What is Maca Root? Health Benefits & Side Effects Explained!

Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by Robert Dowling

Maca root provides relief from menstrual and menopausal issues, as well as assists in the regulation of hormones and the enhancement of fertility in women. It enhances libido, enhances vitality levels, and enhances bone health. It also aids in the development of stamina, the preservation of a robust immune system, and the enhancement of healthy epidermis. It also has antidepressant qualities and facilitates balance inside the body under stressful conditions. In this article, we are going to explore the nutritional benefits of maca and common side effects and precautions.

What is Maca Root?

Maca root is the root of Maca plant that is closely associated with radishes. It is commonly used for preventing cardiovascular diseases and hypertension by providing the body with essential vitamins and nutrients.

The plant is cultivated organically, with minimal use of unnatural fertilizers or pesticides, as it is not typically susceptible to disease, insects, or predation. Most of the global supply of maca is sourced from South America, as it is unclear whether its nutritional benefits are consistent when the plant is cultivated or grown outside of its native environment.

Maca’s distinctive inverted pear-shaped root is derived from the both hypocotyl and taproot. It is also available in a variety of colors, identified by the color of the root: white, red, black, gold, purple, green, or blue. The selection of these variations is contingent upon the user’s medicinal requirements.

Health Benefits of Maca Root

The superfood is primarily composed of carbohydrates (approximately 75 percent), a small amount of protein, and a negligible amount of fat, as evidenced by a nutritional description for maca root. It contains essential minerals such as copper, iron, and manganese, as well as vitamin B1. Maca is also purported to provide a variety of health benefits, including the enhancement of endurance and the improvement of fertility, in addition to the enhancement of libido. However, additional research is still required on this topic.

1. Helps in boosting libido

The most widely recognized advantage of maca root is its capacity to increase libido in both males and females. The origin of the phenomenon may have been an examination published in 2000, which discovered that the oral intake of maca extracts boosted the sexual desire of laboratory rats. Subsequent to this discovery, researchers initiated an investigation into the potential aphrodisiac properties of maca root as well as discovered some promising results. For instance, a 2002 study demonstrated that men who consumed 3 gm of maca root daily experienced an increase in libido in comparison to those who obtained a placebo.

2. Reduces anxiety and depression

In recent years, anxiety, melancholy, and mental wellness have emerged as significant concerns. For instance, a 2008 study demonstrated that postmenopausal women experienced an improvement in psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, when they consumed 3.5 gm of maca daily. In a separate study, 29 postmenopausal women were administered either 3.3 grams of Maca daily for a period of six weeks. The researchers discovered that maca consumption is significantly correlated with a decrease in high blood pressure and stress in comparison to the placebo at the conclusion of the study.

3. Reduces erectile dysfunction

For millions of people worldwide, erectile dysfunction (ED) is still a widespread worry. More than 50% of men in the US between the ages of 40 and 70 have ED at some point in their lives. Preventive methods, such as aphrodisiacs like maca root, have consequently gained a lot of popularity. Additionally, the evidence is promising. For instance, a 2009 study discovered that supplementing with maca greatly enhances well-being in erectile dysfunction sufferers.

4. Helps in menopause

A lot of women may find menopause difficult. Fortunately, there are some advantages to taking supplementation like maca root both before and after menopause. Consuming maca root may help with night sweats, hot flashes, anxiety, heart palpitations, and disturbed sleep in addition to improving psychological symptoms and sexual dysfunction.

5. Promotes fertility

Since 1970, men’s testosterone levels have been steadily falling in the industrialized world; endocrine-disrupting substances are probably largely to blame for this. The number of sperm has also significantly decreased. According to research, the number of sperm has decreased by roughly 1% per year, or between 50 and 60 percent, since 1970. According to some data, maca root may be helpful in this regard. For instance, a 2001 study revealed that supplementing with maca boosted serum motility, count, and volume of semen.

6. Boosts energy

According to some research, maca root boosts energy and endurance and functions as an anti-fatigue supplement. According to a 2017 study, maca root increases muscular mitochondria levels and antioxidant activity in lab mice’s muscles. Similarly, a different study demonstrated that taking supplements of maca stimulates the development of beneficial gut flora, improving the metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates and serving as an anti-fatigue agent. Studies on humans as well as animals show that taking supplements containing maca enhances mood, energy, and overall health-related aspects of life.

7. Promotes skin health

In addition to its numerous health advantages, maca root may shield skin from UV sun radiation, according to some research. In the skin, maca possesses strong antioxidant properties. It shields the skin from lipid peroxidation, a series of events that cause lipids to oxidatively degrade, damaging membranes and ultimately causing cell death. In addition, maca includes nutrients like sterols, polyphenols, and alkaloids. Furthermore, these chemicals’ benefits for photoprotective skin are well-established.

8. Boosts immunity system

Studies suggest that maca root can also improve your immune system. Maca root extract may enhance white blood cells and macrophage activity in general, according to numerous animal studies. White blood cells, which include neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, are among the most vital defenses the body has against pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungus. Maintaining a strong immune system also requires controlling stress levels.

9. Promotes memory power

Globally, memory impairment, including dementia, is a major health concern, regardless of the cause. Since there isn’t an easy treatment for certain illnesses, alternative medicine is even more important. Numerous studies indicate that adaptogens, such as maca root, have positive effects on neuroprotection. Maca root may aid with memory and learning enhancement.

10. Improves prostate health

For men, production of hormones, erectile function, urine flow, and sexual satisfaction are all dependent on the prostate’s ability to produce semen. A man’s prostate gland will naturally swell after the age of forty; this condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia. Long-term bladder and kidney issues as well as a variety of urination-related symptoms may result from this enlargement. Red Maca has been proven in a clinical research to reduce the prostate size and edema, which leads to dose-dependent improvements in prostate function.

Side Effects of Maca Root

Almost everyone can safely use maca root. It could, however, interact with the thyroid if you’re pregnant or have low thyroid function, thus he strongly advises seeing your doctor before adding the supplement to your diet. This may be due to the fact that eating a lot of cruciferous vegetables—maca is one of them—has been linked to hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the body creates an excessive amount of thyroxine hormones.

Since maca is an organic energy booster, other adverse effects could include jitters and trouble falling asleep from overstimulation, as well as unintended weight loss due to its ability to speed up the metabolism, especially in active adults. While there is little evidence to support maca’s role in weight growth, it can contribute to increased muscle building through improved exercise.

Concluding Remarks

Peru’s Andes area is home to the veggie maca root. It can be made into an additive to food or taken as a supplement in the form of powder, pills, or capsules. According to reports, maca root enhances libido, sperm quality, and sexual performance. But the evidence is scant and mostly opinionated. Additional extensive clinical investigations are required to validate these health claims.

Regarding both the immediate and long-term adverse consequences of consuming maca root, little is known. Before using maca, discuss your alternatives with your healthcare professional if you have concerns about your libido, fertility, or sexual function.