Benefits of Maca Root Powder & Pills
Benefits of Maca Root: Maca is a Peruvian plant grown in the Andes mountains. It is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning that it is related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale.
Maca is a common ingredient in Peruvian cooking that gives dishes an earthy flavor. Maca root plant can be ground up into a powder and added to meals or smoothies.
Aside from its culinary uses, maca may also have several health benefits. This article will discuss 10 possible health benefits of maca root. Benefits of Maca Root
It’s highly nutritious
Maca root powder is nutrient dense and is a rich source of several important vitamins and minerals (3).
One ounce (28 grams) of maca root powder contains:
- Calories: 91
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Vitamin C: 133% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI)
- Copper: 85% of the RDI
- Iron: 23% of the RDI
- Potassium: 16% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 15% of the RDI
- Manganese: 10% of the RDI
Maca root is a good source of carbs, is low in fat, and contains a fair amount of fiber. It’s also high in some essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, copper, and iron. Benefits of Maca Root
Furthermore, it contains various plant compounds, including glucosinolates and polyphenols (4Trusted Source, 5, 6Trusted Source, 7).
SUMMARY
Maca root powder is high in carbs and rich in a number of nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, and iron. It also contains many bioactive plant compounds.
Maca Root for Curves: Booty-Booster
Maca is an ingredient that has been extensively studied for its potent health-promoting properties.
It’s also a common supplement people who wished to build on their curves (big butt) used and it works despite limited scientific evidence. Benefits of Maca Root
Additionally, many people claim that using maca root can help improve body composition and enhance curviness naturally.
Ten Benefits of Maca Root
There is a range of potential benefits of maca root, including:
1. Increasing libido
The most well-known benefit of maca root is its potential to increase libido. There is some scientific evidence to support this claim.
For example, an older study from 2002Trusted Source found that men who took 1.5 or 3 grams (g) of maca per day experienced increased libido compared to those who received a placebo. Benefits of Maca Root
A 2010 reviewTrusted Source of studies on maca and sexual functioning found some evidence to suggest maca could improve libido, but the authors cautioned that more research is required.
A 2015 studyTrusted Source found that maca root may help reduce sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women who were taking an antidepressant.
2. Reducing erectile dysfunction
Maca root could also have benefits for people with erectile dysfunction (ED). A small study in 2009Trusted Source looked at the effect of consuming 2.4g of maca root per day for 12 weeks on participants’ perception of their general and sexual well–being. Benefits of Maca Root
The study participants were males with mild ED. Those taking maca root experienced a more significant increase in sexual well-being than those taking a placebo.
3. Boosting energy and endurance
Some athletes and bodybuilders use maca root as a supplement to increase energy and performance. Some evidence exists to support this.
A pilot study in 2009 found that using maca extract for 14 days improved performance for male cyclists in a 40-kilometer time trial. However, the results were not significantly different from the improvement seen in those taking a placebo. Benefits of Maca Root
However, the same study found that maca extract improved libido in the participants who used it. However, the sample size of this study was very small, so more research is needed to confirm the results.
4. Increasing fertility
Another widespread use of maca root is to increase fertility, particularly in men.
A 2016 reviewTrusted Source found some evidence that maca root may increase semen quality in both fertile and infertile men. However, more research is needed. Benefits of Maca Root
5. Improving mood
Maca contains flavonoids, which are thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety. A study in 14 postmenopausal women found that maca may reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Also, a 2015 studyTrusted Source found that maca could reduce symptoms of depression in Chinese postmenopausal women. Benefits of Maca Root
6. Reducing blood pressure
It is possible that maca root can also help to improve blood pressure. The same 2015 studyTrusted Source also found that 3.3g of maca per day for 12 weeks lowered blood pressure in Chinese postmenopausal women.
7. Reducing sun damage
An older studyTrusted Source in an animal model found that maca might help protect the skin from UV rays. Another animal study in 2011Trusted Source found that extracts from maca leaves might help prevent the formation of sunburn cells. Benefits of Maca Root
8. Fighting free radicals
Maca root also promotes natural antioxidants in the body, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase.
Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals, which can damage cells in the body. Some people believe antioxidants can help prevent some health conditions, including heart disease and cancer. Benefits of Maca Root
9. Reducing menopause symptoms
Some proponents of maca root believe it may help balance levels of the hormone estrogen. During perimenopause, the stage before a woman reaches menopause, estrogen levels fluctuate and cause a variety of symptoms.
One studyTrusted Source found that postmenopausal women who took two daily tablets containing maca experienced reduced symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Benefits of Maca Root
10. Improving learning and memory
There is some evidence to suggest that maca can improve learning and memory. For example, a 2011 study found that maca could improve memory in mice.
A 2014 review of the literature suggested that maca may have benefits for learning and memory performance. Researchers suggested that it could be helpful in treating conditions that affect these processes, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Benefits of Maca Root
Risks
Maca is not currently associated with any health risks in most people and is unlikely to cause any side effects in moderate doses.
However, due to its effect on hormones, people with thyroid problems should avoid taking maca. It is also better to avoid taking maca when undergoing treatments that modify hormonal levels, such as treatments for breast cancer.
Takeaway
Maca has a range of potential health benefits, particularly for sexual health. However, the evidence behind these health benefits is weak, as many studies used small sample sizes or animal models.
Researchers need to carry out more large-scale studies in humans to determine if maca is effective. Although there are few health risks associated with taking maca, most people can try maca without experiencing any adverse side effects.
If a person is interested in trying maca root, they can find supplements in some natural food stores or online.
source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
