 1 tsp is even better. I put it in my smoothie in the morning. The VEGA complete whole food health optimizer has maca all ready in the mix.