The increasing tension in people's lives has driven them towards natural solutions to enhance sexual desire. Maca root stands as one of the trusted remedies for boosting libido naturally.
However, there are lingering questions regarding its usage, notably between red and black Mac, which variant yields better arousal results? Or which is more effective for men?
This article addresses your inquiries about the benefits and distinctions between these two variants of maca root.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
What Are the Benefits of Maca for Libido?
Before delving into which type of maca is best for libido in both men and women, you may want to consider some excellent benefits that this root offers.
Increased sexual desire and arousal: Maca has been scientifically proven to stimulate sexual desire by influencing neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which play crucial roles in regulating sexual desire and arousal. [1]
Improved sexual stamina and endurance: Regular consumption of Maca can enhance physical endurance and stamina, allowing individuals to maintain longer and more satisfying sexual experiences.[2]
Enhanced fertility and reproductive health: Maca is believed to support reproductive health in both men and women by promoting healthy sperm production, improving sperm motility, and regulating menstrual cycles.[3]
Balanced hormone levels, especially testosterone and estrogen: Maca contains adaptogenic properties that help balance hormone levels, which is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing hormonal imbalances affecting sexual desire, such as low testosterone levels in men or estrogen imbalances in women. [4]
Alleviation of sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or low libido: Maca is commonly used to address various forms of sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and low libido, by enhancing blood flow to the genital area and supporting overall sexual function. [5]
Heightened sensitivity and pleasure during sexual activity: Maca may increase sensitivity in erogenous zones and promote heightened pleasure during sexual activity, leading to more satisfying sexual experiences.[6]
Reduction of stress and anxiety related to sexual performance: Maca's adaptogenic properties can help reduce stress and anxiety. These common factors can negatively impact sexual performance and desire.[1]
Boosted energy [7] and vitality, contributing to a more fulfilling sex life: Maca is renowned for its energizing effects, providing individuals with increased vitality and stamina to engage in more frequent and satisfying sexual activities.
Regulation of menstrual cycles and relief from menopausal symptoms in women: Maca has been proven to help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings, indirectly improving sexual desire and sexual health in women. [8]
What is the Best Maca Root for Libido: Red Maca or Black Maca?
Best Maca for Men's Libido
Black Maca is believed to support men's sexual desire by increasing sperm production and improving sperm quality.
Not only that, it also can enhance energy levels and endurance, contributing to improved sexual performance.
Some studies have revealed that black Maca is the most effective color among all maca varieties in enhancing sperm motility and quantity.
Best Maca Root For Women's Libido
A study indicates that red Maca contains slightly higher levels of essential phytonutrients than black or yellow Maca [9].
Regarding women's libido, red Maca is believed to be advantageous due to its potential in regulating menstrual cycles and alleviating menopausal symptoms.
These effects indirectly enhance sexual desire and satisfaction in women.
|
Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Black Maca |
Improved sperm production and quality, potentially benefiting male fertility and libido. |
The taste is harder to drink than red maca and Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or other side effects with high doses of maca. |
|
Red Maca |
Help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menopausal symptoms, indirectly improving women's libido. It tastes slightly sweeter than Black Maca |
Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or other side effects with high doses of maca. |
The comparison table of Black Maca and Red Maca
Dosage of Maca Root for Libido
Capsules
Standard Dosage: the recommended dosage for maca root capsules ranges from 1,500 mg to 3,000 mg per day.
Starting Dosage: Beginners are advised to start with a lower dosage, such as 1,500 mg per day, and gradually increase to assess tolerance and effectiveness.
Frequency: It's commonly taken once or twice daily with meals to enhance absorption and minimize potential digestive discomfort.
Liquid
Standard Dosage: Liquid maca extracts typically come in dropper bottles with recommended servings of 1-2 droppers (approximately 30-60 drops) daily.
Starting Dosage: Beginners can start with a lower serving size, such as 1 dropper per day, and adjust based on individual response.
Administration: The liquid can be mixed with water, juice, or added to smoothies for easy consumption.
Powder
Standard Dosage: The typical dosage for maca root powder ranges from 1,500 mg to 3,000 mg per day.
Measurement: This translates to approximately 1 to 3 teaspoons of powdered maca root.
Administration: Maca powder can be mixed into beverages like smoothies and juices or added to foods such as yogurt or oatmeal.
Starting Dosage: Beginners may start with a smaller amount, such as 1 teaspoon per day, and gradually increase as needed.
Conclusion
In general, both types of Maca root have excellent effects in naturally enhancing and boosting sexual desire for both men and women.
Specifically, Red Maca has a better impact on women, balancing hormones and supporting menstrual cycles and menopause. At the same time, Black Maca is more effective in improving sperm quality for men.
When starting, use Maca root with low doses and gradually increase over time. Monitor health status and adjust consumption levels to suit your sexual stimulation preferences and needs.
References
- [1] Gonzales, G. F., Cordova, A., Vega, K., Chung, A., Villena, A., Góñez, C., & Castillo, S. (2002). Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. andrologia, 34(6), 367-372.
- [2] Cicero, A. F. G., Piacente, S., Plaza, A., Sala, E., Arletti, R., & Pizza, C. (2002). Hexanic Maca extract improves rat sexual performance more effectively than methanolic and chloroformic Maca extracts. andrologia, 34(3), 177-179.
- [3] Gonzales, G. F., Cordova, A., Vega, K., Chung, A., Villena, A., & Góñez, C. (2003). Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men. Journal of endocrinology, 176(1), 163-168.
- [4] Meissner, H. O., Mscisz, A., Reich-Bilinska, H., Mrozikiewicz, P., Bobkiewicz-Kozlowska, T., Kedzia, B., ... & Barchia, I. (2006). Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon):(III) Clinical responses of early-postmenopausal women to Maca in double blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled, crossover configuration, outpatient study. International journal of biomedical science: IJBS, 2(4), 375.
- [5] Dording, C. M., Fisher, L., Papakostas, G., Farabaugh, A., Sonawalla, S., Fava, M., & Mischoulon, D. (2008). A double‐blind, randomized, pilot dose‐finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI‐induced sexual dysfunction. CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 14(3), 182-191.
- [6] Melnyk, J. P., & Marcone, M. F. (2011). Aphrodisiacs from plant and animal sources—A review of current scientific literature. Food research international, 44(4), 840-850.
- [7] Meissner, H. O., Kedzia, B., Mrozikiewicz, P. M., & Mscisz, A. (2006). Short and long-term physiological responses of male and female rats to two dietary levels of pre-gelatinized Maca (Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon). International Journal of Biomedical Science: IJBS, 2(1), 13.
- [8] Meissner, H. O., Reich-Bilinska, H., Mscisz, A., & Kedzia, B. (2006). Therapeutic Effects of Pre-Gelatinized Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon) used as a non-hormonal alternative to HRT in perimenopausal women-Clinical Pilot Study. International journal of biomedical science: IJBS, 2(2), 143.
- [9] Meissner, H. O., Mscisz, A., Mrozikiewicz, M., Baraniak, M., Mielcarek, S., Kedzia, B., Piatkowska, E., Jólkowska, J., & Pisulewski, P. (2015). Peruvian Maca (Lepidium peruvianum): (I) Phytochemical and Genetic Differences in Three Maca Phenotypes. International Journal of Biomedical Science: IJBS, 11(3), 131–145. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26508907/
