Maca has been consumed for thousands of years for its purported mood, fertility, and sexual health benefits.
The need-to-knows:
What is maca root?
There are different types of maca, and the roots can range in color from black to pink.
In Peru, maca has been used as a food and natural medicine for at least3,000 years.
It’s also used as a traditional medicine totreat conditions such as fertility challenges and respiratory disorders2.
It’s usually consumed as a powder but can also be found in capsules and gummies.
Maca powder has a nutty, slightly butterscotch-like taste.
It also contains sterols, glucosinolates, fiber, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Additionally, results from a few studies suggest that maca may improve symptoms ofdepression.
Low sperm concentration is a significant factor in malefertility challenges.
Due to inconsistent study findings, it’s currently unclear if maca has any significant benefit for this issue.
However, research on these potential effects is limited.
Some people use maca powder to make hot drinks like lattes and hot chocolate, too.
Maca powder can also be mixed into foods like oatmeal, yogurt, and homemade energy balls.
It has a butterscotch-like flavor, so it pairs well with sweet ingredients like fruit and cocoa.
Maca can be taken in single or divided doses.
In most research studies, maca treatments were given in divided doses with meals.
Most of the research studies investigating the health effects of maca have been small in size.
Plus, scientists aren’t exactly sure how the compounds found in maca work in the body.
That said, eating up to 3 grams of maca daily gives the impression of safe.
The science just isn’t strong enough to support using it as your sole treatment plan.
Side effects
Maca is considered safe and hasn’t been linked to serious side effects.
Some studies have reportedmild adverse reactions, including insomnia, alteredmenstrual cycles, cramps, and insomnia.
However, maca is usually well tolerated when taken in recommended doses.
When first taking maca, Yoon recommends starting slow.
It’s unknown if maca has the potential to interact with medications.
FAQ
What does maca root do for women?
However, evidence is limited at this time.
The science is not strong enough to support using maca as your sole treatment plan.
What happens if I take maca root every day?
Maca is safe to take daily in doses of less than 3 grams.
Does maca increase testosterone?
However, evidence of its efficacy is limited.
If more energy is what you’re after, here are a few othersupplements that can combat sleepiness.
