What are the benefits of maca root?

Maca is a Peruvian plant that may have various health benefits, such as boosting libido, increasing fertility, boosting energy, and improving mood. It may also help manage menopause symptoms and blood pressure.

Maca grows in the Andes mountains. It is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning that it is related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale.

Maca is a common ingredient in Peruvian cooking that gives dishes an earthy flavor. People can grind the maca root plant into a powder and add it to meals or smoothies.

Aside from its culinary uses, maca may also have several health benefits. This article will discuss the possible health benefits of maca root

What are the benefits of maca root?

Libido

Erectile dysfunction

Energy and endurance

Fertility

Mood

Blood pressure

Sun damage

Free radicals

Risks

Summary

Maca is a Peruvian plant that may have various health benefits, such as boosting libido, increasing fertility, boosting energy, and improving mood. It may also help manage menopause symptoms and blood pressure.

Maca grows in the Andes mountains. It is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning that it is related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale.

Maca is a common ingredient in Peruvian cooking that gives dishes an earthy flavor. People can grind the maca root plant into a powder and add it to meals or smoothies.

Aside from its culinary uses, maca may also have several health benefits. This article will discuss the possible health benefits of maca root.

1. Increasing libido

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The most well-known benefit of maca root is its potential to increase libido. There is some scientific evidence to support this claim.

Online vendors widely promote the ability of maca root to increase libido, and this finding comes from health research.

For example, an older study from 2015Trusted Source found that maca root can have positive effects as a treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. However, more research is necessary to confirm the study’s findings.

2. Reducing erectile dysfunction

Maca root could also have benefits for people with erectile dysfunction (ED).

A 2023 trial found that the consumption of gelatinized maca root helped reduce ED in people with late onset hypogonadism. However, more research is necessary to fully confirm these findings.

3. Boosting energy and endurance

Some athletes and bodybuilders use maca root as a supplement to increase energy and performance. Some evidence exists to support this.

A placebo-controlled crossover studyTrusted Source found that black maca supplementation can positively affect the muscular performance of elite women’s handball players engaging in high intensity activity.

However, the sample size of this research was very small, so more research is necessary to verify the results.

4. Increasing fertility

Another widespread use of maca root is to increase fertility, particularly in males.

One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from 2021Trusted Source looked at the effects of maca on people with infertility. It measured the semen quality and concentration and serum hormone levels in people taking a placebo or maca root. However, it did not find statistically significant results, and researchers called for more studies in this area.

5. Improving mood

Maca contains flavonoids, which some health experts believe can improve mood and reduce anxiety. A 2024 review of studies noted research from 2015Trusted Source that suggested potential improvements in levels of anxiety and depression from the consumption of maca root among a small group of postmenopausal women.

Researchers in another 2016 studyTrusted Source also found that levels of an anti-anxiety neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an anti-anxiety neurotransmitter, were higher in red maca than black maca.

6. Reducing blood pressure

Maca root could help improve blood pressure.

A 2024 review of studies mentioned a 2013 studyTrusted Source that explained that Peruvians drinking maca root juice had, anecdotally, experienced lower systolic blood pressure. Researchers explained in the review that this effect was possibly due to consuming maca root over many years or decades. Longer, high quality studies would be needed to confirm this claim scientifically.

7. Reducing sun damage

Older animal studies within a 2021 paperTrusted Source seem to note the positive effects of maca root consumption on the body’s ability to protect itself against damage from UV rays.

For example, one study found that applying creams on mice that contained varying levels of maca root extracts led to less epidermal thickening. Researchers noted this as evidence of its protective effects against sun damage.

However, this was a small animal study, and more thorough research is necessary before scientists can draw a firm conclusion on this benefit.

8. Fighting free radicals

Maca root may also promote the production of antioxidant enzymes in the body, such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase.

Antioxidants help fight off free radicals, which can damage cells in the body. Some research suggests antioxidants can helpTrusted Sourc

e prevent some health conditions, including heart disease and cancer.