Mood boosting maca

Maca is a South American plant, whose root can be dried and turned into a powder, which has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac. New research has just been published, which shows that sex drive is not the only thing that maca could boost however…

In the new research, scientists tested the effects of a maca extract on an animal model of depression. With maca administration the animals appeared less stressed than controls and when the scientists explored why this might be they made some interesting discoveries.  They found that a part of the brain thought to be involved in stress and depression was enlarged, which is similar to what is seen when certain anti-depressants are used.

Furthermore the amount of a hormone relating to stress, called corticosterone, was seen to be reduced when maca extract was taken, alongside other chemical markers of stress.

Conversely dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, was seen to be increased.

Overall the results appear to show maca has potential anti-stress and anti-depressant like actions within the brain and could provide a natural mood enhancer.

Try this

BodyMe are a leading provider of natural health foods and they provide maca root in both powder and capsule form. All their products are organic, meaning there’s not a preservative, colorant or nasty in sight, and a donation is made from each product bought to Healthy Planet (healthyplanet.org). The products all come in stylish resalable bags or tubs and maca powder starts at just £3.99.

Visit bodyme.co.uk for more details or to buy.