7+ Guaranteed Maca Root Benefits, Side Effects And More
This Peruvian plant has been used for thousands of years. Closely related to cabbage and broccoli, this plant grows in the Andes mountains. Useful in both the medical and culinary field, there are plenty of benefits hidden within the root of the maca plant. Other than maca root it also carries the name “Peruvian ginseng”. It has an earthy flavor to it and usually comes in powder form, which makes it easy to consume as a spice, in smoothies, juice and more. This plant is considered to be an adaptogenic herb. This means it’s amazing at helping the body manage and deal with stress. That’s why it’s often considered to be a mood booster. But that isn’t the only benefit of the maca root. That’s why today we will be taking a look at 5+ maca root benefits, alongside the side effects and the proper dosage.
Maca root has an earthy flavor and usually comes in powder form
Maca Root Benefits
In the past, the Andean people started cultivated the plant as it was one of the few varieties of edible plants that could survive the harsh weather conditions of the mountain. They ate it in oatmeal or as a fermented drink. They also used it to treat all kinds of health problems, including respiratory conditions. Okay, but other than helping the body with stress, like other adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, what else if this magic powder good for? Well, you’re in for a treat. Here is what adding some maca root into your daily life will bring you.
7 amazing maca root benefits
Increases The Libido
One of the most famous maca root benefits is that it has the potential to increase libido. And the best part about its aphrodisiac properties is that it doesn’t mess with hormone levels. It’s a natural libido booster. Studies show that men who took from around 1,5 to 3 grams of maca daily increased men’s libido. Another study showed that this root may also help postmenopausal women with their libido as well. So, if you want to spice things up, why not invest in some maca root?
Maca is a natural libido booster
Mood Booster
According to some recent studies maca is an amazing mood booster. This is because consuming the root helps reduce levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. Consequently, this has a positive impact on people’s mood. Chocolate is also a great mood booster, so make sure to add these foods and supplements to your diet if you have such issues.
If you suffer from anxiety or depression, maca may help with the symptoms
Stress Relief
As we mentioned, one of the maca root benefits is stress relief. This is because it is an adaptogenic herb. Helping the body manage environmental stress is these herb’s main job. They help the body’s stress protection system activate and balance the body’s HPA axis. This is the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal. It’s responsible for how both the hormone and nervous system deal with stress. Taking maca keeps the cortisol levels, which is the hormone of stress rise.
This root is considered an adaptogenic herb
Helps With Menopause
Maca root is often used by women who are going through menopause or are in the perimenopause stage. Studies show that maca helps to support the body through this trying time. However, it does so without changing the estrogen levels. Some studies found that taking maca daily lowered the chances of symptoms such as night sweats or hot flashes.
Maca root can help relief menopause symptoms
Improves Fertility
This benefit is oriented towards men. Research has found that consuming maca is connected with the production of a higher sperm count. This means that maca can help with fertility issues and sperm production in men.
This root improves fertility in men
Bones Benefit
Who said only milk was good for improving bone strength? Studies show that including maca root in your diet causes an increase in bone density and strength. This is most likely as maca contains polyunsaturated fatty acids which are a very important nutrient for healthy bones. However, keep in mind that maca shouldn’t be used as a replacement for calcium or vitamin D.
Take maca root for strong bones
Energy Booster
Another reason why people love maca is because of the energy boost it gives. And it’s caffeine-free! Studies still have yet to figure out what exactly in maca causes people to produce energy, but for now it does seem it’s an effective energy booster. So, if you don’t enjoy drinking coffee or matcha to get you going, why not try taking some maca early in the morning for that productivity boost?
Get your energy boost from maca
Other Benefits
Some other impressive benefits of maca include its benefits to the skin. Maca can help speed up the process of wound healing, and it can protect the skin against UV damage from the sun. It’s also great for preserving cognitive functions and delay the age-related cognitive decline. Maca can also reduce inflammatory proteins which cause prostate enlargement.
This root protects the skin against UV damage
Maca Root Side Effects
Just as with every supplement, such as spirulina, with the benefits comes some side effects. Here are some things you should take into account before adding maca root to your diet. Make sure to always consult with your doctor before taking such supplements.
- There is no information if maca is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid it.
- It’s also best to avoid maca if you have any of the following conditions: breast, ovarian or uterine cancer, thyroid disease, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis.
Pregnant women should avoid this supplement
How To Take Maca Root?
Maca comes in many forms: capsules, powder, tincture, and gelatin. It can also come in whole, raw form. Currently, there is not enough research to determine the safe amount of maca daily. However, most alternative medicine practitioners recommend for people to start with around 3 grams or one tbsp of powder and slowly work their way up to around 9 grams or three tbsp of powder.
Start by taking 3 grams of maca root powder
