The demand for maca products has grown in recent years, likely because of claims that the plant can promote libido and fertility. Maintaining positive energy levels can also help improve mood, and some early studies have even found that maca may reduce symptoms of depression. In terms of knowing if the maca is working or not, I advise consuming it for six to 16 weeks to see if you really notice a difference, says Dr. Khalsa. Some people add it to their smoothies, hot cereals, breakfast muffins, or beverages. What Maca Can Do for Sexual Desire, Menopause & Sperm - Healthline This may differ depending on the preparation used (e.g., capsules, liquid, powder). ", Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Maca Root as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Women. 7 Benefits of Maca Root for Women - Step To Health Maca powder can be easily added to smoothies and drinks or mixed into recipes. Sperm motility is the ability of sperm to swim properly. All Rights Reserved. Even though maca is not in the ginseng family, it is an adaptogen. Maca root has also been studied for its use in alleviating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Reduces sun damage. Maca root is also known as "Peruvian ginseng," even though it doesn't belong to the same botanical family asginseng. However, the sample size of this study was very small, so more research is needed to confirm the results. Balancing hormone levels is crucial to many aspects of reproductive health and can help reduce symptoms like infertility, weight gain and bloating. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. doi:10.1136/bcr.01.2011.3781, Ley BM. Brooks, N. A., Wilcox, G., Walker, K. Z., Ashton, J. F., Cox, M. B., & Stojanovska, L. (2008). The maca group did experience a significant improvement in sperm concentration. Int J Biomed Sci. It is possible that maca root can also help to improve blood pressure. This may include: As with many other supplements, maca hasn't been tested for safety in children or people who are pregnant or lactating. A pilot study in 2009 found that using maca extract for 14 days improved performance for male cyclists in a 40-kilometer time trial. Despite being revered for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, maca root is one of the newest remedies to take center stage in the natural health community, and its newfound superfood status is well-deserved. Bioactive maca (Lepidium meyenii) alkamides are a result of traditional Andean postharvest drying practices. See additional information. 2012;2012:193496. doi:10.1155/2012/193496, Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Mrozikiewicz M, et al. The HPA axis is responsible for how the central nervous system and hormone systems respond to stress. Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Health Community! Limited evidence from animal research suggests that maca may have benefits for BPH, brain health, and skin health. In them, you can combine maca with nutritious ingredients such as hemp, cacao, and flaxseed. However, despite these promising results, more studies are needed to understand how the antioxidants in maca root may affect humans. 2015;2015:949036. doi:10.1155/2015/949036, Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L. Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. They can help you determine whether maca is the right choice for your health needs. One of the great benefits of this amazing little root is that it can help regulate, support, and balance the hormonal systems of both men and women. One ounce (or about 2 tablespoons) of maca powder contains approximately: By this point, youre probably wondering: Where can I buy maca? MACA - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD Typically added to smoothies, juice, and shakes, the ground root powder can also be used as an ingredient in coffee, chocolate, or oils. You can add maca powder to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, energy bars, and more. Gonzales-Arimborgo C, Yupanqui I, Montero E, Alarcn-Yaquetto DE, Zevallos-Concha A, Caballero L, Gasco M, Zhao J, Khan IA, Gonzales GF. Even though maca has many purported benefits, all four experts emphasize that it isnt a cure-all. This article will discuss 10 possible health benefits of maca root. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Adaptogens have long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, but theyre experiencing a renaissance [in the West], she says. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R, et al. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. Journal of Medicinal Food. Besides buying maca in tablet or capsule form, you can use maca powder in the kitchen. The vitamins and minerals in maca powder can vary according to the variety of root used to make . Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. What is Maca? Jivad, N., & Rabiei, Z. However, scientists need to study maca more extensively before it can be recommended for treating any health condition or symptom. It may ease the symptoms of menopause The phytochemicals in maca have interesting effects on the control of hormonal imbalances. However, research participants are generally under medical supervision. What scientific literature shows is that maca supports the body during this stage of life without changing estrogen levels, she says. Stop taking maca root and call your healthcare provider immediately if you start to have side effects. 2014;2014:841798. doi:10.1155/2014/841798, Oshima M, Gu Y, Tsukada S. Effects of Lepidium meyenii Walp and Jatropha macrantha on blood levels of estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, testosterone and the rate of embryo implantation in mice. Another essential benefit of the maca root is its known ability to relieve mild depression. Maca root can help balance hormone levels and control the amount of estrogen in the body. New research compared the nutritional benefits of eating almond milk yogurt vs its dairy-based counterpart and found one clear overall winner. Ginseng also tends to be more bitter while maca has an earthy, nutty taste that is often added to recipes and drinks to boost both the nutrient content and the flavor profile. Finally, there is limited research on the safety of maca for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Hormone-balancing effect of pre-gelatinized organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (III) clinical responses of early-postmenopausal women to Maca in double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover configuration, outpatient study. Studies have shown that maca can reduce discomfort related to hormone levels in women who are postmenopausal. What are the health benefits of wild yam? Dr. Bindiya Gandhi is an integrative medicine physician with expertise in functional and holistic medicine based in Atlanta, Georgia. This article explains what maca root is, highlights 4 potential benefits, and answers whether its safe to add to your diet. However, the evidence behind these health benefits is weak, as many studies used small sample sizes or animal models. Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone responsible for regulating the reproductive system. Aside from its culinary uses, maca may also have several health benefits. Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Maca's effect on hormone levels is poorly understood. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. justified? May relieve the symptoms of menopause Some studies suggest maca may relieve menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats and poor sleep. Researchers need to carry out more large-scale studies in humans to determine if maca is effective. Clearly, maca has many impressive benefits. Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Historically, this root vegetable was used by ancient Peruvians as a form of currency for trade and was also treasured for its medicinal properties. Macatends to have an earthy, slightly nutty taste with a hint of butterscotch that works especially well when added to oatmeal or cereal. We'll look more into these maca benefits below. A review study on medicinal plants used in the treatment of learning and memory impairments. The Truth About Maca - WebMD This is because it contains goitrogens, which are substances that can impair thyroid function, especially in those with thyroid issues. The participants were divided into two groups: One took 2 grams per day of maca, and the other took a placebo. BMJ Case Rep.2011;2011:bcr0120113781. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use maca as there is insufficient information about its safety. Maca root plant can be ground up into a powder and added to meals or smoothies. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. If you have any thyroid problems, you should keep maca intake in moderation and avoid consuming it raw. Minneapolis, MN: BL Publications, Gonzales GF. The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. Herbal Viagra and Herbs to Treat Erectile Dysfunction: Do They Work? What Happens If I Take Too Much Maca Root? What is Maca Coffee? Benefits, Taste, & More - The Botanical Institute Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF, when possible. Alena Clark, PhD, is a registered dietitian and experienced nutrition and health educator. Taking 2 grams of maca per day for 12 weeks significantly improved semen concentration compared with a placebo treatment. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. It is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning that it is related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale. As adaptogenic herbsplant extracts that help the body manage environmental stresshave become increasingly popular in the U.S., theres a good chance youve heard of (or even tried) a few of them, such as ashwagandha, reishi mushroom and holy basil. ", Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: "Maca. Traditional Health Benefits of Maca. International Journal of Biomedical Science. Maca helps make bones harder, explains Dr. Wilder, adding that this trait is particularly noteworthy because women lose bone density as they age. Maca root is a vegetable native to the Andes region of Peru. An imbalance in this vital hormone can cause a slew of symptoms ranging from bloating to irregular menstrual periods and mood swings. A 2015 study in 45 women who were experiencing antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction found that taking 3,000 mg of maca root per day for 12 weeks significantly improved sexual function and libido compared with a placebo (3). However, the evidence is inconclusive and requires additional research. Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, http://www.angiosperms.org/jsp/maca/publication/Beneficial%20effects%20of%20Lepidium%20meyenii%20(Maca)%20on%20psychological%20symptoms%20and%20measures%20of%20sexual%20dysfunction%20in%20postmenopausal%20women%20are%20not%20related%20to%20estrogen%20or%20androgen%20content.pdf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4411442/, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18201354, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21781063, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115300162, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27621241, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614644/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21780878, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2928177/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24931003, http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/2648/1/A%20pilot%20investigation%20into%20the%20effect%20of%20maca%20supplementation%20on%20physical%20activity%20and%20sexual%20desire%20in%20sportsmen.pdf, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00892.x, Alzheimers: New blood biomarker could predict risk of cognitive decline, Researchers investigate what causes psoriasis and how it spreads, Low-dose atropine eyedrops may delay onset of nearsightedness in children, Heart attack may speed up cognitive decline, study finds, Type 2 diabetes: 1 in 5 'healthy' people may have prediabetes metabolism. While our team of, Best Hearing Aids for Severe Hearing Loss. 2014;17(5):535-542. . Maca has a range of potential health benefits, particularly for sexual health. Medically reviewed by Evguenia Alechine, PhD (Biochemistry), Puya Yazdi, MD | Written by Matt Lehrer, PhD | Last updated: September 9, 2021 Some believe maca root enhances fertility and improves sexual performance, but is it the real deal? We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you purchase maca in a powder, it can be added to food or drinks. Doseresponse effect of black maca (Lepidium meyenii) in mice with memory impairment induced by ethanol. 