Benefits of Maca Root (and Potential Side Effects)*

*Benefits of Maca Root (and Potential Side Effects)*


The maca plant has exploded in popularity in recent years.

It's actually a plant native to Peru, and is commonly available in powder form or as a supplement.

Maca root has traditionally been used to enhance fertility and sex drive.(I swear by it)

It's also claimed to improve energy and stamina.

*What Is Maca?*

The maca plant, known scientifically as Lepidium meyenii, is sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng.

It mainly grows in the Andes of central Peru, in harsh conditions and at very high altitudes — above 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable and therefore related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. It has a long history of culinary and medicinal use in Peru (1).

The main edible part of the plant is the root, which grows underground. It exists in several colors, ranging from white to black.

Maca root is generally dried and consumed in powder form, but it's also available in capsules and as a liquid extract.

The taste of maca root powder, which some people dislike, has been described as earthy and nutty. Many people add it to their smoothies, oatmeal and sweet treats.(I add it to my natural yoghurt)


BOTTOM LINE:Maca is a medicinal plant that mainly grows high up in the mountains of Peru in harsh conditions.

1. *It's Highly Nutritious*

Maca root powder is very nutritious, and is a great source of several important vitamins and minerals (2).

One ounce (28 grams) of maca root powder contains:

Calories: 91
Carbs: 20 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Fat: 1 gram
Vitamin C: 133% of the RDICopper: 85% of the RDIIron: 23% of the RDIPotassium: 16% of the RDIVitamin B6: 15% of the RDIManganese: 10% of the RDI

Maca root is a good source of carbs and protein, is low in fat and contains a fair amount of fiber. It's also high in some essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, copper and iron.

Furthermore, it contains various plant compounds, including glucosinolates and polyphenols.

BOTTOM LINE:Maca root powder is high in protein and carbs and rich in a number of nutrients, including vitamin C, copper and iron. It also contains many bioactive plant compounds.

2. *It Increases Libido in Men and Women*

Reduced sexual desire is a common problem among adults.

Consequently, interest in herbs and plants that naturally boost libido is great.

Maca has been heavily marketed as being effective at improving sexual desire, and this claim is backed by research


3. It May Increase Fertility in Men

When it comes to male fertility, sperm quality and quantity is very important.

There is some evidence that maca root increases men's fertility

A recent review summarized the findings of five small studies. It showed that maca improved semen quality in both infertile and healthy men

One of the studies reviewed included nine healthy men. After consuming maca for four months, researchers detected an increase in the volume, count and motility of sperm

BOTTOM LINE:Maca can increase sperm production and improve sperm quality, thereby enhancing fertility in men.



4. *It May Help Relieve Symptoms of Menopause*

Menopause is defined as the time in a woman's life when her menstrual periods stop permanently.

The natural decline in estrogen that occurs during this time can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms.

These include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep problems and irritability.

One review of four studies in menopausal women found that maca helped alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and interrupted sleep

Additionally, animal studies suggest that maca can help protect bone health. Women have a higher risk of osteoporosis after menopause (11, 12, 13).

BOTTOM LINE:Maca can improve symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and disrupted sleep at night.

5. *Maca Can Improve Your Mood*

Several studies have shown that maca can enhance your mood.

It's been associated with reduced anxietyand symptoms of depression, particularly in menopausal women

Maca contains plant compounds called flavonoids, which have been suggested to be at least partly responsible for these psychological benefits.



6.  *May Boost Sports Performance and Energy*

Maca root powder is a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes.

It has been claimed to help you gain muscle, increase strength, boost energy and improve exercise performance.

Also, some animal studies indicate that it enhances endurance performance


7. When Applied to the Skin, Maca May Help Protect It from the Sun

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun may burn and damage unprotected, exposed skin.

Over time, UV radiation can cause wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer

There is some evidence that applying maca extract, a concentrated form of the plant, to your skin may help protect it from UV radiation


The protective effect was attributed to the polyphenol antioxidants and glucosinolates found in maca.

Keep in mind that maca extract cannot replace a conventional sunscreen. Also, it only protects the skin when applied to the skin, not when eaten.

BOTTOM LINE:When applied to the skin, maca extract may help protect it from the sun's UV rays.



8. *It May Improve Learning and Memory*

Maca may improve brain function (25).

In fact, it has traditionally been used by natives in Peru to improve children's performance in school

In animal studies, maca has improved learning and memory in rodents that have memory impairment

In this regard, black maca appears to be more effective than other varieties

BOTTOM LINE:Some evidence indicates that maca, in particular the black variety, can improve learning and memory.

9. *It May Reduce Prostate Size*

The prostate is a gland only found in men.

Enlargement of the prostate gland, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is common in aging men

A larger prostate can cause various problems with passing urine, as it surrounds the tube through which urine is removed from the body.

Interestingly, a few studies in rodents suggest that red maca reduces prostate size

It has been proposed that the effect of red maca on the prostate is linked to its high amount of glucosinolates. These substances are also associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer

BOTTOM LINE:A large prostate is common among older men and can cause issues with urination. Animal studies suggest that red maca can reduce prostate size.

*How to Use Maca*

Maca is easy to incorporate into your diet.

It can be taken as a supplement or added to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, energy bars and more.

The optimal dose for medicinal use has not been established. However, the dosage of maca root powder used in studies generally ranges from 1.5–5 grams per

Safety and Side Effects

Maca is generally considered safe

However, Peruvian natives believe that consuming fresh maca root may have adverse health effects and recommend boiling it first.

Additionally, if you have thyroid problems, you may want to be careful with maca.

That's because it contains goitrogens, substances that may interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland. These compounds are more likely to affect you if you already have impaired thyroid function.

Lastly, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with their doctors before taking maca.

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