Health Benefits Of Maca (Yellow, Red & Black): The Power Root
Are you looking for ways to boost your energy levels? Have you been struggling with low sex drive and infertility issues and wanting to improve your sexual health? Then, we have the ultimate solution for you.
Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is an edible plant and cruciferous vegetable (like Brussels sprouts and kale) found in the Andes Mountains. Maca root dates back to the historical Incas times for its purported adaptogenic properties. Maca root has been used as an herbal supplement and medicine because of its many health benefits. Maca root powder can also be added to meals and smoothies to give them an earthy flavour.
This article will explore the potential health benefits of maca backed by credible research. Let’s start by discussing the difference between different maca roots.
What’s The Difference Between Yellow, Red, and Black Maca Roots?
There are three color variations of maca root: yellow, red, and black.
Yellow Maca:
Yellow maca, also called cream maca, accounts for 60% of all maca harvests. It is highly affordable and has a tangy, bright taste. Yellow maca is rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, essential amino acids, and vitamins (A & C). It is known to alleviate stress, improve mood, and maintain hormonal balance.
Red Maca:
Red maca is a popular and one of the best-tasting picks of maca for women. It accounts for 25% of overall maca harvests and is rich in phytochemicals, steroids, and antioxidants. The antioxidant properties of red maca prevent cancer, slow down signs of ageing, and fight free radicals.
Black Maca:
It is also known as “man maca” because of its increased benefits in male fertility and libido. In addition, it has a sweeter taste than yellow maca.
Proven Health Benefits Of Maca:
The following are some scientifically-proven health benefits of all Maca roots:
Maca has been reported to improve sexual desire in both men and women. In a review of various studies, maca has been found to improve libido and sexual functioning [1]. Another study found that maca significantly reduced sexual dysfunction in depressed postmenopausal women [2].
Sperm quality and quantity are important factors in male fertility. A recent review published in 2016 reported that maca consumption increased the quality of semen in fertile and infertile men [3].
Studies have shown incredible benefits of maca in improving mood. According to a study, maca has been associated with reduced depressive symptoms and improved mood in menopausal women [4].
One study found that people with mild erectile dysfunction experienced sexual well-being with 2.4g of maca daily consumption for 12 days [5].
During menopause, a natural decline in estrogen levels can cause many symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, or sleep disturbance. Maca may help relieve menopause symptoms. One study found that postmenopausal women's daily consumption of two maca tablets alleviated symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, and interrupted sleep [6].
Other health benefits of maca include:
- Accelerated sports performance and energy
- Skin protected from sun damage
- Improved memory and cognitive function
- Reduced size of enlarged prostate
Conclusion:
Maca supplementation has been associated with many health benefits for both men and women. Each variation of maca root is rich in essential nutrients and comes with its benefits. The nutrient-dense properties of maca root make it a good superfood for boosting mood, stamina, sexual health, athletic performance, preventing hair loss, hot flashes, depression, and sexual dysfunction.
References:
[1] Shin B-C, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim H-S, Ernst E. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med 2010;10:44. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-44.
[2] Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, Parkin SR, Walker RSW, Fehling KB, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015;2015:949036. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/949036.
[3] Lee MS, Lee HW, You S, Ha K-T. The use of maca (<em>Lepidium meyenii</em>) to improve semen quality: A systematic review. Maturitas 2016;92:64–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.07.013.
[4] Brooks NA, Wilcox G, Walker KZ, Ashton JF, Cox MB, Stojanovska L. Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause 2008;15.
[5] Zenico T, Cicero AFG, Valmorri L, Mercuriali M, Bercovich E. Subjective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial. Andrologia 2009;41:95–9. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00892.x.
[6] Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Reich-Bilinska H, Mrozikiewicz P, Bobkiewicz-Kozlowska T, Kedzia B, et al. Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (III) Clinical responses of early-postmenopausal women to maca in double blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled, crossover configuration, outpatient study. Int J Biomed Sci 2006;2:375–94.