One study found that supplementation of maca extract before a cycling race improved race time, as well as power and performance markers. It is also thought that maca may have a double-whammy impact on exercise performance in men.

This is because it increases both energy production and testosterone - a male hormone which increases muscle strength and reduces fatigue. Aside from improving stamina and endurance in athletes, maca supplementation also helps to naturally boost energy levels and fight fatigue in everyday life.

Research has shown that maca extract can help to improve aspects of brain function such as attention, concentration, reaction time and memory. Scientists are now exploring how maca interacts with the human brain. One small study looked at the effects of maca root powder on both depression and blood pressure in postmenopausal women.

Women self-reported a reduction in depressive symptoms and were found to have a noticeable improvement in blood pressure. Whilst the results are promising, further larger studies are needed to provide conclusive evidence about the effects of maca on blood pressure control.

Maca root is a natural source of many different nutrients which are great for boosting the immune system and promoting overall health and wellness. Adding maca powder to smoothies, oats, yoghurt and hot drinks is a perfect way to boost your intake of these essential nutrients.

One part of the body which is closely connected to hormone levels is the thyroid, a gland in the neck. Our thyroid produces hormones which help to regulate body temperature, metabolism and heart rate.

Conditions which affect thyroid function such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism - also known as over-active and under-active thyroid can result in hormonal imbalances which create a number of problems.

Studies have shown that maca can help to improve endocrine function, including that of the thyroid gland. The adaptogenic properties of maca mean that it is also an effective natural remedy for symptoms such as stress and anxiety, which are closely related to mood and depression.

When we experience stress, low mood, anxiety and depression - there is an underlying physiological mechanism which triggers this. For example, with stress it is an increase in the hormones cortisol and adrenaline, and with sadness it is a drop in the neurotransmitter serotonin.

By promoting hormonal balance and homeostasis, maca can help to manage the triggers and symptoms related to stress, anxiety and low mood. Studies have even shown potential for maca to be a potential treatment for depression, with maca extracts have beneficial effects similar to those of antidepressants.

Studies have shown that maca and even maca leaves can help to protect skin cells from damage, particularly that from the UVB rays of the sun.

Maca supplementation was also linked with a lower occurrence of sunburn cells. In summertime, maca supplements could be a good addition to your sunscreen routine to help best protect your skin from damage and premature ageing.

As with most capsules, these make maca more difficult to absorb due to being encapsulated in an artificial casing. They also often contain extra ingredients such as bulking agents and preservatives.

This will give you a pure source of maca which is far easier to abosorb for the best benefits. We utilise Organic Peruvian maca root in our superfood blends to make it easy for you to enjoy the benefits of maca as part of your daily routine. Our pure maca is sourced from small family farms in Peru, where it is sustainably harvested.

Together with a unique blend of other superfood ingredients, you can enjoy the benefits of maca with a simple scoop added to smoothies, shakes, oats, yoghurt and healthy recipes. Berry Beauty Organic Superfood Blend. Cacao Plant Protein Superfood Blend. Balance Tonic Superfood Blend.

Scientific evidence has shown that the effect of lepidium meyenii maca as a complementary and alternative medicine can provide a number of health benefits.

Of course, we would always recommend seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional if you think maca could help to improve symptoms related to a health condition. However, this natural superfood is a great addition to any diet to boost energy, promote hormonal balance and nurture overall wellbeing from within.

Latest Health Blog Recipes. Search articles Search. You may have even done research on the best masks to wear or the best disinfectant wipes to use.

These are all responsible and necessary steps to take to remain healthy. But the question remains: Is there more you can do to boost your immune system and protect yourself from coronavirus?

The answer is a resounding yes! Nature has given us many natural immune boosters, including a potent root vegetable called maca. What is maca root, and what can it do to protect your health during these uncertain times? Keep reading to learn more about this immune boosting superfood!

The Health Benefits of Maca Root Powder Maca is a cruciferous vegetable similar to broccoli and kale that grows in the Andes Mountains of South America. It also contains bioactive plant compounds that help to ward off cancer and other diseases naturally.

