10 Benefits of Maca
Article Sources
- 1. https://www.mamavation.com/health/maca-root-increases-sexual-desire.html
- 2. https://draxe.com/top-5-maca-root-benefits-and-nutrition/
- 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24931003
- 4. http://www.informationaboutdiabetes.com/lifestyle/lifestyle/how-amazing-maca-can-upgrade-your-diabetes-diet
Maca is known as a superfood due to its contents. Maca powder is an excellent source of protein, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Just 2 tablespoons of maca powder contains 91 calories, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, vitamin C, copper, and iron.
Maca Benefit #1: Boosts Energy
Ever feel like you need a pick me up? Your first thought may be to grab a cup of coffee, however if you’re looking for something without excessive caffeine, you might want to give maca powder a try. Maca powder is known to help increase energy without giving you’re the jitters a cup of coffee would.
Although it is still unclear how maca powder increases energy levels, recent studies have shown that those whose who regularly use maca powder had a boost to their energy and stamina.
Maca Benefit #2: Enhance Female Sexual Function
For anyone looking for ways to improve their libido or virility, maca powder may be your answer. For years, Maca powder has been used for its function to increase sex drive and improve sexual dysfunction in women1https://www.mamavation.com/health/maca-root-increases-sexual-desire.html.
If you’re on anti-depressant medication, lack of libido may be a side effect. Recent research has shown that maca powder improved sexual function in post-menopausal women who are on antidepressants compared to those who took the placebo.
Maca Benefit #3: Packed With Antioxidants
Consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants has a variety of health benefits. Antioxidants have the ability to protect human cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to radiation or smoke.
Antioxidants have the ability to protect our bodies from heart disease, cancer, and other diseases caused by free radicals. Maca power is known to be rich in antioxidants and have the ability to fight free radical damage 2https://draxe.com/top-5-maca-root-benefits-and-nutrition/.
Maca Benefit #4: Supports Reproductive System:
The reproductive system has a variety of essential functions. Endometriosis, fibroids, infertility, painful periods, premenstrual tension are just a few of the reproduction system problems some woman can face in their lifetime.
Estrogen is known as the primary female hormone responsible for regulating the reproductive system and maca powder is known to help balance and control the amount of estrogen in the body. Maca powder is also known to relieve symptoms of menopause. Also, maca powder has shown promising results in helping with infertility and decreases symptoms related to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome.
Maca Benefit #5: Supports Male Fertility
Trying to have a baby? There are ways to support male health and fertility. Studies have shown that maca powder increased sexual desires in men and maca supplementation could help improve sperm quality and motility.
Maca powder has also been used to improve sexual dysfunction. Standard recommendations for maca consumption are 1 to 2 teaspoons of maca powder in your favorite drink.
Maca Benefit #6: Improve Bone Mass
Spine and hip fractures are just a few of osteoporosis complications which can lead to disability and even death. Osteoporosis is known as a bone disease characterized by weak bones that can become fragile leading to reduced bone mass and bone tissue. As people age and women go through menopause, the chances of osteoporosis increases.
Osteoporosis can develop due to poor bone formation from a calcium deficiency, reduced ability to absorb calcium and hormonal imbalances. Maca powder is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. It provides considerable amounts of magnesium, iron, potassium, and silica which are beneficial in maintaining proper bone mass.
Maca Benefit #7: Antidepressant
Millions of people suffer from depression worldwide. With an increased population suffering from depression, some have looked to alternative medicines instead of antidepressant drugs. Maca powder has been used and has shown to have mood elevating properties.
Studies have shown that maca powder supplementation can reduce anxiety which can sometimes lead to depression.
Maca Benefit #8: Boosts Memory
As we age, the most common sign of the cognitive disorder includes confusion, poor motor coordination, and loss of short-term and long-term memory. Even at an early age, many of us can deal with the common brain fog. Recent research shows that maca powder may help memory and focus.
Moreover, animal studies found that maca, when given to mice with impaired memory, had improved brain function.
Maca Benefit #9: Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can lead to a series of health conditions and even death. Maintaining proper blood pressure is essential for good healthand maca powder supplementation has been known to lower blood pressure.
Recent research found that when patients took 450mg of maca root, three times per day, they had improved diastolic blood pressure in Chinese postmenopausal women compare to those taking the placebo 3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24931003. Nonetheless, further research needs to be conducted to understand the function of maca powder in blood pressure management.
Maca Benefit #10: Lowers Blood Sugar
Maintaining healthy blood pressure can be difficult, especially for those dealing with diabetes. Over the years, studies found that maca supplementation benefits people with type 2 diabetes by helping insulin distribution and aiding the cells that are more sensitive to insulin’s effect.
Studies also showed that participants who used maca powder had improved glucose tolerance and reduced their blood glucose levels4http://www.informationaboutdiabetes.com/lifestyle/lifestyle/how-amazing-maca-can-upgrade-your-diabetes-diet.
