Everything to Know About Maca

Maca often referred to in the context of Maca root or Maca root powder, is a Peruvian plant originating in the Andes mountains. The plant has been used by local natives for over 3000 years for culinary and medicinal purposes but has only recently received global attention for its extensive health benefits. As with all natural and herbal supplements, it’s wise to employ some skepticism as further scientific testing and research are needed before any conclusive results can be stated. However, preliminary findings along with a plethora of positive antidotes make Maca a very intriguing and promising natural supplement.

Uninhibited Maca root looks akin to a full clove of garlic but with a tougher walnut colored exterior. For consumption, Maca root is typically ground into a fine powder and added to foods, or more recently, encapsulated and sold as a pill. Maca Root’s growing popularity can be attributed to its litany of possible (and likely) health benefits in combination with no known downsides. This may sound like boisterous hyperbole, but outside of generic cautionary warnings, there has been no scientific findings to indicate Maca root powder has anything but upside. In a world where supplements come with novella length side effect warnings, this Peruvian gem is a breath of fresh air.

Health Benefits of Maca Root Powder

It’s important to reiterate that more studies are needed for conclusive findings, but thus far, all research has indicated that Maca Root Powder has positive health benefits for both men and women. Below are some of the most prominent findings.

Increased Libido in Healthy Men

A marked increase in sexual drive is the most notable, and most scientifically backed, benefit of Maca root powder. Healthy men who underwent a 12-week trial where they consumed 3 grams of the plant in powder form (two 1.5g servings) daily were found to have a significant increase in both libido and sperm count. It’s unknown if this translated to increased fertility or not.

Improved Sexual Drive for Men and Women Suffering from Suppressed Libido

While the most significant results from early Maca root studies have been in healthy men, men

and women suffering from reduced sexual drive have found benefits from daily Maca powder

consumption. Women experiencing sexual dysfunction linked to antidepressants were shown to

have slight libido improvement from taking Maca twice daily over a 3-month period. Men

experiencing mild erectile dysfunction were found to have similar levels of libido increase from

the same trial.

Boosting Energy and Mood

Another one of the more conclusive benefits of daily Maca powder supplementation is a boost in both energy and mood, although its unknown if mood improvement is merely a result of increased energy or as a benefit from Maca itself. For this reason, Maca root powder has found traction in the world of athletics as a natural and healthier alternative to chemically ambiguous pre-workout supplements.

Enhanced Learning and Memory Capabilities

This is the least conclusive, but perhaps most intriguing upside to the Maca root. Although research is in its preliminary stages, having only been tested  (humanely) on animals thus far, findings suggest that Maca may improve both memory and learning abilities. As the field of cognitive performance continues to grow, Maca root will surely be the focus of future scrutiny. As it stands now, this benefit is purely speculative.

3 Maca Powders to Try

1. Mighty Maca© Plus by VidaPura, Dr. Anna Cabeca

Mighty Maca Plus, on top of organic Peruvian Maca powder, contains 40+ natural ingredients. This powerful combination makes it one of the most comprehensive maca powder mixes in existence. It combines powerful phytonutrients, enzymes, antioxidants,such as resveratrol, quercetin, turmeric and more in a powerful balanced formula clinically tested and giving great results. And the best part is — it’s very easy to use and tastes yummy, too. Much more yummy than each of the ingredients on its own. Some ingredients included in Mighty Maca Plus are: maca, greens, enzymes like bromelain and MANY MORE! Some key ones are resveratrol, quercetin, turmeric, flaxseed, cinnamon, and extracts of grape seed, green tea, milk thistle, mangosteen, acerola, blueberry, and pomegranate.

 

 

2. Certified Organic Black Maca Root Powder by The Maca Team

Black Maca root powder is the rarest and most valued of all three colors of Maca. Its is made from 100% Black Maca roots traditionally grown and harvested on an organic farming co-op in a remote pristine part of the Peruvian Andes. Black Maca is generally recommended for men looking to increase libido and performance, for students looking to boost mental sharpness and for anyone working to increase muscle size or athletic performance. Black Maca is a nutritional powerhouse, containing nearly all essential amino acids and free fatty acids, significant levels of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C, minerals iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium, a high concentration of bio-available protein and nutrients unique to Maca called macaenes and macamides.

3. Green Super Food Antioxidant Organic Powder by Amazing Grass

Maca root powder is widely available and can be consumed through food, smoothies, or pills. This special plant needs to undergo significantly more testing, but as it stands now, the minimal risks and initially proven upsides make Maca a worthwhile supplemental to consider implementing into one’s daily life. It’s wise to employ common sense and, as with anything, avoid over consumption. Those interested in improving libido and energy levels can feel both safe and hopeful that Maca offers a real and natural alternative remedy to some of the more popular mainstream pharmaceutical options.

Those interested in trying Maca root powder can find it readily available online. Some natural food stores also sell the plat in root form.

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