Maca Root: Health Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Maca is a plant which has been regarded as food and medicine by the population of Peru for over several thousands of years.

Maca has grown its popularity in the past few decades and it has several health benefits associated with itself and along with this it is very easy and safe to add in your everyday meal.

The root of maca (which is the most used part of this plant) is known to have quantities of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, fibers, etc.

This contains several different types of bioactive compounds which includes glucosinolates, macamides, alkaloids, macardine, etc.

These bioactive compounds are the reason this is very helpful for the health of a person.

There are so many potential benefits of this maca root but some of the most prominent ones are mentioned below:

There is some proof available that may suggest, intake of concentrated maca supplements help people who have low sexual desire and low libido as well.

People who have antidepressant induced sexual dysfunction when taking around 3000 mg of maca root for two weeks show significant improvement of sexual function and libido.

Intake of maca can help in the improvement of sexual desire within a time period of 6 weeks.

Consumption of supplements that have maca in it can lead to the improvement of various aspects of fertility in males including the sperm.

Intake of maca has led to improved sperm concentration or the number of sperm per milliliter of semen.

This shows that sperm concentration is very closely linked with the male fertility.

When you take 2 g of maca for two weeks you can notice a significant increase in semen concentration but it has no effect on the sperm motility.

Menopause is known to be a natural phenomena in the case of women and it is that part of life of a woman where menstrual periods stop on a permanent basis.

There can be so many symptoms because of the decline in the quantity of estrogen during the time of menopause.

Majority of the women find it very difficult while experiencing these symptoms.

You may experience sleep problems, hot flashes, irritability, vaginal dryness, mood swings, etc.

Intake of maca is very helpful in the alleviation of symptoms caused due to menopause.

There is limited evidence available that will suggest that maca is helpful in improving the energy levels and also enhances the mood in some people.

Taking 3 grams of black or red maca for 2 weeks can help you to have higher energy scores.

Its consumption can also help reduce the postmenopausal symptoms including depression.

It is also helpful in decreasing various symptoms like anxiety in postmenopausal women.

This is usually used in the form of powders and capsules.

You can add this powdered form in your smoothies, energy bars, oatmeal, baked goods, etc.

This has a very nutty and butterscotch like flavor and because of this it pairs really well with sweet flavors.

When this is used medicinally the optimal dose for its consumption is not yet marked or established.

The dosage used in studies is known to vary from 1.5 g to 3 g per day.

This is available in various supermarkets, health stores and even online retailers as well.

Usually the consumption of this is very safe and there are no side effects associated with the consumption of this.

As there is no study or effect of this on pregnant women or breastfeeding women, so its consumption is not advised to these women.

This plant is scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii which is also referred to as Peruvian ginseng in some cases.

This is a cruciferous vegetable which is closely linked to kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.

This is found to be a native of the high plateaus of the Peruvian Andes mountain range.

The Andean peoples are known to be cultivating this vegetable for more than 2000 years.

This is one of those edible plants or vegetables that are known to survive in very harsh weather conditions as well. It grows above 4000 meters in the Peruvian Andes.

Traditionally, this plant was used as a food and was consumed in a fermented drink or in the form of porridge, by the Andean people.

Along with its consumption as a food it was all used as a natural medicine for the treatment of several health conditions which are respiratory conditions and rheumatic disease.

In recent years, the demand for this vegetable has exponentially grown just because of the fact that it can promote libido and fertility of a person.

As the demand for this has increased worldwide there are several other parts of the world that have started to grow this in other regions as well which includes the mountainous Yunnan province of China.

The research for the potential health benefits of this root is still going on but there is certain evidence available that suggests consumption of maca supplements may help you to improve certain health aspects which includes your sexual health and fertility as well.

This is also helpful in the reduction of menopause symptoms and also helps in the improvement of mood in some people.