Do I Need To Stop Taking Maca Or Can I Take It Continuously
Native Peruvians have been consuming Maca daily for thousands of years. As it does not contain hormones and has been found to have no toxicity it can be consumed on a daily basis.
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Could Maca Raise My Testosterone/oestrogen
No, Maca does not supply the body with external hormones, nor has it been observed to have a one-directional action, where it may increase any of the undesired hormones.
Instead it helps your body produce the correct amount of hormones for your age and situation in order to achieve homeostasis .
As such – the above mentioned 2008 study in the Journal of Menopause found the improvements to the wellbeing of the studied menopausal women without any increases in their testosterone or oestrogen levels.21
In men, Maca has been shown to increase sperm count and sexual desire without necessarily increasing their testosterone or oestrogen levels.22
Safety & Side Effects
Maca is a beneficial herb that has been used for thousands of years and consumed everyday as a food and medicine by the Peruvians. Based on its long history of use as a food, it appears to be very safe. Toxicity studies showed absolutely no toxicity and no adverse pharmacological effects.
A small number of women experienced stomach upset when consuming plain maca root . Additionally, some women experience spotting or a change in their menstrual cycle when they first begin using maca. This is normal and a sign that the body is beginning to balance the hormonal system.
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The Benefits Of Maca Powder For Your Hormones
Last updated on by Alisa Vitti
What is Maca?
Maca root powder might be the latest superfood to fill up your Facebook feed, but its benefits are not exactly news. This ancient natural remedy happens to be very well researched and that research has revealed its hormone-balancing, hormonal symptom-soothing properties. Maca root powder is an adaptogen, which means it supports your whole endocrine system to produce the right amounts of hormones you need. Maca can help your body adapt to stressful life situations that might otherwise deplete your bodys hormone production and cause symptoms.
Maca root powder is a wonderful resource to have at hand, especially at certain critical times in your life when its properties can be the most beneficial. That said, maca is not for everyone and anyone, all of the time. Digging deeper and knowing more about this powerful supplement will help you to get the most out of it.
Does Maca cure hormone imbalance?
Although you may have heard some say that maca can solve all your period problems and regulate your cycles, I dont recommend seeing it as a miracle cure for all hormonal ills. I have never seen one product resolve a womans PMS, PCOS, cramps, acne, irrregular cycles or infertility issues on its own. Just adding in a supplement or one food, however super, unfortunately rarely works to help a woman overcome hormonal symptoms.
When should a woman use Maca?
- Low energy levels
When you shouldnt take Maca
to your FLO,
Hormone Balancing Benefits Of Maca
The root vegetable maca is part of the cruciferous vegetables or Brassica family. You may notice similarities in growth, size and proportion of maca compared to turnips and radishes. Maca is loaded with nutrients and contains a rich amount of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, potassium and copper. These minerals are critical for the health of our skin, joints, bones and eyes. Without these essential nutrients, our cells would lack the substrate they need to perform effective communication, regeneration and formation.
Found on top of the Andes Mountains in Peru, maca is grown at altitudes exceeding 8,000 feet and upwards of 14,500 feet. This high altitude is characteristic of cold weather conditions, high amounts of sunshine, less than desirable agricultural areas and is bothered by strong winds.
Maca crops are always produced organically as these harsh conditions are not favorable conditions for pests. Peruvian farmers actually plant these crops amongst other root vegetables to repel pests and pathogenic nematodes.
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Maca: A Root For Almost Anything
Maca root is a tuber or root about the size or shape of a radish that grows exclusively in the Andes mountains of Peru. These roots are commonly white and yellow, though they can come in pink and purple colors as well as gray and black.
While maca is about the size and shape of a radish, it has a nutty, almost sweet taste. Some explain it as being a bit like butterscotch! Some people add it to sweet treats because of this .
What Is The Maca Root
Maca root is a red, tuberous plant that grows in the high-altitude Andes mountains of Peru. For centuries, Maca has been used as a herbal supplement by native people and European settlers to help with hormonal issues, including infertility and lack of libido.
Maca contains many vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, amino acids, and other compounds that make it an excellent herb for hormonal health. Maca root has been found to regulate hormones and improve fertility in women, though not all studies have shown the same effect in men.
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Maca Root For Women: 6 Proven Benefits
Much research has been conducted into the benefits of maca root for womens health. In this article, we’re going to be covering a great deal of this research, which should help you understand more about this treatment and help you decide whether it is the right choice for you.
Some studies have suggested that maca root is an effective treatment for conditions such as depression, osteoporosis, difficulties with concentration, and romantic desire problems, among others.
What is Maca and What Are Its Origins?
Maca is a plant that is native to Peru. The root is known to offer a number of health benefits. It is rich in several nutrients and has been shown to improve stamina and romantic performance.
