Maca Root: Health Benefits and How to Use It
You’ve probably heard the buzz about the potential side effects of maca powder, but it's essential to understand the health effects of maca as well.
Maybe you saw it in a smoothie recipe, or someone at the gym swore by it for boosting energy.
But what exactly is maca—and is it really worth the hype?
High in the Peruvian Andes Mountains, peruvian maca root may be a root vegetable known for its potential health benefits, including hormonal balance and male fertility.
Often called “Peruvian ginseng,” this powerful root has been cultivated and consumed for over 3,000 years. In fact, archaeological findings date its use all the way back to 1600 B.C.
So why has it stood the test of time? The benefits and potential of maca are well-documented.
One reason is that maca is what’s known as an adaptogen, contributing to the potential health benefits of maca root. adaptogen—a plant that helps the body manage stress.
Like ginseng or reishi mushrooms, maca works to restore balance in the body and mind.
It’s still a staple food in Andean communities and one of the most nutrient-dense crops grown in the region.
Recently, studies have shown that maca has been gaining popularity around the world for its health benefits and potential risks of maca.
Health-conscious consumers are adding maca to their smoothies, lattes, and supplements in hopes of boosting energy, increasing libido, and balancing hormones, with studies on maca supporting these claims.
And the research on the potential benefits of maca? It’s starting to back up what ancient cultures knew all along about the benefits of the maca plant.
Maca May Enhance Sexual Function and Libido
One of the most well-known benefits of peruvian maca root is its link to sexual health and male fertility, which can also alleviate menopausal symptoms; additionally, yellow maca is known for its unique benefits and potential.
A clinical trial found that men with mild erectile dysfunction experienced improvements in both mood and sexual satisfaction after supplementing with maca, illustrating its positive effect on sexual dysfunction (1).
In another study, trained cyclists who took maca extract for just 14 days improved not only their cycling performance but also their sexual desire, showcasing the effect of maca (2).
Even Inca legends speak to maca’s aphrodisiac reputation, linking it to increased sexual desire and its absent relationship in historical contexts.
Warriors reportedly consumed maca before battle to increase strength and virility—but were banned from taking it afterward to avoid overwhelming their romantic partners, as it was linked to sexual desire and its absent relationship.
That may be folklore, but the science is catching up.
Maca Can Boost Energy and Fight Fatigue
Need a lift that’s not another cup of coffee?
Try a dose of maca for an energizing boost! Maca might be your answer for improving overall health.
People living at high altitudes in Peru have used maca for centuries to help them cope with the harsh conditions and physical demands of life above 13,000 feet.
Modern studies have shown that certain varieties of maca—especially red and black—can improve energy, mood, and overall well-being, providing benefits for men and women, including addressing sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.
Athletes often take maca for a natural performance boost, alongside staples like creatine and caffeine, and studies have shown that maca can enhance endurance in adult healthy men.
It’s a Nutrient Powerhouse
Beyond performance, maca shines nutritionally. It’s packed with potassium (more than bananas), iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper, and B vitamins, making it a nutrient-dense supplement like broccoli.
It also contains vitamin C for immunity, vitamin E for antioxidant protection, and vitamin A for skin and vision health; using maca powder can further enhance these benefits. You could call it nature’s multivitamin in root form, highlighting the various health benefits of maca supplementation.
It may help balance hormones and alleviate menopausal symptoms in women
Maca is also believed to help regulate hormone levels in both men and women.
Early studies suggest it can support fertility, ease PMS and menopause symptoms, and bring balance during periods of hormonal fluctuation (3).
For many, this is a big part of why they incorporate red maca into their wellness routines, as they seek the health effects of maca.
It Supports Focus and Mental Health
Feeling foggy or mentally drained? A dose of maca can improve your focus and clarity.
The use of maca may help enhance your cognitive function.
Maca may help sharpen your focus and elevate your mood, which are just a couple of the potential health benefits that studies have shown that maca can provide.
The "feel-good" neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps control mood and sleep, is believed to be supported by it.
