The Top 3 Health Benefits of Maca

Have you heard about maca? You may have seen it trending on social media lately, and for good reason: it has incredible benefits for your energy, sexual health, and overall well-being.

Although it has exploded in popularity in recent years, maca has been used in herbal medicine for centuries. In this blog, we’ll go over what it is, what the benefits are, and what to look for in a supplement.

What is Maca? 

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable native to the Peruvian Andes, where it grows at an altitude of 4,000+ metres. It has been used in herbal medicine for centuries as a nourishing food and an energizing tonic. Although maca is sometimes called Peruvian ginseng, it is not related to ginseng grown in North America and Asia. Instead, maca is a cruciferous superfood from the same family as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. [1] 

Health Benefits of Maca 

1. Sexual Health 

Maca has been shown to improve libido, sexual desire, and arousal in both men and women.  

In men, it can also increase low levels of sex hormones (such as testosterone) that decline with age. Sexual desire is one of the biggest benefits of maca in men. One study showed that sexual desire increased in men ages 21–56 after taking maca for eight weeks. [2] 

In women, maca can also support a healthy mood balance during menopause. In one study, women ages 41–50 saw their menopause symptoms improve after two months of taking maca. Their hot flashes were reduced, and they experienced less interruption in sleep and more balanced hormone levels. [3] Maca has also been shown to improve sexual function in women after menopause. [4]  

2. Energy and well-being 

Maca is considered an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body adapt to both physical and mental stress. It can also help increase resistance to stress and anxiety in people who experience chronic stress and can help improve their overall quality of life. One interesting study examined the impact of 2000 mg per day of maca on endurance performance as well as sexual desire in male cyclists. After 14 days, the participants taking maca showed a significant improvement in endurance and speed. [5] 

3. Antioxidant support 

Maca is a source of antioxidants, which help protect cells against free radicals. An overabundance of free radicals is implicated in many health conditions, and antioxidants can help support overall health. 

How to Choose a Maca Supplement 

Maca can generally be found in powder or capsule form. When it comes to choosing the right supplement for you, here are some tips: 

Sourcing 

Always choose organic maca as it is free of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Organic Peruvian maca is of the highest quality, and sustainable harvesting practices help ensure that maca is available for years to come. 

Potency 

Gelatinized maca has been gently cooked with most of the starch removed, which contributes to a more potent product compared with maca that has only been dried and ground.  

Safety  

Maca has been used safely for centuries, and there have been no reported adverse effects associated with taking maca. [6] Although there are no documented interactions with maca and medications, you should consult with a physician before taking maca if you’re taking antidepressants or blood thinners.  

Also consult with a physician if any of the following apply: 

• pregnant or breastfeeding 
• high blood pressure 
• anxiety, depression, or other psychological disorders 
• hypoactive sexual disorder, sexual dysfunction or erectile dysfunction 

Maca has been used for centuries to support sexual wellness for both men and women, as well as increased endurance. Additionally, maca can help protect your health through antioxidant support. If you’re looking to improve your sexual health, energy, and antioxidants, consider including maca in your daily supplement routine.