Nine functions of Maka

Maca root powder is very nutritious, and is a great source of several important vitamins and minerals.

One ounce (28 grams) of maca root powder contains: Calories: 91 Carbs: 20 grams Protein: 4 grams Fiber: 2 grams Fat: 1 gram Vitamin C: 133% of the RDI Copper: 85% of the RDI Iron: 23% of the RDI Potassium: 16% of the RDI Vitamin B6: 15% of the RDI Manganese: 10% of the RDI Maca root is a good source of carbs, is low in fat and contains a fair amount of fiber. It’s also high in some essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, copper and iron.

Furthermore, it contains various plant compounds, including glucosinolates and polyphenols.

Maca root powder is high in carbs and rich in a number of nutrients, including vitamin C, copper and iron. It also contains many bioactive plant compounds.

2. It Increases Libido in Men and Women

Reduced sexual desire is a common problem among adults.

Consequently, interest in herbs and plants that naturally boost libido is great.

Maca has been heavily marketed as being effective at improving sexual desire, and this claim is backed by research.

A review from 2010 that included four randomized clinical studies with a total of 131 participants found evidence that maca improves sexual desire after at least six weeks of ingestion.

Maca increases sex drive in both men and women.

3. It May Increase Fertility in Men

When it comes to male fertility, sperm quality and quantity is very important.

There is some evidence that maca root increases men’s fertility.

A recent review summarized the findings of five small studies. It showed that maca improved semen quality in both infertile and healthy men.

One of the studies reviewed included nine healthy men. After consuming maca for four months, researchers detected an increase in the volume, count and motility of sperm.

Maca can increase sperm production and improve sperm quality, thereby enhancing fertility in men.

4. It May Help Relieve Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is defined as the time in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently.

The natural decline in estrogen that occurs during this time can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms.

These include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep problems and irritability.

One review of four studies in menopausal women found that maca helped alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and interrupted sleep.

Additionally, animal studies suggest that maca can help protect bone health. Women have a higher risk of osteoporosis after menopause.

Maca can improve symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and disrupted sleep at night.

5. Maca Can Improve Your Mood

Several studies have shown that maca can enhance your mood.

It's been associated with reduced anxiety and symptoms of depression, particularly in menopausal women.

Maca contains plant compounds called flavonoids, which have been suggested to be at least partly responsible for these psychological benefits .

Maca may improve your mental well-being and mood by reducing depression and anxiety, especially in menopausal women.

6. It May Boost Sports Performance and Energy

Maca root powder is a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes.

It has been claimed to help you gain muscle, increase strength, boost energy and improve exercise performance.

Also, some animal studies indicate that it enhances endurance performance .

Moreover, one small study in eight male cyclists found that they improved the time it took them to complete a nearly 25-mile (40-km) bike ride after 14 days of supplementing with maca extract .

Currently, there is no scientific evidence to confirm any benefits for muscle mass or strength.

Supplementing with maca may improve exercise performance, particularly during endurance events. However, its effects on muscle mass and strength have yet to be studied.

7. When Applied to the Skin, Maca May Help Protect It from the Sun

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun may burn and damage unprotected, exposed skin.

Over time, UV radiation can cause wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer.

There is some evidence that applying maca extract, a concentrated form of the plant, to your skin may help protect it from UV radiation .

One study found that maca extract applied to the skin of five rats over a three-week period prevented skin damage from UV exposure.

The protective effect was attributed to the polyphenol antioxidants and glucosinolates found in maca.

Keep in mind that maca extract cannot replace a conventional sunscreen. Also, it only protects the skin when applied to the skin, not when eaten.

When applied to the skin, maca extract may help protect it from the sun’s UV rays.

8. It May Improve Learning and Memory

Maca may improve brain function.

In fact, it has traditionally been used by natives in Peru to improve children’s performance in school .

In animal studies, maca has improved learning and memory in rodents that have memory impairment.

In this regard, black maca appears to be more effective than other varieties.

Some evidence indicates that maca, in particular the black variety, can improve learning and memory.

9. It May Reduce Prostate Size

The prostate is a gland only found in men.

Enlargement of the prostate gland, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is common in aging men.

A larger prostate can cause various problems with passing urine, as it surrounds the tube through which urine is removed from the body.

Interestingly, a few studies in rodents suggest that red maca reduces prostate size .

It has been proposed that the effect of red maca on the prostate is linked to its high amount of glucosinolates. These substances are also associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

A large prostate is common among older men and can cause issues with urination. Animal studies suggest that red maca can reduce prostate size.