Maca powder - What is it and should you try it?

I've been taking Maca now for about 3 weeks now(not the one in the picture) so I thought I would share my thoughts and research about it.

What is Maca?
Maca is a powder made by grinding the root of a Peruvian plant that only grows high in the Andes mountains. Although it is often referred to a "herb" it is in fact and root vegetable so is classed as a food. The maca plant has been cultivated for 5000 years so it has a pretty long pedigree - the Inca's valued it so highly they reserved it for Royalty.

What does Maca do for you?
Maca acts on the endocrine system of the body, helping to normalise the production of hormones. It seems the unique combination of minerals and vitamins present in the root have a balancing effect on our systems. Some of the benefits of Maca include helping to relieve hot flushes in menopausal women, increased libido in both men and women as well as regulation of the thyroid, pituitary, adrenals, pancreas, etc.
People taking Maca report clearer, younger-looking skin, more energy, a happier outlook on life and greater enjoyment of sexual relationships.
Maca also contains minerals that help strengthen your bones, reverse anemia and a host of other complaints.

Sounds pretty good doesn't it? I've been taking it for 3 weeks and have noticed greater energy and less hot flushes but it's early days for me. I will report back as time goes on - and when I work out what is the right dose for me. Being a food, some people only need half a teaspoon of Maca per day to restore normality - others may need a tablespoon a day.

Where do you get it?
Maca is sold in most health food stores or online in either powdered form or in capsules. Beware of unscrupulous sellers who sell inferior product. Only buy it from health shops you know are reliable or online via the "Doctors are dangerous" site run by ELaine Holingsworth.
I buy the powdered form and put a teaspoon full on my cereal each morning. You can also mix it into smoothies or dissolve it in warm milk or water - it tastes a little like "Horlicks" - a drink I used to have as a child.