Maca root is a popular herbal elixir and dietary supplement with a variety of purported benefits, but when taken in high doses, it is not without some unintended potential side effects. In this article, we discuss maca root pros and cons.
The maca plant (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous vegetable that grows naturally in the high elevations of the Andes Mountains. Sometimes called ‘Peruvian ginseng,’ this root vegetable has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, and it has been consumed as both food and medicine. Maca has recently surged in popularity due to its effects on libido and fertility, but this plant product also promises sound nutritional benefits and a boost to energy and mood. Supplement makers have taken notice, and maca can now be purchased in a variety of forms, including capsules and powders. We’ll review some maca root pros and cons, and then we’ll show you how to choose a reliable maca root supplement.
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Maca Root Pros And Cons is an original (MedNewsPedia) article.
Maca root pros and cons:
Gives you a nutritional boost
Maca root is a popular food choice in Peru, and it is often consumed in porridge or brewed as tea. It can also be dried and ground into a flour-like substance used to bake breads and cookies. People in the Andes consume about a half pound of maca every day, and it is a local dietary staple.
This vegetable packs a healthy nutritional punch, and it’s rich in iron and metabolism-boosting iodine. When you consume maca, you’ll also benefit from a healthy dose of calcium, potassium, amino acids, and fiber. Fiber can promote feelings of fullness, encourage weight loss, and help maintain a healthy gut. This vegetable is even rich in healthy fatty acids, which can fight inflammation and promote heart health. The sulfurs in maca help the body to produce glutathione, a potent antioxidant known to boost liver function and promote detoxification.
Maca root pros and cons:
Boosts energy and mood
Ancient warriors consumed maca before rushing into battle, and at one time, maca was so valuable that it was used as a currency. In the present day, maca earns its nickname, ‘Peruvian ginseng,’ and it is popular as a tonic to improve stamina and energy. Some experts claim that maca root functions as an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body balance its response to stress. Recent studies support claims that maca boosts energy and mood, and it may even boost memory function. Maca root may achieve positive effects on energy levels through its capacity to balance blood sugar and support the adrenal glands. This vegetable’s rich protein content also promotes energy and helps build muscles.
Maca root pros and cons:
Benefits fertility and libido
Maca root is perhaps best known for its positive effects on libido, and some studies have shown that maca can improve sexual desire. Furthermore, this plant-based supplement has been shown to improve antidepressant-related sexual dysfunction in women. In similar studies, maca improved sexual interest, arousal, and satisfaction. Other investigations into the effects of maca root on male fertility have shown promise. Experts believe that maca boosts libido with unique fatty acids called macaenes and macamides, which are similar to pleasure-inducing endocannabinoids and are not found in any other plant.
Maca root has also been studied for its effects on the symptoms of menopause, and some women have experienced relief from hot flashes and sleep difficulties when supplementing with this plant-based product. Maca is thought to achieve these effects as it both stimulates estradiol and suppresses stress hormones like cortisol.
Maca Root Pros And Cons is the (MedNewsPedia) report.
Maca root pros and cons:
Does not combine with blood thinners
People taking blood thinners should avoid maca due to its rich vitamin K content. Vitamin K promotes blood clotting as it encourages the production of prothrombin, and this nutrient may counteract the effects of blood-thinning medications. For example, the popular anticoagulant drug, warfarin, works to block the activity of vitamin K; people taking this drug must monitor their intake of vitamin K as too little may cause bleeding, and too much may cause clotting.
Maca root pros and cons:
Should not be consumed by people with estrogen-sensitive conditions
Maca root contains plant sterols that are biochemically similar to human sex hormones. Because some components of maca root can act like estrogens, people with estrogen-sensitive conditions should avoid this plant medicine. These conditions include breast, ovarian, or uterine cancers and endometriosis. Similarly, women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills should consult with their doctors before supplementing with maca.
Maca root pros and cons:
Other side effects
A small percentage of people who consume maca experience mild side effects like jitteriness, insomnia, or digestive issues. These side effects are most common among those who are new to maca root, and often abate with time. It’s virtually impossible to overdose on maca when consuming it in its natural form, as evidenced by the high quantities of this vegetable consumed regularly in Peru. Most unpleasant effects come from alterations to the product during processing if maca is consumed as a powder or capsule. Poorly processed maca supplements may be mixed with other starches or contain pesticides, molds, or other impurities.
Choosing a reliable maca root supplement
When shopping for a reliable maca root supplement, consider important qualities like ingredient sourcing and product purity. Medicine Man Plant Co. is a standout supplement brand that produces its products using ethical sourcing and rigorous third-party testing. Founder Dr. Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen is a nationally recognized expert in medicinal plants with an MS in medicinal chemistry and a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry.
Medicine Man Plant Co. seeks natural solutions to contemporary health issues by reaching into our evolutionary past. The result is a selection of plant-based products that marry ancient wisdom with modern science. For example, Medicine Man Plant Co. offers The Libido Pill, an energizing supplement made with goldenrod, burdock root, and maca root. Each product comes with a short list of plant ingredients that work synergistically to promote wellness naturally, with minimal side effects.
Maca root pros and cons:
The choice is yours
Celebrated for millennia in the ancient cultures of the Andes, maca root has stood the test of time as a health staple to boost energy, mood, and even libido. Modern science has supported these benefits with some studies, and new evidence continues to mount for the potent benefits of plant-based products. While people with certain conditions should exercise caution when considering a maca root supplement, this plant ingredient has an overall positive safety profile. It can be enjoyed as a capsule or in powdered form in smoothies or added to oatmeal. With the right supplement, you can enjoy an energy boost and perhaps even greater satisfaction in the bedroom.
Further Reading:
Forbes: 7 Benefits Of Maca Root, According To Experts
The Guardian: Peru’s maca boom could fall flat if China starts growing its own
Women’s Health: What Is Maca—And Can It Really Boost Your Sex Drive?
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