You might want to consider using maca root to treat some of the health problems you are dealing with. A growing body of research shows that the benefits are too significant to ignore.
Maca Root Nutrition
Maca root is filled with vital nutrients. Dried maca root contains up to 16% protein and 59% carbohydrates. Maca root is also very rich in fibre.
It’s a good source of amino acids, calcium and iron. Medical scientists have only recently started evaluating the medical benefits for women, but the findings are promising so far. Research suggests that maca could be used to treat depression, menopausal symtpoms, decreased sve, osteoporosis and other health issues.
7 proven benefits of Maca Root
1. Can Help Reduce the Severity of Symptoms in Perimenopausal Women
Safety and side effects
Maca Root To Balance Hormones
I know that you have heard me talk about various supplements that assist in the healing of the hair and scalp but I think it is important to discuss root causes and how to address them thus highlighting MACA ROOT!
Maca Root is a hidden gem as it is a close relative radish and has gained a reputation for helping balance hormones. It is naturally high in minerals , sterols, up to 20 essential fatty acids, lipids, fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and amino acids. Maca contains the nutrients necessary to support normal hormone production and helps balance hormones and due to an excess of environmental estrogens. While most peoples hormones are out of natural balance, the maca stimulates and nourishes the hypothalamus and pituitary glands that are the master glands of the body. These glands actually regulate the other glands, so when in balance they can bring balance to the adrenal, thyroid, and pancreas, ovarian and testicular glands.
Maca root has been shown to be helpful for many hormonal problems including PMS, menopause, and hot flashes. It is also a fertility enhancer and is known for improving libido and sexual function, especially in men. For this reason, it has earned the nickname natures Viagra. In addition to aiding in hormonal imbalances, maca root has other benefits as well.
As any other supplement I recommend, please check with your doctor before incorporating new supplements into your regimen.
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It May Ease The Symptoms Of Menopause
The phytochemicals in maca have interesting effects on the control of hormonal imbalances. This is especially true for those that happen during menopause.
The vitamins and minerals it contains may have an effect on hormonal activity. In other words, these substances may be beneficial for dealing with common symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes.
In fact, they have a calming effect on your body. Since stress is so bad for your mental health, this may have a positive impact on age-related cognitive.
Lowering anxiety also helps with other emotional problems you may experience.
Is Maca Root Safe During Pregnancy
Maca is not safe to be taken during pregnancy because there are no conclusive studies to say one way or the other if its safe. There are many mixed opinions regarding Maca some people that noticed increased uterine contractions, nausea, and headaches took this as a sign of safety, while others cite different causes like bladder inflammation and flu-like symptoms as proof that it isnt safe. In the end, you should consult an OBGYN about the right course of action for your specific case before deciding against anything on this account.
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Reduce Symptoms Of Menopause
Maca root has been used to regulate hormones, research has shown that its phytochemical content is what contributes to its effect.
Maca root can help prevent or reduce symptoms of menopause ranging from hot flashes, irregular periods, sleep irregularities, depression, and night sweats.
One particular study indicates women had a considerable increase in LH secretion which helped stimulate ovarian hormones 2 this helped reduce many of the symptoms that cause discomfort from menopause.
Regulate Hormones And Boost Training Performance
Several weeks ago I went out to dinner with friends and we were discussing the gym and talking about our workouts. One of my friends was mentioning that some of the women that go to her gym have incredible physiques and wondered how they do it. Some of them seem to be able to gain muscle in all the right places.
If I were only so genetically gifted.
My biggest issue has always been trying to make my buttocks bigger, however, one of my friends does not seem to have any issues in the booty department. In fact, she has a very nice butt, she claims she does a lot of squats and leg presses. Yes, I have also made some headway working out but not as much as my friend has.
I guess we can all blame our lacking body parts on genetics, but what do you do if you arent genetically gifted? You either train that body part more often, or you try and find other ways to speed up the process.
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After several minutes one of my friends came clean and said she was using some natural booty enhancement methods that had helped her add some size to her glutes.
She did not go into much detail but she did say she was taking a supplement that contained something called maca root.
I did not want to be rude and pull out my phone during dinner, so I waited till I got home to learn more about it.
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How To Take Maca Root
The most common form youll find is maca powder, and its earthy, nutty flavor blends well with steamed milk or smoothies.
Adding a serving of maca root powder into a morning smoothie seems the most popular way to use it. But there is a recent rise in a new form of maca: skincare products. Research done on animals suggests that applied topically, maca may be able to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays thanks to its polyphenol antioxidant content .
Besides causing wrinkles, UV radiation and sun damage also contribute to skin cancer risk. More work needs to be done to confirm this protective mechanism also works on humans, and it should be noted that this doesnt replace regular sunscreen.
