What is Maca Root?

Benefits of Maca Root Powder

Type of Superfood: Root

Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii) is a superfood that is grown as high as 4300 metres above sea level in Peru’s highlands. It’s been around for almost 3500 years, and history has it that soldiers in the Incan empire ingested maca before heading into combat to ensure enhanced strength and stamina.

Included elements

Maca, like other cruciferous vegetables like kale and cabbage, is high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulphur, iron, salt, and phosphorus, as well as trace elements including iodine, zinc, selenium, bismuth, copper, manganese, tin, and silicon. It’s also high in B1, B2, C, and E vitamins.

The glandular-hormonal system, neurological system, circulatory system, and muscle may all be stabilised and balanced by maca. These properties make maca an excellent supplement for regulating hormones, stress levels, thyroid function, and overall mood.

Maca is beneficial if you suffer from the following conditions, according to superfood specialist:

What should one do with it and where can I get it?

Maca may be used in bigger quantities than other therapeutic plants due to its high-grade health effects. It’s also been determined to be safe to use for a long time. It’s available in the dried, raw, organic form online or at most health food stores. It’s critical to only buy maca from the plant’s root, not any other parts, to ensure the highest quality product.

A tablespoon can be added to smoothies, juices, nut kinds of milk, tea or coffee, or raw chocolate desserts.

All That You Want to Know About the Uses & Benefits of Maca

Scientifically known as Lepidium Meyenii, the maca plant can also be called as Peruvian ginseng. Maca is a kind of vegetable that is connected with cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale. Maca mostly grows in the high plateaus of the Peruvian Andes Mountain. There is also research that suggests that there has been cultivation of maca for more than 2,000 years by the Andean people. It is one such rare edible plant that can survive the weather conditions that are harsh in the Peruvian Andes. The Andean people are used as a food the maca, they mostly used it in porridge or fermented drink. Maca was also used by these people as a natural medicine to treat problems of the respiratory and rheumatic diseases.

Demand & People’s Opinion –

Recently, the demand for the maca products has grown because of the claims that the maca roots or plants can promote fertility and libido.Maca root fertility are used in which the part of the plants mostly used contains minerals, vitamins, amino acids and fibre. Maca roots also contain extra bioactive compounds which includes macamides, glucosinolates, macaridine, and Alkaloids, which are mainly responsible for maca’s medicinal benefits. Even though there are people who claim that maca supports the health in plethora of ways, research is at present limited and more research is needed on the same and its effectiveness. Some of the benefits of maca roots are – it may increase the libido. Some of the recent evidence suggested that taking maca supplements that are concentrated can help the people with low libido increase their libido.

Reviews & Studies –

For more details on maca roots or maca visitshifaya health. In the year 2015 a study was conducted in which there were more than 40 women, who suffered from anti-depressant induced sexual dysfunction. They were given 3,000mg of maca root powder per day for 12 weeks. It was found that they had improved their sexual function and had increased libido. There is also a 2010 review, which suggests that and included 4 high quality studies with total 131 participants, and it was found that maca roots improved the libido after at least 6 weeks after consumption.

Enhancing Aspects of Fertility in Males –

Maca root fertility male has been used and helped in improving areas of fertility in male with sperm. Most of them took maca supplements. For instance, studies have shown that if maca supplements or roots powder is taken, then it helps in improving the sperm concentration. Plus, the number of sperm per milli-litre of semen. One of the concentrations i.e., sperm concentration is connected closely with male fertility. Recently in the year 2020 a study was conducted which there were 69 men diagnosed with mild low sperm count or reduced sperm motility. [Sperm Motility is called the ability of the sperm to swim properly.]

So, they were given 2 grams of maca per day for 12 weeks and it was found that their semen concentration was improved compared to the placebo treatment. These are some of themaca root fertility success stories. However, there was no difference in the sperm motility between the treatment and the groups of placebos. The research is limited and the results are promising. Well-designed research and study need to be done to identify the effects of maca supplements on the quality of semen and other areas of male fertility.

Affect on Symptoms of Menopause –

Menopause is something when the periods of a woman stop naturally. It is the time when the periods stop permanently. During this time the oestrogen can decline naturally and it cause various kinds of symptoms which women’s find as unpleasant. The symptoms comprise of hot flashes, dryness in the vagina, mood swings, problems of sleep and irritation. So studies have revealed that maca benefits the women’s by helping ease some of the symptoms including sleep issues. In the year 2011 review which included 4 high quality studies found the evidence that the treatment of maca given to women with menopause has a favourable effect. But the researchers are of the opinion that there is not enough evidence to find out the safety and efficaciousness of maca for treating menopause symptoms. As per the limited findings, maca may help reduce some symptoms of menopause. Also, the research suggests that women who are yet to have menopause, thebest time to take maca root for fertility is before 3p.m. So, that it does not disturb your sleep at night.

Enhancing Energy & Mood –

Limited evidence suggests that maca root benefits by improving the energy levels and by uplifting the mood in some people. In the year 2016 a study was conducted in which more than 170 people living were given 3 grams of red or black maca every day for 12 weeks. The study showed that they had improved energy and mood scores compared with the placebo.

Another study, in the year 2015 in which more than 20 postmenopausal Chinese women were treated with 3.3 grams of maca per day for 6 weeks and found that it reduced the symptoms of depression compared to the placebo treatment. Other old research also suggests that women who had suffered from anxiety and depression in post-menopausal time, found the maca treatment helpful in reducing the same.

Side Effects and Safety of Maca Use –

Studies revealed that maca root side effects there are no adverse side effects. In the year 2016 a study was conducted in which more than 170 people were found taking 3 grams of black or red maca every day for 12 weeks and it was well-tolerated and there was no association with adverse side effects. And, even in the traditional methods in which people consumed maca and had by boiling them, eating or drinking it, have not had any side effects.

At present, it is not known whether maca is safe to take during breast feeding or pregnancy. So, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their doctor on the same before taking maca supplements or others.

Maca is known for its safety and there are many maca root benefits for men. But if you have a health condition like pregnant or breastfeeding then you should talk to the doctor for the same.

Using Maca –

Maca is available in several forms like that of powders and capsules. One can even add maca powder in oatmeal, smoothies, baked goods, or energy bars and much more. Maca has a nutty, butterscotch like taste. You also get maca root for weight gain too. The minimum dose for medicinal use has been established. The dose ranges from 1.5 to 3 grams per day. Maca can be found in supermarkets, food stores, and online shops too. You can even get maca online at amazon. You can search online with the name maca root for men.

Wrapping Up –

Even though the research on the possible health effects or benefits of maca is limited. But evidence truly suggests that taking maca supplements helps greatly in improving the fertility in male and the libido. It can also assist in reducing menopause symptoms in women. And, also improve the mood. However, more designed form of studies needs to be done on the use of maca for treating health conditions of specific types.