Maca also appears to promote healthy circulation to the brain, which could explain the boost in clarity and focus that many users report, aligning with the health benefits and potential of maca.
It may reduce inflammation
Emerging research suggests maca may have anti-inflammatory properties, too.
Though studies are still early, the effect of lepidium meyenii, or maca, may help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis and chronic illness.
It's another reason people reach for maca in their daily wellness toolkit, as it offers benefits for men and women alike.
How to Use Maca in Your Diet
Maca comes in several forms, and how you use it really comes down to personal preference, but each form offers unique benefits of maca root.
Some people love the earthy, nutty taste—others not so much; however, the consumption of maca can enhance overall health.
If you’re into smoothies, try blending maca powder with banana, avocado, blueberries, cacao, and spinach.
It’ll partially mask the taste while still letting its caramel-like flavor peek through, making it easier to add maca powder to your favorite recipes and increase the consumption of maca.
For a warm drink, try a maca latte. Mix full-fat coconut milk with maca, cacao, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, honey, and a splash of vanilla.
Blend it all with hot milk for a creamy, energizing drink that tastes indulgent and Maca root is good for you due to its numerous health benefits.
Not a fan of the flavor of maca root powder? No problem, especially when considering the role of maca in wellness.
Maca capsules are a great way to get the potential benefits of maca without the taste, making them a convenient maca product choice.
Look for high-quality gelatinized maca product for easier digestion, and choose blends that combine red, yellow, and black maca for full-spectrum effects, exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability.
To Summarize
If you’re looking for a natural boost in energy, libido, mood, or hormonal balance, the use of maca supplementation is definitely worth considering.
This ancient root has supported generations of people living in one of the harshest environments on Earth—and now it's finding a place in modern wellness routines, showcasing the role of maca in health.
Start small, pay attention to how your body responds, and choose a high-quality source for the best results. Whether in smoothies, lattes, or capsules, using maca root extracts offers a simple way to tap into some seriously powerful plant wisdom.
🌿Ready to feel the boost? Add maca powder to your daily routine and power up naturally! 💪
FAQs on Maca Powder: What it is, Benefits, and How To Use It
What does maca taste like?
Maca has an earthy, nutty flavor with hints of butterscotch or caramel, complementing its many health benefits. Some enjoy it in smoothies or lattes, while others prefer capsules to avoid the taste, but all forms can provide the health benefits of maca.
Can women take maca?
Yes! The potential health benefits of maca are widely recognized. Maca is commonly used by women to help with hormonal balance, fertility, energy, and easing symptoms of PMS and menopause.
How long does it take to feel Maca’s effects?
Some postmenopausal women notice benefits like improved mood or energy within a few days, while others may take 2–4 weeks to feel the full effects of the maca plant.
Is it safe to use maca root every day?
For most people, yes. The usual dosage is one to three teaspoons of peruvian maca powder per day. Take it slow at first and observe how your body responds.
When’s the best time to take maca root powder to learn how maca can enhance levels in adult healthy men?
Because it’s energizing, it’s best taken in the morning or early afternoon—especially if you’re sensitive to stimulants; this is one of the potential health benefits of maca root extracts.
Related Studies
1. Title: Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This systematic review analyzed randomized controlled trials and found that maca supplementation significantly improved erectile function in men with mild erectile dysfunction
Link: https://www.jomh.org/articles/10.22514/jomh.2023.003
2. Title: A Pilot Investigation into the Effect of Maca Supplementation on Endurance Performance and Sexual Desire in Trained Male Cyclists
In this pilot study, trained male cyclists who supplemented with maca extract for 14 days showed improved cycling time trial performance and increased sexual desire compared to baseline.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874109005728
3. Title: Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (II) Physiological and Symptomatic Responses of Early-Postmenopausal Women to Standardized Doses of Maca in Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Centre Clinical Study
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that maca supplementation significantly alleviated menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats in early-postmenopausal women.
Link: http://corapure.com
