9 Health Benefits of Maca Root Worth Knowing
It improves libido and memory, contains
high amounts of vitamin C, iron and a variety of essential substances
for the body, the Incas used it to cure diseases and in recent years it
has become increasingly common. We’re talking about maca, a cruciferous
plant that is common in the high parts of the Andes. Plant roots have a
high concentration of active ingredients and nutrients, so it is very
likely you’ll find maca root powders or capsules in various health and
nature stores. There are three different types you’ll probably see on
the shelves, red, yellow and black, all of which have slightly different
but important and proven health benefits. So, what exactly are those
benefits? How will your body perform better with maca root intake and
what problems can it protect you from? All the answers in the article
below...
1. Relieves menopausal symptoms of women
According to the accepted definition, female menopause begins when the
menstrual cycle stops and the amount of estrogen decreases
significantly. Because most parts of the female body contain estrogen
receptors and are affected by it, this period is characterized by a host
of symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disorders, hair loss, headaches,
weight gain and more. Many foods such as various soy products and
flaxseeds contain elements with estrogenic similarities that can bind to
receptors in the body but have a much weaker effect than the real
thing. In contrast, maca powder simply encourages the body to produce
estrogen while suppressing the production of cortisol, also known as the
"stress hormone." As a result, maca root consumption relieves the
symptoms of menopause, and in a 2009 study, it was found that this
powder may have another positive effect that is particularly important
for menopausal women - preventing bone loss.
2. Rich in iron
Eating 30 grams of maca root, or products based on it, will give your
body about 25% of the recommended iron intake per day. Because most of
the richest and best sources of iron are animal products, this fact is
good news for vegetarians and vegans who need to add to their diet as
many foods as possible that are rich in this essential mineral. In fact,
each and every one of us should be aware of our iron consumption, since
it is a material that many in the Western world suffer from a lack of.
The symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue even after adequate
sleep, dizziness, concentration and memory problems, mood swings and a
sharp decline in endurance for physical activity.
3. Improves learning ability and protects
the brain
The results of a study in China in 2016 indicated that the positive
effects of the maca plant may inhibit the decline in cognitive abilities
that often characterize the aging process. Some of the reasons for the
study included the fact that different cultures around the world, such
as native Peru, used Maca to improve the mental abilities of their
children. A 2009 study showed that there was a link between these two
things, and Chinese researchers proved it to be fairly high. In folk
medicine and among various researchers who deal with the subject, it is
commonly claimed that black maca root is the most effective for the full
utilization of these benefits.
4. Rich in vitamin C
We all know how important vitamin C is to our health, but not only
because of its great importance to our immune function. Vitamin C is
needed for the proper functioning of immune system cells. It prevents
oxidation of cells in the body and also takes part in the formation of
the collagen necessary for tissue fusion and the process of healing
wounds. At the same time, this vital substance also participates in
about 300 different processes in the body, such as detoxification in the
liver and production of bile salts, it improves iron absorption in the
body and more. You can give your body 133% of the recommended daily
intake of vitamin C with 30 grams of maca, and you have nothing to fear
about excess intake since vitamin C is water soluble and therefore
excreted in urine.
5. Improves libido in both men and women
Libido is the name given by Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis,
to the sexual energy inherent in all of us, which tends to fade at some
point or another as the years go by. In order to prevent this
phenomenon, there are many treatments and preparations to increase
libido and sexual desire, many of which are based on various industrial
materials. Maca root, on the other hand, can be used as a natural and
proven method of improving libido in both men and women, and this fact
has been proven in many studies. One thing to remember about this issue
is that the maca root has no immediate effect. A study of men aged 21-56
in Peru showed that the root of the plant begins to affect sexual
desire only after about 8 weeks.
6. Improves mood
In a world where antidepressants are sold on every corner, it’s good to
know that there are plenty of natural treatments for the problem, and
maca root provides one of them. Thanks to the flavonoids this plant
contains, it can improve mood and help prevent panic attacks or treat
chronic anxiety. At the same time, it also provides relief for mood
swings and other disorders that women experience during their menstrual
cycle. These effects have been demonstrated in several studies on mice
and humans. Some of these studies have suggested that black maca root is
the most effective treatment for anxiety and depression, but this is
only based on preliminary data.
7. Contributes to the treatment of enlarged
prostate gland problems
Many studies have shown that the maca root has several distinct benefits
for men, with one of the most important being its ability to help treat
swollen prostate. Because this gland is located at the origin of the
bladder when it begins to grow, many men experience difficulty in
urinating and a weak stream, or alternatively, need to urinate too
often. Since this is a fairly common problem (at 70, about 60% of men
suffer from this problem), it should be noted that in a number of
different studies, such as that conducted in 2008 by researchers at the
University of Lima, a direct link between red maca intake and prostate
reduction was observed. In addition, maca root is also rich in
ingredients previously associated with low risk of developing prostate
cancer.
8. May contribute to lowering blood pressure
A preliminary study conducted in 2015 on a small group of Chinese women
showed that after regular consumption of maca (3.3 grams per day), there
was a significant decrease in blood pressure of women who consumed the
real root rather than a placebo capsule. A study earlier in 2010 that
examined a long list of common South American herbs showed similar
results, but it is important to note that this is preliminary data only
and there is still little consensus on the subject. Therefore, due to
the many effects of the powerful maca root, it is recommended not to use
it on your own to lower high blood pressure. Consult your General
Practitioner and see if it is safe for you, and if so, consult with them
about which type you should take.
9. Rich in copper
Copper is a trace mineral that our body does not require in high
quantities, but this does not mean that its importance to the body is
small... The main processes in which copper participates are the
production of red blood cells (alongside the aforementioned iron),
protection of connective tissues and bones throughout the body,
Inflammation, protein breakdown, and hormone production, mainly from the
adrenal glands. Approximately 84% of the recommended copper consumption
is obtained from about 30 grams of maca root powder, thus contributing
to the body's ability to sustain all these important processes, and many
others, efficiently.
Warnings and recommended dosage
The first thing to note is that when purchasing Maca products it is
advisable to check that it comes from Peru, where the plant actually
frows. The recommended dosage per day is 3 grams or more, but if you
have any health problems, you should check with your doctor before you
begin. In addition, pregnant women and lactating women should also
consult with a qualified professional prior to regular use of the plant.
If you don’t belong to any of these “at-risk” groups, maca root has
been proven to have many health benefits and it is safe for use!