Maca root is packed with many healing nutrients. It also contains powerful antioxidants that can significantly enhance mood, improve memory, balance hormone levels, and improve sexual health. Moreover, this root is an adaptogen that helps the body to adapt to various stressors like a demanding job or hectic schedules. As an adaptogen, it also may help treat various health issues. The root is generally used in the form of powder. This article further discusses maca root powder, its nutrition facts, benefits, and side effects. Continue reading to know more.

What Are The Benefits Of Maca Root?

1. Maca Root Powder Boosts Sex Drive

Animal studies have shown how maca can boost the sperm counts of livestock. Further research showed that men on maca had improved sexual desire in a matter of 8 weeks. Preliminary research also shows how maca can modestly boost your libido. In yet another study, men with mild erectile dysfunction, when given maca, had shown significant improvement in their sexual performance (1).

2. Treats Hormonal Imbalance

Some research shows that people can take maca orally for treating hormonal imbalance (2). Other studies have also shown that maca, when taken by early-postmenopausal women, helps regulate hormonal processes and balance hormones. The root powder had also alleviated the associated discomfort, including hot flashes and night sweats (3). Some research says that intake of maca root powder can also enhance breast growth in women. It is also controversial as to whether it supports increasing estrogen or not. However, we need more research in this aspect.

3. Might Boost Thyroid Health

Herbalists usually recommend maca root powder for thyroid problems. Some sources say that it can stimulate the thyroid gland, and this can be of benefit if you are suffering from hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Maca has become quite trendy in parts of Los Angeles as a great substitute for coffee. However, we recommend you have a word with your doctor before taking maca root powder for your thyroid issues.

4. Can Help In Bodybuilding

The nutrient profile of maca is so impressive that it is often used by athletes as a replacement for steroids to improve stamina and strength. Maca is rich in protein, amino acids, and other vitamins and minerals – all of which are important to fuel an exercise routine. More importantly, the antioxidant effects of maca can help prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness. The antioxidants increase the number of immune cells responsible for muscle repair, and this helps relieve exercise-induced muscle damage.

5. Can Regulate Blood Pressure Levels

A study showed that maca root powder could help reduce blood pressure, especially in the case of postmenopausal women (4). In yet another observational study involving 50 people, maca intake was associated with low blood pressure (5). However, we recommend you consult your doctor before using maca for this purpose – as some sources also suggest against the use of maca for reducing blood pressure.

6. Might Help Relieve Anxiety

One 2008 study showed that maca could have a beneficial effect on reducing depression and anxiety. Another pilot study conducted on post-menopausal women showed that maca could help reduce depression. Interestingly, as per a report by the Harvard Medical School, maca root powder can also help treat the side effects of antidepressants, which also include issues with sexual performance (6).

7. Can Enhance Skin Health

Some sources suggest that maca can help treat acne and blemishes. The root powder can also reduce skin sensitivity – which means it can help your skin withstand extreme temperatures, especially in hot or cold weather.   Maca has been widely consumed since the time of the Inca civilization. It is still used as a food source by the Andean people, the Quechua.

8. Might Prevent Hair Loss

Although there is no evidence that maca can be directly used to prevent hair loss, it may support this by helping to balance the hormones. Hormonal imbalance is also one cause of hair loss, and by addressing that, one can prevent hair loss. Those are the benefits of maca. And now, it’s time to check out the nutrients it contains.

Nutritional Profile Of Maca Root

All good. But how much of the powder do you need to take a day to avail its benefits?

If you want to take maca for increasing your libido, the dosage would be anywhere between 1,500 to 3,000 mg a day in capsule or powdered form. For treating menopause symptoms, you may increase the dose to 2,000 mg of maca root powder per day. If you are taking loose powder, you can start with 1 teaspoon a day and work up to a maximum dose of 3 to 6 teaspoons. This may be continued for 3 to 6 months and take a break of 2 weeks, before resuming again. It may also be worthwhile for women with hormonal conditions to have their blood or urine retested to see if hormone levels are balancing appropriately. You can take all of the root powder in the morning at once or spread it out several times during the day. The dosage is important. Because if you exceed it, it can lead to an entirely different set of complications.

What Are The Side Effects Of Maca Root?

Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Since there is not enough information here, we advise you stay away from maca during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Might Aggravate Hormone-Sensitive Conditions

These include breast cancer, uterine and ovarian cancers, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. As maca extract may stimulate estrogen, it may aggravate these conditions. What are the different types of maca root powder? Check out the infographic below to learn more about maca root, its different uses, and where you can find this beneficial plant. There are three types of maca root powder. Red maca, which is considered the rarest type of the root, has a malty taste and contains the most number of antioxidants. Black maca is particularly potent in increasing sperm count and boosting sex drive. Yellow maca has a unique tangy taste and helps relieve menopause symptoms. What are the different ways to use maca root powder? You can sprinkle some of the powder in your morning coffee. Or add a bit to your smoothie. You can also make maca a part of your cookie dough. You can also mix maca with moringa seeds or flax seeds in your recipes. Or simply have maca powder with milk. Does maca have caffeine? No, it doesn’t. But it can be a good substitute for caffeine and doesn’t give you the jittery feeling that caffeine does. Where to buy maca powder? How long can you store maca powder? Maca powder can be stored in the freezer to prolong its shelf life (lasts for up to 2 ½ years). You can also store it at room temperature (lasts for up to 24 months). What can I mix with maca powder to gain weight? You can consume maca powder by mixing it with milk, shakes, smoothies, and even oatmeal. Can I put maca on my face? Yes, you can apply maca powder on your face. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Its hormone-balancing ability can aid in preventing hormones, making it an excellent addition to one’s skincare routine. Does maca make your skin glow? Anecdotal evidence suggests that maca has antioxidant properties that may stimulate skin cells, thus improving texture and imparting glow. However, more studies are needed to support this claim.

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