A hearty and healthy body is a feeling of well-being and inner strength which comes when we are happy inside out. Our emotional as well as social behaviour affects how we think, feel, and react to our environment. Besides an ailment-free body and mind, one factor that is an integral part of overall well-being and perhaps a paradigm for happiness is sexual health. When sexual performance and libido take a hit, it becomes very difficult to maintain a balance between mind and body leading to physical dysfunction. Long working hours and stress levels can leave both the partners mentally and physically exhausted, resulting in low libido levels. However, the doors to a healthier and joyful life are through bounteous herbs, abundantly provided by mother nature, helping to improve health, mood, and sex drive.
Replete with potential aphrodisiac benefits, certain herbs can turn your fatigue and lethargy into a high sex drive. One such herb is the maca plant, known scientifically as Lepidium Meyenii used for 2000 thousand years as a food and medicine. Maca is a cruciferous root vegetable and a cousin to parsnip, belonging to the Andes Mountain ranges of Peru. In the last few decades, maca has become immensely popular all over the world as a remedial solution to cure infertility and low sex drive. This edible fabulous adaptogen herb thrives at a whopping thirteen thousand plus altitude.
Also Read: The Ultimate Aphrodisiac Food Guide
Shop From Our Range Of Sexual Health Supplements And Sexual Wellness Products
Wellness Incentives Of Maca Root
Also called Ginseng Andin, Andeans or inhabitants of the Andes (South America) have been using maca as food besides treating various respiratory and rheumatic anomalies since ancient times. Slowly the world got acquainted with its aphrodisiac benefits and this tuber became a hot-selling herb in no time. Maca root contains fiber, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals besides bioactive compounds such as macaridine, alkaloids, and glucosinolates.
Here are some potential benefits of the maca plant:
Treats Erectile Dysfunction
Ailments that involve abnormalities in the penile arteries and veins are the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. Extracts from maca root have the capability to produce synergistic effects thus improving erectile dysfunction and maintaining an erection for a longer duration.
Improves Sperm Concentration
Sperm concentration is closely linked to male fertility. Taking maca supplements may help improve fertility in men by increasing the number of sperm per milliliter of semen.
Alleviates Menopause Woes
Menopause happens when menstrual periods stop permanently causing a natural decline in estrogen bringing about hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood disorders, and irritability. Maca root benefits menopausal women by helping alleviate hot flashes and interrupted sleep.
Preserves Cognitive Function
The main alkaloid in maca root extract is macaridine besides is rich in several essential fatty acids. These extracts maca help improve cognitive function and slow down age-related cognitive decline effectively improving memory and concentration.
Benefits of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
One of the major problems in men is the enlargement of the prostate glands or an enlarged prostate, a common, but treatable urinary condition in older men. Consuming red or black maca extracts per day may help against issues of prostate gland enlargement.
Benefits Skin Health
Laden with essential vitamins and minerals. Maca has oxidative stress-fighting capabilities in cells and tissues caused by harmful free radicals thus protecting against UV damage to the skin.
Prevents Bone Disorders
Macaridine is the key bioactive compound in Maca that is known for its indispensable health-benefitting properties. It may help women manage age-related joint problems and increase bone density, besides preventing osteoporosis.
How To Use Maca Root Plant
Nutty and crunchy maca extract is easily available across all stores and can be consumed in many forms, including capsules and powders. It can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, baked foods, and more. The ground root powder can also be used as an ingredient in coffee, shakes, and chocolate-based products.
Side Effects Of Maca Root
Though there is no evidence of any short- or long-term side effects of maca, consulting a healthcare provider before trying the supplement is advised. Children, pregnant or lactating women, and those with hormone problems or ailments like breast and ovarian cancers, uterine fibroids, thyroid, should avoid it. Those who are taking medications for any chronic heart ailment should also not take maca without consulting their healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Side Effects Of Maca Root?
Maca can affect hormone levels due to its impact on the endocrine system. People with hormone-sensitive conditions should be cautious. Some people experience bloating, gas, or stomach upset. High doses may cause headaches and sleep disturbances in some individuals.
What Types Of Maca Is Considered Good For Consumption?
While consuming maca root, look for maca that is organic and free from pesticides and fertilizers. Raw or Gelatinized is also ideal as raw maca is less processed and retains its nutrients, while gelatinized maca is easier to digest and may be more effective for some people.
Is Maca Root Safe To Be Used For Long Term?
While there are no potent side effects of using maca root on a long-term basis, adhering to recommended doses is important. The extracts may affect hormone levels, so if you have hormone-sensitive conditions such as certain types of cancer, thyroid problems, or hormonal imbalances, consult with a healthcare provider before using maca long on a long-term basis.
Conclusion
Maca is the root of a cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes region of Peru also known as Peruvian ginseng. A natural ingredient that comes from the maca plant, maca root has become a very popular supplement known for its potential health and wellness benefits. Playing a tremendous role in aiding a high quality of life, it is being used as a solution for fertility, libido, menopause, and many other health anomalies besides a remedy for sexual dysfunction, depression, and hair loss.
(This article is reviewed by M Sowmya Binu Health And Nutrition Expert)
Author Profile
Preeti Sharma:
Preeti Sharma has a Master's in Electronic Media and Mass Communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review
Byung-Cheul Shin, Myeong Soo Lee, Eun Jin Yang, Hyun-Suk Lim, and Edzard Ernst
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2928177/
- https://wjmh.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5534/wjmh.220112
