What to Know about Maca Root: Benefits, Uses, Purposes, Side Effects

Native to Peru, maca root is predominantly found in the Andes Mountains across various regions. It is utilized both in culinary and medicinal purposes. Despite not being related to panax ginseng, maca root is often referred to as Peruvian ginseng, likely due to its energizing effects. Maca root also comes in different colors, each variant contains similar properties and compounds, though some may exhibit more potency than others:

Yellow Maca Root is the most frequently harvested variety of maca, renowned for its benefits as a brain food. The Incas dubbed it the "food of the brain" due to its effects on mental clarity, cortisol enhancement, and stress reduction.

Red Maca Root represents feminine energy due to its abilities to have the most beneficial effects on fertility, libido, PMS and menopausal symptoms.

Black Maca Root, the least harvested, represents masculine energy due to its ability to be most beneficial in men. Research has shown to have the most positive effects on improving sperm and stamina. Yet, both black and red maca root have shown to increase bone density.

Other Benefits of Maca Root

• Reproductive Health Maca has been used worldwide to increase sex drive and fertility. For men, maca can improve the quality of sperm

• Energy Booster Although the herb does not contain caffeine, it can be a natural endurance booster.

• Mood Boost Maca can also enhance the mood, which may reduce anxiety, depression and mood swings from PMS, which may also result in lowering blood pressure.

• Cognitive Function Studies have shown to increase focus and memory, in adults and children. This can lower the risk of brain fog. Maca can also assist in increasing concentration and brain function amongst the elderly.

• Anti-inflammatory Maca can be used for arthritis and joint pain. It can also relieve respiratory issues.

• Improve Menopause Symptoms With its ability to regulate hormone imbalances, maca root can also reduce hot flashes, moodiness and depression.

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Who Should Avoid

Avoid if you have certain cancers of ovarian, uterine, ovarian, uterine fibroids, endometriosis

Dosage

It is recommended that maca root supplements should be taken up to 4 months

Capsules Take 1500-3000 mg or 2-6 capsules daily with a meal.

Tincture/Extract Take 20-25 drops by mouth or in a beverage twice daily.

Tea/Powder or Dried Herb Steep 1-3 grams daily in hot water for 3-5 mins.

*Due to its nutty, caramel-like sweetness, maca root can also be added to coffee, hot chocolate, lattes and other hot beverages.

Possible Side Effects

Moodiness

Cramps

Insomnia