Enter maca root and its mood-boosting flavonoids. Researchers have found that these plant compounds ease tension while reducing blood pressure and symptoms of depression. Why is it so important to keep calm in these trying times?

Another health benefit of maca root is increased stamina and physical energy.

It also contains bioactive plant compounds that help to ward off cancer and other diseases naturally. Enter maca root and its mood-boosting flavonoids. Researchers have found that these plant compounds ease tension while reducing blood pressure and symptoms of depression. Why is it so important to keep calm in these trying times?

Another health benefit of maca root is increased stamina and physical energy. Antioxidants are responsible for fighting off the free radicals that damage cells and create disease. Maca root promotes many of these antioxidants , such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione.

All you need to know is that maca root can help you to ward off chronic disease while strengthening your immune system against viruses and bacterial infections. Stay Healthy This Year And Every Year with Immune Boosting Maca Root With coronavirus and other illnesses to combat, none of us can afford to take chances with our health.

A balanced diet, plenty of rest, and sensible precautions like handwashing are a great place to start. But if you really want to be proactive and ensure you and your family stay healthy, you need to boost your immune system from the inside out.

It also helps your body fight off free radicals before they can cause disease. Sprinkle it onto oatmeal or popcorn or stir it into a healthful smoothie or your morning coffee. 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. Maca root plant can be ground up into a powder and added to meals or smoothies.

Aside from its culinary uses, maca may also have several health benefits. This article will discuss 10 possible health benefits of maca root. The most well-known benefit of maca root is its potential to increase libido. There is some scientific evidence to support this claim. For example, an older study from found that men who took 1.

A review of studies on maca and sexual functioning found some evidence to suggest maca could improve libido, but the authors cautioned that more research is required. A study found that maca root may help reduce sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women who were taking an antidepressant.

Maca root could also have benefits for people with erectile dysfunction ED. A small study in looked at the effect of consuming 2.

The study participants were males with mild ED. Those taking maca root experienced a more significant increase in sexual well-being than those taking a placebo. Some athletes and bodybuilders use maca root as a supplement to increase energy and performance. Some evidence exists to support this.

A pilot study in found that using maca extract for 14 days improved performance for male cyclists in a kilometer time trial. However, the results were not significantly different from the improvement seen in those taking a placebo. However, the same study found that maca extract improved libido in the participants who used it.

However, the sample size of this study was very small, so more research is needed to confirm the results. A review found some evidence that maca root may increase semen quality in both fertile and infertile men.

However, more research is needed. Maca contains flavonoids, which are thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety. A study in 14 postmenopausal women found that maca may reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Also, a study found that maca could reduce symptoms of depression in Chinese postmenopausal women. It is possible that maca root can also help to improve blood pressure.

The same study also found that 3. An older study in an animal model found that maca might help protect the skin from UV rays. Another animal study in found that extracts from maca leaves might help prevent the formation of sunburn cells.

Maca root also promotes natural antioxidants in the body, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals, which can damage cells in the body. Some people believe antioxidants can help prevent some health conditions, including heart disease and cancer.

Some proponents of maca root believe it may help balance levels of the hormone estrogen. During perimenopause, the stage before a woman reaches menopause , estrogen levels fluctuate and cause a variety of symptoms. One study found that postmenopausal women who took two daily tablets containing maca experienced reduced symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

There is some evidence to suggest that maca can improve learning and memory. For example, a study found that maca could improve memory in mice. A review of the literature suggested that maca may have benefits for learning and memory performance.

However, only research on animal models is currently available, so it is unclear whether maca will have the same benefits in humans.

Maca is not currently associated with any health risks in most people and is unlikely to cause any side effects in moderate doses. However, due to its effect on hormones, people with thyroid problems should avoid taking maca.

It is also better to avoid taking maca when undergoing treatments that modify hormonal levels, such as treatments for breast cancer.

Maca has a range of potential health benefits, particularly for sexual health. However, the evidence behind these health benefits is weak, as many studies used small sample sizes or animal models. Researchers need to carry out more large-scale studies in humans to determine if maca is effective.

Although there are few health risks associated with taking maca, most people can try maca without experiencing any adverse side effects. If a person is interested in trying maca root, they can find supplements in some natural food stores or online.