Maca refers to the root of a plant indigenous to the Andes region in Peru, and it’s also known in the area as “Peruvian ginseng,” even though it isn’t part of the same plant family as Ginseng. Maca is an ingredient in food and the major maca root benefits are it helps increase energy levels and boost libido.
Usually, it is added to juices, smoothies, shakes, and smoothies, and ground root powder can be used as a component in chocolate, coffee, or oil. In Peru, maca root in its entirety is usually added to oatmeal and soups or oatmeal and then roasted to be consumed as an ingredient in a vegetable. Maca root benefits health by addressing some of the common health problems that men and women face.
How To Take Maca Root?
Maca is available in numerous varieties, such as powders and capsules. It is possible to mix maca powder into oatmeal, smoothies, baked items, energy bars, and much more. Moreover, it has a rich taste similar to butterscotch, and it is a great match with sweeter tastes.
10 Maca Root Benefits To Be Aware Of
1. Improves fertility
Maca root benefits for men’s fertility have also led to its widespread usage. It is especially beneficial to those suffering from reproductive issues. How it can improve the fertility of men is not known. However, a study found that using maca root extracts frequently will enhance the quality of the semen. Further, the improvement was not only among men suffering from problems with fertility but also among healthy adults.
So, for any men suffering or complaining about semen leakage in urine, known as Dhat syndrome, Maca benefits them since it is an effective Dhat ki Dawa. However, keep the dosage limit in check when consuming it.
2. Boosts Your Mood
As with most plant extracts, Maca is exceptionally high in flavonoids. These plant compounds are antioxidants that leave people feeling more rejuvenated, and they are also effective in reducing the effects of anxiety. An extensive study involving women of postmenopausal age found that maca extract benefits women in coping with depression and anxiety.
A similar study conducted in China produced the same findings, showing that maca benefits for your mental health can come as a relief to people suffering from depression and anxiety. For a long time, it is in use as an adaptogenic drug, helping people deal with the degenerative consequences of stress.
3. May Help Manage Blood Pressure
There have been several studies that have proven the maca root benefits in reducing blood pressure. One of these studies included the consumption of around 3.3g in maca-derived extracts each day. In 12 weeks, the group of postmenopausal women lowered their blood pressure.
Although the precise effects of Maca remain to be studied, it is an effective treatment for hypertension.
4. May Help Prevent Sun Damage
There aren’t any studies conducted in clinical trials to support this assertion and maca root benefits. However, some research studies on animals have revealed the extract of maca roots protects the skin from damage caused by UV. They can prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation, common indicators of sun-induced damage. So, this may be due to the effects of these supplements on melanin production.
The significant antioxidant content in maca benefits effectively prevents damage to the skin caused by prolonged exposure to harmful UV radiations from the sun.
5. Helps Reduce Free Radicals Damage
If you’re exposed to contaminants due to various environmental influences, you’ll notice an increase in the build-up of free radicals in your body. Free radicals can cause oxidative damage to tissues and cells, causing severe degeneration. The maca root benefits antioxidants to neutralize free radicals, thus protecting your cells.
One of maca powder benefits is the increase in the production of the system’s antioxidants. The number of powerful antioxidants such as glutathione boosts your body’s natural defense system against free radicals.
6. Reduces the Symptoms of Menopause
Women in the menopausal or postmenopausal stage experience many problems, such as hot flashes causing discomfort. It is because of the hormonal imbalance that occurs at this time.
Research has shown that maca root can maintain this balance, thus decreasing or eliminating the symptoms. An investigation conducted on postmenopausal women revealed that taking two tablets of Maca daily decreased common symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats to a large extent.
7. Improves your memory and cognitive Capabilities
The reviews of some published research regarding cognitive maca root benefits reveal that it could increase learning capacity in addition to memory. The results of this study by mice revealed that Maca also delays the development of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Since there is no evidence from humans currently available, this assertion is debatable.
8. Boosts Your Libido
This is among the most well-known maca root benefits, and several studies provide proof of this assertion. A study wherein males were given 1.5 to 3 grams of maca powder each day experienced a significant increase in their libido compared with men who were given a placebo.
Recently, a research study on postmenopausal women revealing that it helps reduce any sexual problems. It is even beneficial to women in this age group with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.
9. Cures Erectile Dysfunction Naturally
One of the maca benefits for men is curing erectile dysfunction naturally.
10. Improves Endurance and Energy
Athletes and bodybuilders have looked to Maca for maca extract benefits to enhance their overall performance. A study of male cyclists found that taking the maca supplements for 14 days demonstrated significant performance improvements. Maca can boost your mood and make you feel energetic. But, the maca benefits need a thorough research for further evidence to back the claims.
Maca Root Risks
There is not much information about the dangers and benefits of long-term or short-term consumption of Maca. Because the maca plant is a natural substance, people widely believe it is safe when used in large amounts.
Due to these potential hormone effects, if you are suffering from any of the following ailments, it is not advisable to take Maca without consulting with your healthcare physician:
- Uterine, breast, or ovarian cancer
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Thyroid disease
Final Say
Maca, when added to meals, helps improve libido and vitality. It can also treat sexual problems, anxiety, hair loss, hot flashes, and fertility, although additional studies are still required to confirm these health advantages.
There are few facts about Maca Root’s short- and long-term negative impacts, so you should check your healthcare professional before using the supplement. Kids, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with hormone-sensitive diseases should be extra cautious.
