MACA

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), is a type of cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes of Peru.

Maca root powder is an excellent source of protein, fibre and several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, copper and iron. It also contains over 20 amino acids — including all essential amino acids — and health-promoting phytonutrients. It also contains beneficial plant compounds, including glucosinolates and polyphenols.

HEALTH BENEFITS

ANTIOXIDANT

Maca root acts as a natural antioxidant, boosting levels of antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the body.

One study demonstrated that polysaccharides extracted from maca had high antioxidant activity and were effective in fighting free radical damage (>).

Another study found that administering a concentrated dose of maca to rats not only improved their antioxidant status, but also significantly decreased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and reduced blood sugar (>).

Antioxidant content of maca leaf extract may even protect against neurological damage (>).

Improving your antioxidant status may be beneficial for preventing conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes by preventing oxidative stress and cell damage (>).

CHRONIC STRESS

Maca root is considered an adaptogen which helps the body naturally adapt to various stressors and may help reduce harmful effects of stress hormones.

STAMINA & LIBIDO

Maca root may be able to improve sexual dysfunction and boost sex drive in women. One study looked at the effects of maca root on post-menopausal women with sexual dysfunction caused by the use of antidepressants. Compared to a placebo, maca root was able to significantly improve sexual function (>). Another study had similar findings (>).

A study in 2008 also found that maca root benefits both psychological symptoms and sexual function in post-menopausal women. In fact, maca was able to reduce menopause-associated depression and anxiety after six weeks of treatment (>).

Maca is also able to balance female sex hormones and has even been shown to alleviate symptoms of menopause (>). Balancing hormone levels is crucial to many aspects of reproductive health and can help reduce symptoms like infertility, weight gain and bloating.

MALE FERTILITY

So what about maca root for men? While studies don’t support the claim that maca boosts testosterone levels, they do show that maca powder benefits male sexual health and fertility.

One study out of Peru found that supplementing with maca for eight weeks increased sexual desire in men. (>) Meanwhile, another study in 2001 found that maca helped improve sperm quality and motility, two important factors when it comes to male infertility. (>)

Maca may also benefit sexual dysfunction as well. A 2010 review summarized the results of four clinical trials evaluating the effects of maca on libido and reported that two of the studies showed an improvement in sexual dysfunction and sexual desire in both men and women. However, the other two trials did not find a positive result, so further research is still needed. (>)

ENERGY, MOOD & COGNITION

The root is also known to help increase energy and support vitality, good mood, concentration and memory.

Those who regularly use maca powder report that it makes them feel more awake, energized and driven, often relatively quickly after beginning to use it. Plus, maca can help increase energy without giving you the “jitters” or a sense of shakiness like high level of caffeine can.

Clinical trials have shown that maca may positively impact energy and stamina. Maintaining positive energy levels can also help improve mood, and some early studies have even found that maca may reduce symptoms of depression (>).

It remains unclear exactly how maca increases energy levels, but it’s believed to help prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar and maintain adrenal health, which regulates mood and energy throughout the day. Keeping energy levels up may also help prevent weight gain as well.

Several studies have also found that maca root benefits memory and focus. In fact, two animal studies in 2011 found that black maca was able to improve memory impairment in mice, likely thanks to its high antioxidant content (>, >).

HORMONAL IMBALANCE

Maca is traditionally used for female hormone imbalance, menstrual problems, tiredness, and symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis. Although maca doesn’t contain any hormones, yet it has a rare set of nutrients that nourish the endocrine system and help correct levels of oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or DHEA. As an adaptogen herb, maca has been used to lower the effects of stress by decreasing cortisol levels. It can also help reduce hot flashes and weight gain while improving libido and energy.

Oestrogen is the primary female sex hormone responsible for regulating the reproductive system. An imbalance in this vital hormone can cause a slew of symptoms ranging from bloating to irregular menstrual periods and mood swings. Oestrogen levels that are too high or low can also make it difficult for a woman to ovulate and become pregnant.

