What is maca root used for?

Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) is a nutrient-rich root vegetable native to the high Andes of Peru. Known for thousands of years as a superfood, maca has been traditionally used for its energizing, hormonal, and fertility-supporting properties. Today, it is celebrated worldwide for its wide range of health benefits, from enhancing vitality to supporting mood and sexual health.

In this article, we will explore what is maca root used for, its nutritional profile, benefits, and how to incorporate it into your daily routine.

What Is Maca Root?

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable, related to broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. The root, which comes in various colors including yellow, red, and black, is the part most commonly consumed. It grows at high altitudes in Peru, where it has adapted to harsh climates and nutrient-poor soils, concentrating its beneficial compounds.

Maca is available in several forms: powder, capsules, liquid extract, and even as roasted root. Each form offers the same core benefits, though extracts can be more concentrated for specific purposes.

Properties of Maca

What makes Maca so special? Some studies indicate that Maca is an adaptogenic plant. It is logical to think so because, when analyzing its properties, we realize that it can identify what your body needs and administer it.

Another of its properties is the enormous amount of fiber, proteins, and carbohydrates that it possesses. Scientists in China discovered that Maca is rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron, and zinc. It can reduce some symptoms of menopause and increase your energy. More interestingly, Maca contains antioxidant properties that prevent your body from oxidative stress damage.

What are the benefits of maca root?

Although, indeed, Maca is mostly used as a medicine to attack something specific, at the same time, it provides several benefits to your body, of which we will talk about only three.

1. Increases sexual desire and fertility: Thanks to previous studies, we understand that Maca improves sexual desire in both men and women. At the same time, it increases fertility in both thanks to substances called macamides, which affect the hormonal system and achieve greater fertility.
2. It improves mood: The biologist Gustavo Gonzales Rengifo spoke in one of his studies about the benefits of black root maca; among them, he mentioned that it decreases anxiety and helps combat stress, depression, fatigue, and exhaustion. 
3. Improves learning and memory: In his country of origin, it is common to see Maca given to children because it improves their performance.

Clarification: Although Maca provides us with a considerable amount of benefits, it is not magic. The only way to benefit from it is by including this food in our lifestyle or healthy diet.

What Is Maca Root Used For?

Enhancing Energy and Stamina

Maca is widely known as a natural energy booster. Athletes and individuals with active lifestyles often use maca root to improve endurance and reduce fatigue. Studies suggest that maca can help maintain energy levels without the jittery effects of caffeine.

Supporting Hormonal Balance

Maca may help regulate hormones in both men and women. It is particularly popular among women experiencing menstrual irregularities or menopausal symptoms, as it can help balance estrogen and progesterone levels. For men, maca is known to support testosterone production and overall reproductive health.

Boosting Libido and Sexual Function

One of maca root’s most celebrated uses is enhancing sexual desire and function. Research indicates that regular consumption of maca can improve libido in both men and women, as well as support sperm quality and motility in men.

Improving Mood and Cognitive Function

Maca has adaptogenic properties, helping the body respond to stress. Studies suggest that maca may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, while also improving mental clarity and focus.

Supporting Fertility and Reproductive Health

Maca has been traditionally used to promote fertility. In men, it may increase sperm count and motility, while in women it may improve ovulatory function and hormone regulation, making it a natural option for reproductive support.

Enhancing Bone Health

Due to its high calcium and magnesium content, maca root can support bone density and overall skeletal health, particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women.

Advantages 

1. Reduces on a large scale some of the effects of menopause.
2. Provides the energy needed for daily activities and sports.
3. It reduces prostate inflammation.
4. We can find it in different presentations in various parts of the world.
5. Reduces stress and anxiety.
6. It makes possible the increase of libido in both sexes.

Disadvantages

1. Maca contains a substance called booger, which can seriously affect the thyroid. 
2. People who suffer from kidney or liver failure or have insomnia should not consume Maca.
3. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to ask a doctor about consumption and follow the indications.

Reminder: Any product, substance, or medicine to be used must be under medical instructions and supervised by a doctor.

Side effects of the plant

In some cases, Maca produces abdominal swelling. Another side effect can be diarrhea, which is produced by excessive maca consumption, as it alters the normal and proper rhythm of digestion.

How to Use Maca Root Safely

While maca is generally safe for most people, consider these guidelines:

• Dosage: Typical daily intake ranges from 1.5 to 5 grams of powdered maca. Start with a small amount to assess tolerance.
• Forms: Powder is versatile and can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods. Capsules are convenient for supplementation.
• Precautions: People with thyroid conditions should consult a healthcare professional, as maca contains goitrogens.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Maca is generally considered safe in moderate amounts, but professional guidance is recommended.

Most frequent uses

Maca root has many ways of preparation. Depending on your location, it is easy to find powdered form in supermarkets. Here are three easy ways to incorporate Maca into your life:

1. With coffee: If you are a coffee lover or you usually have a cup of coffee when you wake up, adding a teaspoon of Maca to your cup is ideal.
2. Smoothies: The result of adding vanilla, peanut butter, banana, and a small spoonful of Maca is perfect.
3. Muffins or cakes: Just like the previous ones, you can add a teaspoon of Maca to your muffin mix, cupcakes, cakes, and cookies, among others.

There are many more ways to use and add Maca to your day-to-day life. You can add it to your yogurt at any time of the day, consume it after a workout, or add it as a condiment to any of your dishes.

Maca Presentations

It is easy to find Maca everywhere, thanks to its different presentations. Maca is found in capsules, tablets, powder, and liquid, but what is the correct way to consume them? Follow the instructions: 

1. Capsules: It is preferable to take them only at lunch or breakfast, not at dinner. It is best to follow the proper daily dosage or as prescribed by your doctor. Also, you can get and use other products containing Maca, for example, AQUILEA. This product is available in pharmacies for both men and women.
2. Tablets: Usually, the recommended dosage for capsules is the same as for tablets. You should also keep in mind the risks already mentioned and remember that it is better to take the dosage stipulated by a doctor and follow his instructions.
3. Powder: It is appropriate to ingest between two to six grams daily. The powder is diluted in water, and you can add a little sugar to add this drink to your breakfast.
4. Liquid: It is the product of a chemical process, where we boil the Maca, either in water, alcohol, or other chemical product; this, in turn, concentrates the active ingredients of Maca and serves to support the immune system.