Maca Root: What Does It Do
The Maca plant originates from the mountains of Peru.
Maca has a malty taste but is quite palatable. Typically, the root is used in Maca supplements and pills.
Interest is really gathering around maca root and what it does in the body. This is after many reported health benefits.
Maca root has an extraordinary nutritional content. This is why it has been valued by South American cultures for many years. Researchers are only just beginning to find out what Maca root does.
In terms of potential health effects of Maca on men and women, one mega review study on Maca root found that 55 out of 57 studies had a significant effect on health conditions.
This is practically unheard of in research science.
These kinds of results really show the usefulness of this plant to the health of both men and women alike.
Maca root is reported to support sexual health and hormone induced menopause symptoms.
Here we will cover maca and its health effects on men and women, how it affects things like blood pressure, energy metabolism and potential side effects.
Effects of Maca on Men
Let’s talk about what the effects of maca are on men. Most studies point to positive effects of Maca on sexual health in men.
Studies in animals show increases in hormone levels important for sexual health and sexual development. Some effects of Maca on men seem to be improved sperm quality and sexual functioning. While Maca is thought to be able to increase spermatogenesis in males.
Animal studies suggest that effects of maca use include increased weight of testicles and other tissues needed for semen production.
There are various types of Maca. Black maca improves key stages of sperm production in male rats. This might be because of antioxidant effects on sperm production rather than affecting androgens such as Testosterone.
Maca root might be able to increase testosterone production through triggering a specific testosterone producing enzyme.
This has been isolated to Leydig cells in the testes that are crucial for testosterone production.
Maca root is extremely nutrient rich and is thought to assist with the normal functioning of the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands play a crucial role in stress management, heart rate, immunity and blood pressure. These factors all play a crucial role in sexual performance. It shows how Maca might affect and increase libido.
One clinical study showed that maca root increased male libido and sexual desire, without affecting testosterone or oestrogen levels.
Increases in Cortisol, a stress hormone, are linked to reduced circulating testosterone levels. This highlights how Maca might be able to support Testosterone in addition to sexual performance and libido.
It is important to note that these studies were done on animals, but the underlying biochemical pathways are pretty much the same.
Most human studies have focused and showed libido increases, without affecting male or female androgen hormone levels.
Maca Effects on Women
Maca seems to help with men’s sexual functioning. Let’s see how it supports women’s health too.
Studies on the whole seem to be showing that Maca effects women’s libido and reduce sexual dysfunction.
As with men, there seem to be strong increases in sexual interest, arousal and overall sexual satisfaction when taking Maca. Suggesting Maca has strong effects on women.
Maca taken at 3.5 grammes a day reduces anxiety depression and lowers sexual dysfunction in post-menopausal women.
Another study, over 12 weeks, showed Maca reduced sexual dysfunction in women.
Alkaloids have been studied as being able to stimulate follicles of the ovaries in female rats. Maca is abundant in specific Maca alkaloids. These are thought to impact fertility.
Maca alkaloids show strong antioxidant capabilities. While not much is known about Maca alkaloids, they might also explain some of the effects seen in men.
This suggests that maca might be beneficial before sex.
The adaptogenic qualities of Maca are thought to help balance hormones produced from various glands. This is quite important for women.
Maca has been seen to stimulate and help balance oestrogen levels, reducing menopausal discomfort. Maca seems to promote ovulation as well.
While these claims need to be looked at in more detail by researchers, it would suggest Maca can help support female fertility.
Maca could also help with post-menopause symptoms in females, such as Oestrogen deficient bone loss.
Maca and Blood Pressure
Some studies have found that maca root could help to reduce blood pressure in men and women.
Because of the number of plant compounds in Maca root it is likely that there are several influencing factors of blood pressure regulation.
Maca root extract has been shown to inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme.
This enzyme restricts blood flow, meaning it may assist to lower blood pressure.
Blood flow and pressure are important in sexual health. This could be a reason for improved sexual satisfaction in both men and women.
Maca Supplement Pills: Energy Supplement
Studies have found that regularly consuming Maca helped improve energy levels and might help to reduce fatigue.
In particular, muscle energy store levels were higher with use of Maca root extract supplements. The antioxidant abilities of Maca contribute to this.
Maca seemed to have an effect on improving metabolism of glucose, a sugar key to maintaining healthy energy levels.
Supplementing with Maca was also thought to reduce lactic acid build up in the muscles.
Maca could therefore have a use as an energy supplement.
We have previously discussed Maca as an adaptogen, aiding the body to adapt to stress through balancing certain hormones and energy levels.
Maca Root: Dose & Supplementation
Maca is a food product and there is no recommended guideline for intake. Studies show that roughly 2 grams is optimum for effects of maca capsules.
When used as a powder, up to 10 grams a day is recommended by studies.
Most maca supplements in the form of root extract in either a capsule or a tablet.
Some supplements are slightly better than others in that they don’t use really high temperature extraction.
This is because heating breaks down nutrients, affecting some of the compounds available to our bodies. While ensuring product sterility, this may not be the best approach.
Through eating maca you will absorb nutrients as with all food and it is safe to do so.
However, this might not be as effective as taking a mega dose supplement where quantities are higher and the roots are compacted into a small product.
Now on to potential side effects of both eating and supplementing with maca.
Maca Root Side Effects
There are naturally going to be Maca root side effects in some people because of the number of plant compounds in the extract.
Some of these side effects of Maca include changes in menstrual cycles, insomnia, stomach distress and cramping.
General advice is to buy products from a reputable retailer. Some products have been found to contain unlisted and potentially harmful ingredients.
As mentioned in other articles, such as our supplement buying guide, we would strongly suggest a brand that uses thorough testing.
While any side effects with Maca should be minimal, caution is advised as usual. If you are on medication or experience any side effects please contact your healthcare provider.
Maca has been rated as likely safe at doses up to 3 grams and one can safely add this to food.
Conclusions
There have been many studies that show positive effects of taking maca root.
While some of these do need to be explored further, it’s quite clear that Maca presents potential health benefits.
Maca might increase sperm count in men, promote healthy ovulation in women, support healthy oestrogen and testosterone levels in men and women, while increasing sexual desire and satisfaction too.
Maca root extract in food or as a supplement therefore might have a benefit before sex.
They seem to be centred around the antioxidant activities of Maca extracts their effects on energy, hormonal balance and fertility promotion in men and women.
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