Is Maca really that good?
Hi there, my name is Danilo Soares ( call me Dani ) and I have been taking Maca Powder for a while now, so I will do my best to answer that question in the best way possible.
One of the first positive effects I notice after a few days of consumption is the huge boost in the libido, so no surprise that one of the most well-known benefits of maca is that it has aphrodisiac properties.
The plant is known as the “Viagra” of superfoods since it helps to treat erectile dysfunction.
On the inside, it is a powerhouse of nutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals, and it is an adaptogen, with a wide range of positive health impacts.
What type of maca do I take? I have been consuming the black maca, and overall I can say that my health has improved a lot after 6 months, where I have been experiencing way more energy and focus on personal projects.
I feel like my body burns fat a lot faster too and my feet are not swelling anymore, so Maca has helped me get better blood circulation.
Another positive effect I notice is about going more frequently to the bathroom, and this was beneficial big time for me since I go almost every day now, versus 2 times weekly in the past.
I really suggest you buy pure maca from a safe online store. In the beginning, I ended up taking low-quality powder because I was looking for cheap prices.
Don’t make that mistake, it is worth it paying a little more to take high-quality maca powder.
Peruvian Root Rich in Nutrients and Health Advantages
World health organization (WHO) has qualified it as one of the most sustainable sources of protein ever found on the earth. The root contains a significant number of amino acids, and 6 of them are the essential amino acids that are required by the human body.
Lepidium meyenii is its scientific name, and the root is extensively used by natives in different dishes and edibles. You can find online many studies claiming that the advantages of the root have been going on for the last decades.
The presence of Maca at the elevations of Peru exposes it to the sun, wind, and cold. This exposure results in a wide range of 55 phytochemicals that are the most sustainable source of plant proteins.
Despite the fact that it has been cultivated at high altitudes in the Andes Mountains of Peru for more than 2000 years, it is only now that the beneficial properties of the root are being well understood across the world.
Searching I discovered that this root belongs to the family of reddish, and it has high nutritional value. The plant has a high content of carbohydrates(60-65%), protein(13-15%), fiber(5%), copper, manganese, iron, and vitamin B1.
In many homes in the world, Maca powder is added to coffee, smoothies, chocolate milk, and juices, but I just take it with water since I really like its taste.
On this page, I will present you the reported benefits of maca root along with research evidence, so keep reading.
Benefits of Maca root for humans
Human beings have been benefiting from the adaptogenic properties of this powerful root. Here are some of the advantages for humans that have been confirmed by the preliminary research, and further studies are in process.
No more Depression
Research was conducted in Australia to study the impact of maca root on reducing depression and anxiety. The findings showed that Peruvian maca root consumption results in better resistance to depression.
Another research was conducted in China, and the findings were also in agreement with the claims of reducing depression.
This study was conducted on postmenopausal women to check the impact of maca consumption on blood pressure and anxiety.
The results show that the women who were given a dose throughout the observation period had improved diastolic blood pressure and low depression.
Whereas no difference in levels of glucose, estradiol, TSH, FSH, and lipid levels.
Boost Fertility
One of the most significant benefits that are often reported is helping to combat infertility in men induced due to the use of anti-depressants.
The initial research conducted to check the effectiveness of Maca in this regard has also shown positive results.
In this regard, a study was conducted to check the semen quality in a group of infertile and healthy men. Controlled amounts of Maca were given to both groups of men for 4 months.
Results showed that by taking it, sperm count, and semen quality in both groups were significantly improved.
Whereas it is too early to say that infertility is eradicated by the use of the Peruvian root. More research is needed to confirm the results.
Improve Sexual Desire
Libido is what is generally called sexual drive or desire for sex and I can definitely say that it really works. The root has been reported to be beneficial for men having low libido.
In the past, a study was conducted to study the relationship of maca consumption with sex drive and testosterone levels.
The results of the study showed that men who were given amounts of 2 to 3 grams of maca powder daily had better libido than those who were given a placebo.
Studies conducted in later years also found results that were consistent with the initial hypothesis.