4 Ounce Pouch Visit the Sunfood Superfoods Store 4.7 149 ratings Climate Pledge Friendly Flavor Name: Maca Powder Maca Powder Black Maca Gelatinized Maca See available options Maca Extreme See available options Red Maca See available options Size: 4 Ounce (Pack of 1) Calories: 30. Studies investigating maca root have used varying amounts. Some proponents of maca root believe it may help balance levels of the hormone estrogen. Additionally, older research findings suggest that maca may be helpful for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women (14). For example, studies have shown that taking maca may help improve sperm concentration, or the number of sperm per milliliter of semen. Heres a maca benefit specifically for men: Dr. Koffler says consuming maca is connected to producing a higher sperm count. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. No, taking maca root when pregnant is not recommended, as there is not enough research on its safety at this time. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has discovered that some makers of these supplements have put drugs such as Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra in their products at occasionally dangerous amounts. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Those who used maca scored higher in some measures. It is vegan and 100% gluten-free. Sunfood Maca Powder- Organic, Raw. for Men & Women. 4 Ounce Pouch Maca Root is a Superfood Take a Maca Root Supplement Show. Read on to see which herbs have potential benefits. We avoid using tertiary references. Researchers are continually turning up new health benefits associated with this powerful root vegetable. Please talk with your healthcare provider before taking maca root, especially if you have scheduled tests or are taking hormone replacement therapy. May Boost Cognitive Function. During the period when the Inca civilization was flourishing in the Andes region, maca was considered to be incredibly valuable. However, some anecdotal evidence and animal and cell studies claim health. Alena Clark, PhD, is a registered dietitian and experienced nutrition and health educator. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. In the paper, the study authors say its likely because maca contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, a nutrient important for bone health. The opinions expressed are the authors alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers. Although research on the potential health effects of maca is limited, some evidence suggests that taking maca supplements may help improve certain aspects of sexual health and fertility and may help reduce menopause symptoms and improve mood in certain people. Overall, evidence of maca root's ability to boost sexual function and libido is sparse. Lowers blood pressure. It was used to treat an array of ailments, such as menstrual problems, menopause, stomach cancer, fatigue, stress and anemia. As a herbal medicine, it has been used to improve sexual function, fertility, and health., Several animal studies have shown that maca increases libido and improves sexual performance. In addition, the FDA does not strictly regulate all dietary supplements on the market. 4 Benefits of Maca Root (and Potential Side Effects) - Healthline Additionally, the Andean people used maca as a natural medicine to treat various health conditions, such as respiratory conditions and rheumatic disease (1). Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. A double-blinded, placebo-controlled study included 45 women taking antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). For example, one study found maca . She has been featured on The Daily Mail, Fox5 Atlanta, CBS46, 11Alive, wsbtv, Popsugar, mindbodygreen, The Washington Post, well+good, Vogue, Parade, Livestrong, HuffPost and more. Some athletes and bodybuilders use maca root as a supplement to increase energy and performance. After 12 weeks, the results showed no significant differences in semen volume, motility, or the size and shape of sperm between the two groups. The maca plant, known scientifically as Lepidium meyenii, is sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng. The vitamins and minerals it contains may have an effect on hormonal activity. BMC Complement Altern Med. However, more research is needed. Some maca users say that it increases their energy, stamina, and overall health. Dosages used in studies ranged from 3 to 3.5 grams daily. In one study, maca improved sexual interest, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. When people are more resilient to stress and are better able to handle day-to-day stressors, their mood gets better, she says. What aspect of your health are you planning on prioritizing in 2023? However, evidence is weak on the matter and reports are mostly subjective. It is believed to boost female reproductive health, but, A look at burdock root, a plant native to North Asia and Europe with many medicinal uses.It has bene used to treat several common ailments, including, Sperm count is a key factor in fertility. Maca Extreme 8oz, Certified Organic Sunfood Superfoods Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. While maca root has been studied in lab and animal studies for certain health conditions, there is NOT enough evidence to 100% support its use for any of these conditions due to a lack of human clinical research and small sample sizes. Are There Health Benefits to Using Maca Powder? - WebMD Maca can be energy-boosting, so Dr. Khalsa recommends consuming it earlier in the day if youre sensitive to herbs or tend to have trouble sleeping. Overall, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider if you are concerned about semen quality and fertility. What is maca? 2006:2(4). Heres how long it takes to feel the effects. To date hundreds of studies have found Maca to be useful for energy building, fertily, hormone balance, mental focus and more. More research is needed on an appropriate dosage for specific health needs and populations. Horny goat weed: Uses, benefits, side effects - Medical News Today are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included.
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