Peruvian maca is a “superfood” that nourishes the body and contributes to increased energy and physical vigor, combating symptoms of tiredness, fatigue and lack of concentration.
The scientific name of Peruvian maca is Lepidium meyenii, but it is popularly known as Ginseng-dos-Andes or Viagra-dos-Incas. Because it is very rich in alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides, Peruvian maca has several health benefits and can be used to increase vitality and libido, control blood sugar levels and even help you lose weight.
Peruvian maca can be purchased in health food stores in the form of capsules or gelatinized powder, which can be mixed into smoothies or fruit juices, for example. It should be used with the guidance of a doctor, nutritionist or herbalist.
Benefits and what it is for
Peruvian maca can be used to:
1. Increase sexual desire
Peruvian maca has substances such as macaridins, macamides, glucosinolates and alkaloids, with stimulating, tonic and antidepressant properties and, therefore, is considered a powerful sexual stimulant, being indicated to increase sexual desire.
A study showed that doses of 1500 to 3000 mg of Peruvian maca per day, in gelatinized powder form, can help improve sexual desire and increase libido in men, after 8 weeks of treatment.
Another study carried out with women, with doses of 3000 mg per day of Peruvian maca root, taken for 12 weeks, demonstrated that the plant was able to help increase libido in women with sexual dysfunction caused by the use of antidepressants.
However, more studies are still needed to evaluate the effect of Peruvian maca on increasing sexual desire. See other strategies to increase sexual desire.
According to a study, which used 2.4 g of maca root for 12 weeks in men, this plant can help improve mild erectile dysfunction in men, improving general well-being and sexual desire. However, more studies are still needed to confirm this action of Peruvian maca.
3. Increase the amount of semen
Peruvian maca can stimulate sperm production, increasing the amount of semen, as well as improving sperm mobility, which can help in the treatment of male infertility.
4. Help control blood sugar
Some studies carried out with rats in the laboratory have shown that Peruvian maca can help control blood sugar levels due to the presence of flavonoids and phenols in its composition, with antioxidant action, which help reduce damage caused by free radicals in cells and improve production. and/or the action of insulin, which could be an interesting natural ally in the treatment of diabetes.
Still, studies in humans are needed to prove this benefit.
5. Reduce tiredness and fatigue
The polysaccharides present in Peruvian maca can help increase energy and performance, both physical and mental, reducing symptoms of tiredness and fatigue.
Furthermore, Peruvian maca, by increasing energy levels in the body, can be used by athletes or people who want to improve performance in physical activities. When consumed after sports, it can help reduce muscle pain or fatigue. See other supplements to improve physical performance.
6. Improve concentration and reasoning
The fatty acids present in maca essential oil have an antioxidant effect that reduces the damage caused by free radicals in cells, protecting neurons. In this way, this plant can help increase mental performance, improving reasoning, concentration and memory.
7. Relieve menopausal symptoms
Some studies have shown that the flavonoids present in Peruvian maca can help alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, improving mood and disposition.
Additionally, maca can help regulate estrogen levels in the body, which can reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats, for example.
8. Help you lose weight
Maca can be used as a supplement during weight loss processes as it improves energy levels and increases the willingness to perform physical exercises. However, its use must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, and be part of a balanced diet recommended by a nutritionist. See how to follow a diet to lose weight healthily.
9. Prevent premature aging
Due to its antioxidant properties, Peruvian maca can help prevent premature aging, as consuming maca favors an increase in the concentration of interleukin-6 circulating in the blood, combating free radicals. However, more studies are still needed to prove this effect.
10. Improve benign prostate hyperplasia
Peruvian maca can help reduce inflammation associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, as it is capable of reducing the number of inflammatory cells in the prostate.
11. Prevent osteoporosis
Peruvian maca can help prevent osteoporosis, as it can exert a protective effect on organs regulated by steroid hormones, such as estrogen, being beneficial for preventing bone loss in the body.
12. Improve mood
Peruvian maca can help improve mood and reduce anxiety, stress and depression, due to the flavonoids present in its composition.
However, more studies are still needed to prove this benefit.
13. Protect neurons
Studies carried out with cells and animals have shown that Peruvian maca has a neuroprotective effect, due to its antioxidant capacity that prevents damage caused by oxidative stress in neurons, which contributes to better functioning of the central nervous system, and helps to avoid neurodegenerative diseases.
However, studies in humans are needed to prove this benefit.
How to take Peruvian maca
The recommended daily dose of maca in capsules is around 3g, divided into 3 times, which can be taken during meals, and for a period of up to 4 months.
Maca can also be consumed in the form of powdered root, and should be added when preparing smoothies, yogurts or fruit juices, for example, in a proportion of 2 to 3 teaspoons.
However, the dosage may vary depending on the type of treatment or the condition being treated. Therefore, it is recommended to always consult a nutritionist or a naturopath before using maca.
Possible side effects
Peruvian maca is safe for most adults when used in small amounts in food or taken in recommended doses of up to 3g per day for up to 4 months.
However, when consumed in excessive amounts or for prolonged treatment, maca can cause allergies, so its use should only be done with medical advice, a nutritionist or a health professional with experience in medicinal plants.
Who shouldn’t take
Peruvian maca should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as there are still no studies that confirm the safety of this tuber in these situations.
People with thyroid problems should only use maca under the guidance of a doctor. This is because this brassica is rich in glucosinolates, which are bioactive compounds that can alter the production of thyroid hormones.
Furthermore, Peruvian maca should also not be used by women with a history of any type of estrogen-dependent disease or cancer, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, breast, ovarian or uterine cancer.
