Maca Root Benefits: Everything You Should Know

By Susan Dickson

Maca Root Benefits: Everything You Should Know thegearhunt.com

Maca is a plant that grows in Peru and has long been known for its health properties. It’s a relative of the radish and is known to have a slight odor that has been likened to butterscotch. The root of the maca plant is used to make medicines. The root is said to have many different uses and many different health benefits. While it has been used in Peru and other countries for centuries, it has only become popular in the United States in recent years. While it is said to contain many amino acids and fatty acids, it is still unclear how the maca root works. Known as one of the superfoods in Western society now, the powder that is made of the root is said to have benefits for everything from hormonal imbalances to being able to boost the libido. However, there are many, many other health benefits that are being attributed to this root as well, as well as some health risks that need to be talked about as well.

The first thing to note is that there are three types of maca root to choose from. Those are red, yellow, and black. Each of them has similar healing properties, but some are more suited for other things than the others are. Make sure that you do your research into the different kinds before adding them to your diet to see which will work best for you.

In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of the maca root, the side effects that have been reported from using the powder made from the root, and even a few ways that you can add it to your diet as well. If you are considering adding maca root to your diet, but just aren’t sure it’s the right choice for you, never fear, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about this root so that you can make an informed decision. So, without further ado, follow us as we delve into our blog on maca root benefits and everything else you need to know.

Uses of Maca Root Revealed

There are said to be many uses for the powder made from the maca root, but not all of them are proven. Below we will list a few of those possible uses.

Sexual dysfunction that has been caused by antidepressant drug use
Infertility in men
Conditions of postmenopause

To increase sexual desire
Anemia, also known as tired blood
Leukemia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS
To improve the memory
To reduce depression

To improve athletes performance
To give you energy
To help with an imbalance in female hormones

To reduce the symptoms of menopause
To help with menstrual problems
Stomach cancer

Osteoporosis
As a boost to the immune system
HIV/Aids

Tuberculosis
Some other conditions as well

As previously stated, there are more studies that need to be done to actually prove the effectiveness of maca root on these conditions.

Types of Maca

Since there is suddenly a high demand for maca root, there are a couple of different ways that it can be bought on the market. Those are listed below so that you can figure out which is the best choice for you.

Maca Root Powder: The powder comes in two different forms. You can choose from regular or gelatinized. These are usually best when added to smoothies, baked goods, or juices.

Maca Capsules: For those who do not like the idea of mixing maca powder with their food, there are capsules. These can be taken with your food or water.

Maca Tincture: This is a liquid form of the maca root and usually used to be added to recipes.

It is even possible to grow your own maca root if you have the right conditions. It is important, however, to know exactly how to use and what amount of the product to take, if you don’t want to have a problem with side effects.

Top Benefits of Adding Maca Root to Your Diet

As previously stated, there is no concrete proof that the maca root has these stated health benefits, as studies are still being done. However, there are reports that state that the root does help with the following things. In this section of our blog, we will go into the top benefits of adding maca root to your diet, in whichever form you choose to add it.

Gives You Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Nutrients

With 20 different kinds of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and even enzymes, maca is certainly full of everything you need to stay healthy and fit. It also features quite a few antioxidants as well, so you are getting everything you need in one fell swoop with maca root.

Helps Sexual Function, Fertility, and Increases Libido

Maca has long been said to help the sexual function, fertility and increased libido in both men and women. However, there are experts who say that the maca root doesn’t have much bearing on a man’s libido, that it is really only a placebo effect. However, other experts have done studies and truly and very strongly believe in its effects.

Gives You Physical and Mental Energy

Many regular users of maca have reported feeling an increase in their energy and stamina in as little as a few days. This is why many athletes use the supplement to increase their stamina and mental alertness during training and before and during games. Not only is it being used for peak performance in the body but to increase the sharpness of the mind as well. It is also used to combat fatigue with great results according to reports from many users. So, if you are extremely tired and need to get through the day, perhaps a maca supplement can give you the energy both mentally and physically that you need to make it through.

