If you’re looking for a natural way to increase your energy, decrease inflammation and boost your libido, then you need to start taking maca. It is an ancient Peruvian root that has been used in South America for centuries as a food supplement.
There are many health benefits of consuming maca. Some have even gone so far as to say it can help with male fertility issues. The problem is, not all brands of maca supplements are the same. You need to be careful when buying Bestes Maca Pulver because not only does it vary in quality, but it also varies in dosage.
Here is a list of some of maca’s most well-known health benefits and how to use it correctly:
- Boosts energy levels by increasing serotonin production.
- Increases testosterone production.
- Reduces fatigue and improves mood.
- Treats depression and anxiety.
- Improves sexual performance.
- Promotes healthy hair growth.
- Supports weight loss.
Maca’s health benefits
Although maca has existed in Peru for thousands of years, scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what it is supposed to do. One hypothesis is that maca increases insulin sensitivity and stimulates hormonal functions such as testosterone and estrogen. This means that maca could potentially treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances.
Another theory is that maca promotes fertility by enhancing sperm motility and improving semen consistency. There is also evidence that maca may reduce stress hormones and improve memory function. However, there isn’t any concrete scientific data proving these claims yet.
It is important to note that maca doesn’t cure illnesses or conditions. But, it may improve them and there are plenty of anecdotal reports about maca helping people who are suffering from certain disorders and diseases.
What is maca?
MACA is the dried root of a plant known as Lepidium meyenii. It is native to Peru, where it grows naturally on mountainsides at altitudes between 2,000 and 4,000 ft. Maca is high in minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, and antioxidants.
How to prepare maca powder
You should always buy organic maca powder to ensure that it’s free of pesticides. You can purchase it either online or at health food stores. It comes in many different forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and pills.
There are two ways to take maca. First, mix half a tablespoon of maca powder into about 8 ounces of water. Drink this mixture twice per day, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. The second method is to drink maca tea using approximately 1/8 cup of boiling water. Steep one teaspoon of maca powder in hot water for 10 minutes and then strain it.
Maca side effects
As with all herbal remedies, it is possible to have adverse reactions while taking maca. If you experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness or heartburn, discontinue its use immediately. The best thing you can do is to consult your doctor if you experience any negative side effects.
The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) lists maca’s contraindications as follows:
- Do not take maca during pregnancy.
- Don’t consume maca if you’re allergic to chamomile or ragweed.
- Avoid maca if you suffer from severe liver disease.
- Keep away from children under the age of 12.
People who are lactating or taking medications for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol should consult their physician before using maca.
Maca health benefits
The following are some of the top health benefits of maca.
1. Boosts energy levels
One of the main reasons why maca is recommended as a natural remedy for increased energy levels is due to its ability to enhance serotonin production.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates emotions, appetite, and sleep patterns. When you feel stressed or tired, your body produces less serotonin. This causes you to get sleepy, lose interest in sex, crave sweets, and eat more than you usually would. Maca helps to increase your serotonin levels and thus give you more energy without any crash afterwards.
2. Reduces fatigue and improves mood
Several studies conducted on humans and mice show that maca can improve mood and reduce fatigue. These experiments were done on subjects who experienced mild stress or had chronic fatigue syndrome.
The results showed that maca improved depression, fatigue, and anxiety symptoms. Another study found that maca helped people dealing with postpartum depression.
3. Treats depression and anxiety
Both clinical trials and animal studies show that maca has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. In other words, it reduces anxiety and depression symptoms.
4. Improves sexual performance
Some people prefer to use maca to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Scientists believe that maca works just like Viagra. However, there are no clinical studies showing that maca can actually work as an aphrodisiac. Nevertheless, maca is still commonly used by men suffering from ED.
5. Supports weight loss
There is strong evidence suggesting that maca supports weight loss. Several studies suggest that maca can help regulate hunger pangs, which makes it easier to burn fat.
6. Promotes healthier hair growth
Maintaining healthy hair requires proper nutrition. Your diet affects everything from your skin to your hair to your nails. Hair problems can stem from poor nutrition and low thyroid hormone levels. Maca is beneficial for promoting healthy hair growth.
