IndianJadiBooti Maca Roots Powder

Maca is a plant that has been used as a food and medicine by some Peruvian cultures for thousands of years.

Maca has increased in popularity over the last few decades as a natural cure for a variety of health conditions, including infertility and poor sex drive.

This article defines maca root, lists four potential benefits, and discusses if it is safe to include in your diet.

What exactly is maca?

The maca plant, formally known as Lepidium meyenii, is also known as Peruvian ginseng. Maca is a type of cruciferous vegetable, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Maca is indigenous to the upper plateaus of Peru's Andes mountain range.

In fact, the Andeans have been cultivating maca for for 2,000 years. It's one of the few edible plants that can withstand the extreme weather conditions in the Peruvian Andes above 4,000 metres (13,123 feet).

Traditionally, the Andeans consumed maca as a food, in the form of a fermented drink or porridge. Furthermore, the Andeans employed maca as a natural medication to cure a variety of health issues, including respiratory ailments and rheumatic disease.

Maca products have gained in popularity in recent years, owing to claims that the plant can boost libido and fertility. Because of the increased global demand for maca, people have began to mass-produce it in various places of the world, notably China's mountainous Yunnan province.

The most often utilised portion of the plant, maca root, provides fibre, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Other bioactive substances found in maca include macamides, macaridine, alkaloids, and glucosinolates, which are assumed to be responsible for maca's medical properties.

Despite the fact that many say maca benefits health in a variety of ways, research is currently limited, and study findings on its effects have been conflicting.
More research on the usefulness of maca is required.

1. May boost libido

Some data suggests that taking concentrated maca supplements may help people who have poor libido or sexual desire. A 2015 research of 45 women with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction discovered that consuming 3,000 mg of maca root per day for 12 weeks dramatically improved sexual function and libido when compared to a placebo.

A 2010 assessment of four high-quality studies including 131 participants discovered evidence that ingesting maca boosted sexual desire after at least 6 weeks. The researchers did warn, however, that the studies included in the review were tiny, and the evidence was insufficient to draw clear conclusions.

Despite this encouraging research, it is yet unknown whether maca provides any meaningful value for treating low libido or sexual dysfunction.

2. May increase various elements of male fertility.

Taking maca supplements may assist persons with sperm enhance various elements of their fertility. Maca, for example, has been found in trials to boost sperm concentration, or the quantity of sperm per millilitre of sperm. Male fertility is closely related to sperm concentration.

In a 2020 trial, 69 males with modest decreased sperm count or poor sperm motility were given maca. Sperm motility refers to sperm's ability to swim appropriately.

Taking 2 grammes of maca per day for 12 weeks enhanced sperm concentration much more than a placebo treatment. There was, however, no statistically significant change in sperm motility between the treatment and placebo groups.

While these findings are encouraging, research is currently restricted. To examine the impact of maca supplementation on sperm quality and other aspects of male fertility, well-designed trials are required.

3. May aid in the relief of menopausal symptoms

Menopause occurs spontaneously in women who menstruate. It is the stage of life when menstrual cycles cease completely.

The natural decrease in oestrogen that occurs at this time might result in a variety of symptoms, some of which may be unpleasant. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep issues, and irritability are some of the symptoms.

According to several research, maca may benefit menopausal women by alleviating various symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disruption.

A 2011 assessment of four high-quality trials found some evidence that maca therapy improves menopausal symptoms.

The researchers did highlight, however, that there is insufficient evidence to assess the safety or usefulness of maca for treating menopause symptoms.

4. It has the potential to increase mood and vitality.

In some populations, limited data suggests that maca may assist boost energy levels and mood. A 2016 research of 175 adults living at low or high altitudes found that ingesting 3 grammes of red or black maca per day for 12 weeks enhanced mood and energy levels when compared to a placebo.

Furthermore, a 2015 research of 29 postmenopausal Chinese women found that 3.3 grammes of maca per day for 6 weeks improved depressive symptoms when compared to a placebo treatment.

Furthermore, prior research suggests that maca may be beneficial in lowering anxiety and depression symptoms in postmenopausal women. Although maca may improve mood and energy levels, there is currently insufficient research to draw clear conclusions.

How to Utilize Maca

Maca comes in a variety of forms, including capsules and powders.
Maca powder can be used to smoothies, porridge, baked goods, energy bars, and other foods. It has a nutty, butterscotch-like flavour that complements many sweeter flavours.

The appropriate dose for medicinal use has yet to be determined. However, the dosage of maca root powder utilised in studies ranges between 1.5 and 3 grammes per day.

Maca can be found in select supermarkets, health food stores, and online retailers. There is also a large selection with thousands of reviews on Amazon.

Speak with a trained healthcare expert, such as a registered dietitian or physician, if you want to ensure you choose higher quality maca or get a specific dosage advice.