Maca root has long been known as one of the traditional medicines to increase libido and fertility in men. However, this herbal plant also has various other health benefits.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a type of herbal plant that grows in the Andes mountains, South America. The roots have long been used by local people to increase stamina and sexual arousal.
Maca root is usually consumed in powder form, capsules, or added to drinks. In addition to increasing male vitality, maca root is also believed to improve mood, improve memory, and protect the skin from the dangers of excessive sun exposure.
Maca Root Content
The various benefits offered by maca root certainly cannot be separated from the content in it. The following are some of the nutrients contained in maca root:
- Carbohydrate
- Proteins and amino acids
- Fiber
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins, including vitamin B3 or and vitamin B6
- Alkaloids
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
In addition, maca root also contains magnesium, manganese, copper, as well as various antioxidants such as polyphenols, saponins, flavonoids, and glucosinolates.
Various Benefits of Maca Root
There are many health benefits of maca root that you can get, including:
1. Increase sexual arousal
The most popular benefits of maca root are as an increase in stamina and sexual arousal in men.
Several studies have shown that consuming maca root as an herbal tea or supplement can increase male sexual arousal and performance. These benefits can be obtained after maca root is consumed in approximately 6 weeks.
In addition, this herbal plant is also believed to be able to overcome erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. However, the benefits of maca root to overcome sexual problems and libido disorders still need to be studied further.
2. Increase fertility
In addition to increasing sexual arousal, regular consumption of maca root is believed to improve sperm quality, volume, concentration, and movement. This makes maca root useful for increasing male fertility.
However, the effectiveness and safety of maca root as a fertility drug also still needs to be investigated further.
3. Relieves menopausal symptoms in women
Approaching menopause, estrogen levels in a woman's body will decrease. This condition makes women often experience several symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, mood swings, insomnia, and irritability.
A study states that the consumption of maca root can be useful for alleviating the symptoms of menopause that arise.
Not only that, the calcium content in maca root is also good for maintaining bone strength and reducing the risk of osteoporosis which is often experienced by women after menopause.
4. Improve memory
In Latin American countries, such as Peru, maca root has been consumed for generations to maintain brain function and health as well as improve memory and concentration power. This is thought to be thanks to the antioxidant content and various nutrients in maca root which are good for the brain.
Not only that, some research also mentions that maca root has the potential to inhibit the development of Parkinson's disease and prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease.
5. Fights free radicals
Maca root is a plant that is rich in antioxidants. This content is able to protect the body's cells from the effects of exposure to free radicals that can trigger various diseases, such as cancer.
The antioxidant content in maca root is also useful for reducing inflammation and preventing the growth of tumor or cancer cells.
6. Protects skin from sun exposure
Too long exposure to the sun not only makes the skin darken and wrinkles quickly, but also increases the risk of skin cancer. Excessive sun exposure is also known to trigger the appearance of signs of premature aging.
Research shows that applying a cream containing maca root extract to the skin is beneficial for repairing skin damage and protecting the skin from the effects of UV radiation. These benefits are derived from the antioxidant content of polyphenols and glucosinolates in maca root.
In addition to offering the various benefits above, maca root is also believed to be beneficial for improving digestion, lowering blood pressure, increasing energy and physical stamina, and maintaining liver function.
However, studies on the effectiveness of the benefits of maca root and its safety level are still very limited.
In addition, maca root also has the potential to cause drug interaction effects, if taken together with other drugs or supplements. Therefore, further research is still needed to confirm the various claims for the benefits of maca root above.
To be on the safe side, you are advised to consult a doctor first before consuming maca root, especially if you have certain diseases or medical conditions.