But it can be said that consuming the root can help you to improve your testosterone levels and better levels of libido. More research on this concern has been going on.
Increase stamina and endurance
For years athletes and sportsmen use maca powder as a supplement in smoothies and juices to increase their strength and stamina. Studies were conducted to confirm if it actually contributes to better endurance in athletes.
One such study was conducted on male cyclists who were given a maca powder dose for 2 weeks. The study findings showed that the consumption improved the trial time of a 25 miles cycling track.
Still, the performance was not much different from the placebo group. But, the reason for the inconsistent results might be the small sample size of 8 cyclists.
Further rigorous research is needed to find the true impact. However, several animal studies conducted on horses and other animals showed better endurance and improved strength among animals.
Attention must be brought to studying the impact of its consumption on muscle mass strength. I often go for joggings and my personal opinion is that black maca really boosts stamina and endurance, for sure.
Skin Protection
The fact that UV rays from the sun damage and burns the exposed skin. Different products are available in the market to protect your skin from UV rays. But, there is another natural and inexpensive way of protecting your skin from UV rays.
Consumption has shown a positive impact on protecting skin from UV ray burn. A study was conducted to check the impact on protecting skin from UVB rays.
Before implementing it on humans, extract from Maca was applied to the skin of adult male mice, and supportive results were found.
Later on, human experiments showed supporting evidence. The effectiveness against epidermal damage caused due to UV rays is regarded as the rich antioxidant properties of Maca.
Increased memory retention
For centuries, Peruvian maca is added to the diet of children. Peru’s natives believe it to be a beneficial item to increase the memory retention of children.
Significant progression in animal models of its impact on memory retention has been undergone.
The research results have shown affirmation of Maca’s role in increasing memory retention.
It has also been shown that the Peruvian root has a positive impact on the hypothalamus which is situated just above the pituitary glands. And it is responsible for the brain’s function of memorizing.
Benefits for Bone Health
Besides Maca’s benefit for muscle strength, it might be helpful in bone health. Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which the bones become weak.
The rich content of magnesium and calcium makes it valuable for treating osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases.
Many studies have also shown the positive effects on bone health in animal models. Still, research should be conducted to translate the impact on human models.
☰ 13 Positives Effects of Red Maca⇗
☰ 15 Yellow Maca Health Benefits⇗
Maca Benefits for Pets
According to the research study conducted by the Journal of Veterinary and pet food industry, the health benefits of Peruvian Maca were recognized. It was highlighted that it is a fat-soluble and water-soluble powerhouse of nutrition for your pets.
It is rich in different amino acids, digestive enzymes, bio-available proteins, vitamins, sterols, and minerals.
Various health advantages are associated with this amazing root that includes support to the endocrine, hypothalamus, adrenal, and pituitary gland.
The use of it in pet food leads to better emotional, physical, intellectual, physiological, and immune systems.
And it also adds additional resistance to the metabolic, central nervous system, oxidative, and neurological dysfunction, and stress.
Some studies have also found that if Maca is added to the food of dogs and cats, it will help the endocannabinoid system, which means an additional layer of therapeutic effect.
Benefits in Agriculture
The Maca is itself a plant, and it is used in agriculture and livestock. The following are the benefits associated with agricultural products and livestock.
• The plant is resistant to pest attacks, and according to farmers, it is seldom attacked by pests or weeds. Therefore, sometimes it is interplanted with the potatoes that help in controlling the attacks of pests on potato crops.
• It is also used in livestock to increase the fertility of animals. Many studies have shown evidence of increasing sperm count and semen in different animals, including mares, horses, and other livestock animals. The root extracts are also given to horses in their diet to increase their strength and stamina.
Maca Powder Recipes you must know!
You might have tried all superfoods, but maca has its own miracle. From balancing hormones to boosting fertility and energizing, this super plant is something you can never get bored of.
The powder has been used in many recipes and supplements to reap its advantages.
This Peruvian ginseng is an adaptogenic plant that is a powerful punch of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.
Besides their nutritional value, it has the medical properties of making you harder, healthier, and more fertile. The wide range of maca benefits cannot be resisted.
