MACA: Benefits, Risks, Precautions, And More

Medically reviewed by G. Liakeas, MD FACT CHECKED

There are several ingredients used in diet support substances that may enhance your overall lifestyle. Along with this, could provide you with the desired results quickly. 

One of the ingredients used in these dietary substances is MACA. A root extract that could play a significant role in your consumption journey. 

In this article, we will discuss MACA as a dietary substance and also as the primary ingredient. Along with, its benefits to human body, side effects, precautions, and dosage.

all about maca

MACA is a root vegetable that is native to the high Andes of Peru. It has been an important part of the indigenous people’s diet for centuries and has only recently become popular in the Western world.

It is also considered a cruciferous vegetable, meaning it is related to broccoli, kale, and cabbage. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and has been shown to have several health benefits. 

This vegetable root is commonly available in powder form, which may make it easy to add to smoothies, yogurts, and baking recipes. It may also be found in capsules, liquid extracts, and as a raw whole food.

What Are The Benefits Of Maca?

Several advantages of maca root have been suggested, including:

  1. Boosting Libido

    Maca root is a popular natural treatment for low libido. This root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to increase sexual desire and performance.

    Maca root is thought to work by promoting hormone balance in the body. It helps to increase testosterone levels, which could further improve sexual function

    This root is also known to improve energy levels, which may be helpful for those with low libido due to fatigue. If you are looking for a natural way to enhance your sex life, then consider trying maca root.

  1. Decrease In Erectile Dysfunction

    There are many different causes of ED, but one of the most common is low levels of nitric oxide in the blood.

    Nitric oxide is a key player in the erectile process, as it helps to relax the smooth muscle cells in the penis, allowing for increased blood flow.

    Maca Root is thought to increase nitric oxide levels in the blood, thereby improving blood flow to the penis. It supports penis health and efficiently alleviates problems like erectile dysfunction.

  1. Increasing Stamina And Energy

    Maca root is rich in nutrients that are essential for the body, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

    Antioxidants are abundant in it as well. These nutrients help to support the body’s natural energy production and reduce fatigue.

    Additionally, maca root has been shown to improve stamina and endurance, making it a popular choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

  1. A Rise In Fertility

    Maca is a fertility superfood that has been used for centuries to help couples conceive.

    This Peruvian root is rich in nutrients that are essential for reproductive health, including vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and calcium.

    Maca is also known for its ability to balance hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle.  All of these properties make maca an excellent natural fertility booster for both men and women.

    If you are trying to conceive, adding maca to your diet is a simple and effective way to increase your fertility.

  1. Enhancing Mood

    Maca is an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body adapt to stress. It is also a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

    One of the most well-known benefits of maca is its ability to improve mood. Maca could improve mood by reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.

    So how does maca improve your mood? It is thought that maca works by regulating hormone levels.

    Maca contains plant compounds that may mimic the effects of estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that plays a role in mood.

  1. Maintains Blood Pressure

    One of the claimed benefits of maca root is that it could help to maintain your blood pressure.

    This is thought to be due to the presence of compounds such as glucosinolates and saponins, which have been shown to have vasodilatory effects.

    Additionally, maca root is a good source of potassium, which is known to be beneficial for blood pressure control.

  1. Minimize Sun Damage

    Maca root may help you by reducing the damage that occurred due to direct exposure to the sun.

    When used in conjunction with other sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, maca root may help to reduce the harmful effects of the sun, including sunburn, skin damage, and premature aging.

    Maca root is also believed to help improve the body’s natural production of collagen, which could further help to reduce the signs of sun damage.

  1. Neutralizing Free Radicals

    Unstable chemicals called free radicals have the potential to harm cells and cause disease. They are one of the main reasons why we age, and why we are susceptible to conditions like cancer.

    However, the body has a natural defense system against free radicals. This system is known as an antioxidant. Maca is rich in antioxidants, which are substances that fight free radicals in the body.

    So by consuming maca, you are helping to fight these free radicals and protect your body from their harmful effects.

  1. Reduces The Effects Of Menopause

    All women experience menopause naturally as they become older. The body generates less estrogen and the ovaries stop releasing eggs during menopause.

    This may cause a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, and mood swings.

    Maca has been shown to reduce some of these symptoms by helping to balance hormone levels.

  1. Enhancing Memory And Learning

    Maca helps to improve blood circulation to the brain. This increased blood flow leads to more oxygen and nutrients being delivered to the brain, which could then improve brain function. 

    Another explanation is that maca contains compounds that may help to protect the brain from damage.

    These compounds could help improve brain cell communication and prevent the formation of plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

    If you are looking for a natural way to boost your brain power, maca is a great option.

Side Effects Of Using Maca

However, like all supplements, maca may also have side effects. Maca’s most typical negative effects include:

If you experience any of these side effects, you must stop taking maca and speak with your doctor.

Precautions You May Consider

While maca is generally considered to be safe, there are a few precautions that should be taken before using it. First, maca should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Additionally, people with thyroid problems or hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid maca, as it may interfere with the action of thyroid hormones or other hormones in the body. 

Finally, it is best to start with a lower dose of maca and increase gradually, as some people may experience side effects such as nausea, headaches, or dizziness.

Dosage

MACA (Maca Root) is a popular supplement that is often taken to improve energy levels, stamina, and libido. But how much MACA should you take to get these benefits?

The recommended dosage of MACA depends on a few factors, such as your age, weight, and health condition. For most people, the suggested dosage is 3-6 grams per day.

For powder, the recommended dose is 1-2 teaspoons per day. For capsules, the recommended dose is 2-3 capsules per day. And for liquid, the recommended dose is 1-2 tablespoons per day.

It is important to start with the lowest recommended dose and increase gradually as needed. If you experience any negative side effects, reduce the dose or discontinue use altogether.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Maca is a superfood with many benefits. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it has been shown to boost energy levels, improve fertility, and reduce stress.

Maca is a great addition to any diet, and it is easy to find in powder or capsule form.