The maca plant has exploded in popularity in recent years.
It's actually a plant native to Peru, and is commonly available in powder form or as a supplement.
Maca root has traditionally been used to enhance fertility and sex drive.
It's also claimed to improve energy and stamina.
The maca plant, known scientifically as Lepidium meyenii, is sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng.
It mainly grows in the Andes of central Peru, in harsh conditions and at very high altitudes — above 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).
Maca is a cruciferous vegetable and therefore related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. It has a long history of culinary and medicinal use in Peru (1 ).
The main edible part of the plant is the root, which grows underground. It exists in several colors, ranging from white to black.
Maca root is generally dried and consumed in powder form, but it's also available in capsules and as a liquid extract.
The taste of maca root powder, which some people dislike, has been described as earthy and nutty. Many people add it to their smoothies, oatmeal and sweet treats.
It's worth noting that research on maca is still in its early stages.
Many of the studies are small, done in animals and/or sponsored by companies that produce or sell maca.
Maca root powder is very nutritious, and is a great source of several important vitamins and minerals.
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 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.
Furthermore, it contains various plant compounds, including glucosinolates and polyphenols.
Reduced sexual desire is a common problem among adults.
Consequently, interest in herbs and plants that naturally boost libido is great.
Maca has been heavily marketed as being effective at improving sexual desire, and this claim is backed by research.
A review from 2010 that included four randomized clinical studies with a total of 131 participants found evidence that maca improves sexual desire after at least six weeks of ingestion.
When it comes to male fertility, sperm quality and quantity is very important.
A recent review summarized the findings of five small studies. It showed that maca improved semen quality in both infertile and healthy men.
One of the studies reviewed included nine healthy men. After consuming maca for four months, researchers detected an increase in the volume, count and motility of sperm.
Menopause is defined as the time in a woman's life when her menstrual periods stop permanently.
The natural decline in estrogen that occurs during this time can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms.
These include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep problems and irritability.
One review of four studies in menopausal women found that maca helped alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and interrupted sleep.
Additionally, animal studies suggest that maca can help protect bone health. Women have a higher risk of osteoporosis after menopause.
Several studies have shown that maca can enhance your mood.
It's been associated with reduced anxiety and symptoms of depression, particularly in menopausal women.
Maca contains plant compounds called flavonoids, which have been suggested to be at least partly responsible for these psychological benefits.
Maca root powder is a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes.
It has been claimed to help you gain muscle, increase strength, boost energy and improve exercise performance.
Also, some animal studies indicate that it enhances endurance performance.
Moreover, one small study in eight male cyclists found that they improved the time it took them to complete a nearly 25-mile (40-km) bike ride after 14 days of supplementing with maca extract.
Currently, there is no scientific evidence to confirm any benefits for muscle mass or strength.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun may burn and damage unprotected, exposed skin.
Over time, UV radiation can cause wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer.
There is some evidence that applying maca extract, a concentrated form of the plant, to your skin may help protect it from UV radiation.
One study found that maca extract applied to the skin of five rats over a three-week period prevented skin damage from UV exposure.
The protective effect was attributed to the polyphenol antioxidants and glucosinolates found in maca.
Keep in mind that maca extract cannot replace a conventional sunscreen. Also, it only protects the skin when applied to the skin, not when eaten.
Maca may improve brain function.
In fact, it has traditionally been used by natives in Peru to improve children's performance in school.
In animal studies, maca has improved learning and memory in rodents that have memory impairment.
In this regard, black maca appears to be more effective than other varieties.
The prostate is a gland only found in men.
Enlargement of the prostate gland, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is common in aging men.
A larger prostate can cause various problems with passing urine, as it surrounds the tube through which urine is removed from the body.
Interestingly, a few studies in rodents suggest that red maca reduces prostate size.
It has been proposed that the effect of red maca on the prostate is linked to its high amount of glucosinolates. These substances are also associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-maca-root#section10
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-maca-root#section10
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