Therefore the powder is incorporated into various recipes, including porridge, smoothies, coffee lattes, and other culinary ones.
Below I will share with you some of the best recipes you should add to your diet to get healthier than ever before.
Recipes you should try
Almond and Cinnamon with maca
Who doesn’t love smoothies? You can easily get the positive health effects of Peruvian root by combining it with your other favorites in a smoothie. The almond, cinnamon powder, and a spoonful of maca make the benefits-packed smoothie get started.
When Maca meets Chocolates
Chocolates are the love of most people, and what about chocolate cookies? Nobody will want to miss the cookies. And what if your chocolate cookies become your health booster?
Yes, maca and chocolate cookies are better than Oreo cookies. From easing your PMS symptoms to Aunt Flo, you need to get relief from these miraculous cookies.
Maca Ice-cream?
Yes, you read it right! It has a slight malted flavor or no flavor at all when mixed with ice cream. You can add the powder to your chocolate ice cream to get the creamy maca and chocolate pair.
Maca and Chocolate Smoothie
Chocolate lovers will never say no, whether it is a chocolate bed or a chocolate bath. So, I have come up with a few chocolates and Peruvian Ginseng pairs.
Another pair of maca can be made with chocolate in creamy hot chocolate milk. And cold chocolate smoothie with maca can be your wonderland of health benefits paired up with flavor.
Maca Energy Bars
Various research studies have concluded that the Peruvian plant is a natural energy booster, and I confirm this. It is the best natural way to increase endurance and stamina.
This means you can benefit from the amino acids and minerals present in it the energy bars. You can have the energy bars as per your flavor.
Combine it with coconut or chocolate chips, and you can even go for apple cinnamon or gingerbread.
All you have to do is get gelatinized maca, dates, cashews, or walnuts(as per your choice), (coconut, chocolate chip, dried apples, cinnamon ginger, cloves, and cinnamon according to your flavor of energy bar).
Blend them to get a mixture that creates an excellent formation of dough. Make energy bars of your own shape choice and freeze them by wrapping them. You can make as many energy bars as you require.
Maca Latte
A cross of golden milk latte and hot chocolate gives you the right balance and energy to start your day. This latte is for all those who want energy in their morning but want to avoid caffeine.
This miraculous latte is almost adaptable to any kind of health condition.
Strawberry Mango Maca Smoothie
This strawberry and mango fruit smoothie can be turned into a flavor and health combo by adding maca. This smoothie is the best drink to boost energy and increase libido naturally.
Coffee Drink
Another drink for coffee lovers who want a caffeine-free flavor of coffee packed with maca. You can add the powder to this herbal coffee which is a perfect caffeine-free drink.
Maple and Porridge
The powder is not only for smoothies and drinks. You can also add a spoonful to your maple Porridge to enhance the taste and the health benefits of Peruvian maca.
Cupcakes
How can I forget the cake lovers? You don’t have to sacrifice the positive effects because you can add the powder to your regular cupcakes. It will not be gluten and dairy-free, yet a natural booster of your endurance and libido.
These are just a few recipes that you can incorporate into your daily diet to stay healthy. I would love to hear from you if you liked the recipes and how maca benefited your health.
Lots of benefits inside the Peruvian Maca
This plant is considered to be a miraculous root for lasting positive effects associated with health, and the most prominent and research-driven advantages are related to anxiety, men’s fertility, and better sex drive.
No damage or risk has been found to date against human health. It is safe for anyone to take, extract, or supplement by mouth.
Higher amounts of it, up to 3 grams in a day, are considered to be safe throughout 2 to 3 months. But, I have read that people having thyroid problems, hormone-sensitive diseases, and pregnant & breastfeeding women should avoid using it.
Anyone who wants to try it must consult their doctor before adding it to the diet. Now you know the benefits of Peruvian maca root for human health.
Act fast and add this amazing food to your life as soon as possible! You won’t regret it, I guarantee you!
☰ Pros and Cons of Peruvian Maca⇗
☰ Benefits for Women’s Health⇗
☰ Positive Effects on Men’s Health⇗