Maca Root Benefits Energy Mood & Sexual Health
Despite being revered for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, maca root is one of the newest remedies to take center stage in the natural health community, and its newfound superfood status is well-deserved. Researchers are continually turning up new health benefits associated with this powerful root vegetable.
Its also considered an adaptogen, a name given to certain herbs, plants and natural substances that help the body naturally adapt to stressors like a busy schedule, demanding job or illness.
Not only that, but maca provides a host of important micronutrients and is jam-packed with antioxidants, and it has been shown to improve sexual health, balance hormone levels, and boost energy, mood and memory.
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Maca The Mighty: How It Benefits Womens Health
Mother Earth always has something beautiful in store for us. When it comes to food to eat, going back to basics encourages us to appreciate natures benefits.
Certainly one such item is an exotic food thats now available to stock in our kitchen pantries. Were talking about the Maca powder, an ancient superfood.
The Maca root has been cultivated by the Incas for hundreds of years. The Incan civilization has always recognised the energizing capabilities of this plant. The powder from this root powerfully provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals, macronutrients and essential amino acids.
Maca powder has been a staple ingredient for body-builders smoothies and power shakes for some time. New studies suggest that the Maca powder is also beneficial for womens struggles with hormonal imbalance. Of note for midlife women, especially at the time of perimenopause and menopause.
Safety And Side Effects
Studies show that maca is generally safe and that its use is not associated with adverse side effects.
A 2016 study in 175 people found that taking 3 grams of red or black maca per day for 12 weeks was well tolerated and not associated with serious adverse effects .
Traditional methods people have used to consume maca, such as boiling and then eating or drinking it, have not been linked to adverse effects, either .
Currently, its not known whether maca is safe to consume during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with their healthcare team before taking maca.
Summary
Maca is considered safe for most people. However, if you have a health condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with a trusted healthcare professional before taking maca. It may not be appropriate or safe for everyone.
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What Is Maca Root
The Maca root superfood is a cruciferous vegetable related to foods like turnips and radishes, broccoli, cabbage, and kale. The Peruvian Andes mountain range communities have been cultivating it for more than 2,000 years. Its remarkable hardiness and ability to withstand extreme environments are part of the reasons why.
Maca root has an earthy flavor, and it can be consumed in a few different ways as a drink, a meal, or a powder additive for smoothies. Its rich in amino acids, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like vitamin C, which is why it has so many wonderful health benefits.
Maca Increases Your Energy Levels
The essential nutrients in maca give your body more energy to increase your mental and physical performance. In addition, these nutrients include healthy fatty acids and proteins.
Its recommended as an athletic supplement. This because it counteracts the loss of nutrients. As a result, improves your physical well-being.
As you can see, maca root is a great food. Its worth including it in your diet. You can find it in health food stores. Add it to your drinks, smoothies, or soups.
- Zou Y, Aboshora W, Li J, Xiao T, Zhang L. Protective Effects of Lepidium meyenii Aqueous Extract and Lycopene on Testosterone Propionate-Induced Prostatic Hyperplasia in Mice. Phytother Res. 2017 Aug 31:1192-1198. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5838. Epub 2017 Jun 20. PMID: 28635053.
- da Silva Leitão Peres N , Cabrera Parra Bortoluzzi L , Medeiros Marques LL , Formigoni M , Fuchs RHB , Droval AA , Reitz Cardoso FA . Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca : a review. Food Funct. 2020 Jan 29 11:83-92. doi: 10.1039/c9fo02732g. PMID: 31951246.
- Tafuri S, Cocchia N, Vassetti A, Carotenuto D, Esposito L, Maruccio L, Avallone L, Ciani F. Lepidium meyenii in male reproduction. Nat Prod Res. 2019 Dec 5:1-10. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1698572. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 31805775.
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Top 10 Black Maca Root Benefits For Women And Men
Black maca has many amazing health benefits for both men and women.
It is known to increase stamina, boost fertility, and build sperm count in men.
For women, it helps balance hormones, increases libido, boosts energy, and alleviates fatigue and menopausal symptoms.
Men and women interested in building muscle and increasing endurance and stamina can also take it daily.
Black maca root is recommended for:
- Men who want to increase fertility
- Women who want to achieve hormonal balance
- Men and women wanting to boost libido
- Men and women athletes wanting to build stamina, strength, and endurance
- Men and women wanting to improve focus, concentration, and memory
- Men and women looking to improve bone density
It Protects Your Brain Health
The antioxidants and essential fatty acids in maca work as a shield for your brain cells. They help fight the deterioration caused by free radicals.
These nutrients have an anti-inflammatory effect as well. In the long run, they reduce the risk of cognitive degeneration, loss of memory, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Its healthy fats also have positive effects on your bad cholesterol . Limiting bad cholesterol is important for getting the greatest amount of oxygen to your brain. It also reduces your risk of suffering a stroke.
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