Helps with Menstrual Issues and Symptoms of Menopause

Any woman who has ever had issues with their menstrual cycle or felt the symptoms of menopause knows how difficult and painful those times can be. A maca supplement is said to be the trick for helping with both of these issues. Many women swear by it to get rid of cramps and hot flashes. It is important to note that this has not been proven, and taken maca root is not a replacement for going to your primary care provider with female problems, especially if there could be an underlying issue to your female issues.

Disease Prevention and to Improve Your General Health

Maca root has been rumored to help with disease prevention and to help you maintain your general good health. From healthy teeth and bones to aid in avoiding heart disease and anemia, maca has been rumored to do it all. As previously stated, these are just rumors and there is no proof that the supplements help with any of these conditions. It is best to see your primary care provider to prevent disease and to improve and maintain your general health as well.

Promotes Skin Health

Maca is used often to promote glowing, healthy skin. It is said to combat skin sensitivity, whether you’re out in the cold or the heat of the day. It has also been known to clear up blemishes and acne and to help with wind sensitivity as well.

Corrects Hormone and Mood Imbalances

For those who are struggling with hormone or mood imbalances, life can seem more than a little overwhelming. Maca is said to help even these imbalances out. It is said to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and mood swings. This has not been proven and is no substitute for contacting your primary health care provider if you have hormone or mood imbalances. Below you can find some of the things that maca is supposed to do for hormone and mood imbalances, and why.

It has nutrient rich roots
Has 13 different colors
Helps with energy enhancement

Helps with adrenal nourishment
Brings balance to peri and menopause
Works for PMS relief

Increases your libido
Reduces cravings
Helps to support liver function and provides enzyme support

Has bone benefits

These are just a few of the benefits that maca is said to have for hormone imbalances. These have not all been proven to be true, so please be careful when doing your research and don’t take this to replace anything else you are trying.

See Your Doctor First

The first thing you need to do before you even decide to add maca root, in any form, to your diet is see your primary care physician. He can tell you if maca root is indeed a good choice for your health needs and let you know if the supplement will counteract any other medications you might be on. It is best to consult your doctor before trying anything new for your health or adding anything new to your diet anyway.

Side Effects of Using Maca Root Supplements

Maca root has never been linked to severe side effects, however, there are still a few side effects that have been reported that you need to watch out for. Those side effects are listed below.

Dermatitis and Allergic Reactions

There have been some reports of allergic reactions and dermatitis resulting from taking a maca root supplement. Find out if you are allergic to the maca root plant before using the supplement to ensure you have no allergic reactions or side effects.

Digestive Problems

There have also been reports of maca causing digestive problems for some users. It has been said to cause diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, vomiting, and other intestinal issues as well. If you already have digestive issues, it is best to avoid this supplement. If you have no issues, but develop them after taking the supplement, stop taking it right away and consult your primary care provider for help.

Reports of Users Feeling Jittery

While maca does provide you with a much-needed energy boost, it can also give you the jitters, just as too much coffee can. If this happens to you, you might be getting too much maca at once, try adjusting your dosage. If it continues to happen, it’s best to stop taking the supplement altogether.

It is also not recommended for any woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding to use this product as well.

Now, that we know pretty much everything there is to know about maca root, it’s benefits and the side effects, let’s move into our section on how to incorporate it into your diet. Some of the best ways to do that are listed below.

Ways to Incorporate Maca Root into Your Diet

There are quite a few ways to get this beneficial supplement into your diet. Below you will find some of the foods and drinks it goes well with.

Maca Hot Chocolate
Cinnamon coffee smoothies
Raw maca avocado truffles

Peanut butter maca granola bars
Energizing Maca, almond butter overnight oats
Maca almond banana waffles

These are only a few of the foods that you can put maca powder and the other maca supplements in. There are many more. Do your research well and you can find a ton of recipes to make the maca supplement great for you and your family.

Should You Try a Maca Root Supplement?

This question is one that has to be answered by the user themselves. It is important that you take everything from the benefits to the side effects and from the foods the maca can go into what your doctor says into consideration before making a final decision.

This concludes our blog on maca root benefits, its side effects, and everything else you need to know to make a firm, final decision as to whether it’s the right choice for you and your family’s health needs. Hopefully, we have helped you with your decision by giving you the information you need. Until next time, everyone.