Maca root can help balance hormone levels and control the amount of estrogen in the body. One study published in the International Journal of Biomedical Science gave 34 early post-menopausal women a tablet containing either maca or a placebo twice daily for four months. Not only did maca help balance hormone levels, but it also relieved symptoms of menopause, such as night sweats and hot flashes, and even increased bone density (>).

In addition to reducing symptoms of menopause, regulating estrogen levels may also help with improving reproductive health and fertility and decreasing symptoms related to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), such as excess hair growth, weight gain and acne.

MACA ROOT VS. GINSENG

Like maca, ginseng is a plant with fleshy roots and potent medicinal properties. Both have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are believed to carry similar health benefits, such as enhanced memory, increased energy levels, reduced menopause symptoms and lower blood sugar. Ginseng and maca also both contain antioxidants and have powerful anti-inflammatory powers as well.

However, there are some distinct differences that set these two root vegetables apart. First of all, there is a greater amount of research on ginseng, and it has been associated with a wider range of unique health benefits. In fact, some test-tube and animal studies have found that ginseng may improve brain function, aid in weight loss, increase immunity and even fight off cancer cells. (>, >, >, >)

Additionally, while maca root is actually considered a cruciferous vegetable like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, ginseng belongs to the Araliaceae family of plants, which is composed primarily of tropical shrubs and trees. Ginseng also tends to be more bitter while maca has an earthy, nutty taste that is often added to recipes and drinks to boost both the nutrient content and the flavour profile.

DOSAGE

By this point, you’re probably wondering: “Where can I buy maca? And can I buy organic maca?”

Thanks to its growing popularity, maca is widely available at health stores, pharmacies and even online retailers. It can also be found in capsule, liquid, powder or extract form. All forms are thought to be equally beneficial, however it is best to buy maca from a quality harvester that ensures its 100 percent pure maca root powder. Ideally, including for maca extract, you should also look for a variety that is raw and organic.

Additionally, maca is categorized based on the colour of its roots and is most commonly yellow, black or red. All colours of maca have similar benefits, although specific maca types and colours are thought to be more beneficial for certain medical conditions. Red maca powder is the most common supplement form. Gelatinized maca powder is sometimes referred to as maca flour.

Maca tends to have an earthy, slightly nutty taste with a hint of butterscotch that works especially well when added to oatmeal or cereal. The flavour can also vary based on the type of maca, with black maca being a bit more bitter and cream-coloured roots having an even sweeter taste. Maca powder can be easily added to smoothies and drinks or mixed into recipes.

Keep in mind that most people prefer not to microwave or heat their maca powder at high temperatures as the heating process may diminish some of the nutrients.

In the Andes Mountain where maca cultivation occurs, locals may consume as much as a pound of dried or fresh maca root daily. Most people supplement with somewhere between one gram to 20 grams daily in powder form.

Although there is no official recommended maca powder dosage, it’s best to start out with about one tablespoon (in powder form) daily and work your way up to two to three tablespoons spread throughout the day. Because maca is known for increasing energy and stamina, many people like to take it before exercising to get a burst of extra energy.

INTERACTIONS &CONTRAINDICATIONS

Because of maca’s effects on hormone levels, it is believed that maca should not be consumed by people who are on hormone-altering medications for the treatment of illnesses like breast cancer or prostate cancer, for example.

People with thyroid problems, should keep maca intake in moderation. This is because it contains goitrogens, which are substances that can impair thyroid function, especially in those with thyroid issues.

People who have high blood pressure and are on medication to lower blood pressure are also advised to not consume maca to avoid adverse maca root side effects.

There is limited research on the safety of maca for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Until it is confirmed to be safe, it’s best for these women to avoid maca.

SAFETY

Maca is safe for most people and can be consumed with minimal risk of maca side effects.

SOURCES

– https://selfhacked.com/blog/maca-health-benefits/

– https://draxe.com/nutrition/top-5-maca-root-benefits-and-nutrition/

 

Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.