Maca root is a plant native to Peru that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It belongs to the same family as radishes and turnips and is mainly consumed as a supplement or in powder form. Maca root is known for its numerous health benefits, especially for women. In this article, we will discuss maca root benefits for females and how to incorporate it into women’s diet.
About Maca
Maca root, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is a plant native to Peru's high-altitude regions of the Andes mountains.
Maca is a hardy annual plant cultivated in the Andean Mountains and traditionally used for nutritional and fertility-enhancing purposes as an adaptogenic plant to manage anemia, infertility, and female hormone balance.
Maca is classified into different ecotypes according to the color of the tubers. Particularly, the active components and pharmacology values of yellow, red, and black Maca are widely used in studies. Although they have many similarities, each type has its characteristics and benefits.
Yellow Maca is the most common and widely cultivated type of Maca and is often used in research studies and general consumption.
Red Maca is less common than yellow Maca and has a slightly sweeter taste than yellow Maca but is supposed to be the best maca root for women.
Black Maca is less commonly popular than yellow or red Maca. Some believe that black Maca root for women may offer unique benefits, such as enhancing muscle or improving memory.
Maca Root Benefits For Females
Maca's Potential Role in Enhancing Women's Fertility
Maca has been traditionally used to support reproductive health. It can Enhance female fertility; studies on rats show that extract of yellow Maca can increase the litter size of adult female mice and the uterine weight in ovariectomized animals [1].
Maca Root Benefits For Females In Hormonal Balance
The effects of Maca root for women’s hormone balance is also one of the key benefits of Maca root for women’s health. It may exert positive influence on the stimulation of endocrine glands in regulating hormonal balances in the body, particularly in women entering a perimenopausal state of life [2].
Boosting Libido and Sexual Desire in Women with Maca
According to the study "Maca Root as an Antidepressant Treatment Sexual Disorders in Women," Maca helps reduce sexual dysfunction and improve Libido in women with Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction [3].
This partly demonstrates improvements in sexual behavior with Maca, and substantial evidence supports the use of Maca to manage sexual dysfunction in humans.
Moreover, Maca even works better to boost Libido and sexual desires when it is combined with Tongkat Ali [5].
Energizing Support for Daily Activities of Women
Maca is recommended for women to use for energy. Maca root benefits for females include increased energy, reduced nervousness, easier sleep, better concentration, and fewer headaches.
In a study on the use of Maca in Early Postmenopausal Women on 20 subjects, most women who participated in the trial experienced positive changes, an increase in being more affected, and less nervous tension after two months of using Maca [4].
Supporting Menstrual Cycle Regularity
Maca has been used successfully by the indigenous people of Peru to help irregular menstruation.
According to research, Maca can help regulate the menstrual cycle, stimulate ovulation, and increase the chance of pregnancy when combined with Vitex, a plant native to the Mediterranean region used for reproductive health issues in women. The supplement can be used by women trying to conceive [6].
Providing Support Menopausal Symptoms
Maca improves the reduction of menopausal discomfort. One of the benefits of Maca for women who are menopausal is that it can help alleviate some of the common symptoms of this transition, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, and low libido [4].
Enhancing Overall Cognitive Health with Maca
Maca has been associated with enhanced cognitive function. Research on mice suggests that the consumption of Maca may contribute to improvements in cognitive abilities, including memory and brain aging.
The natural compounds found in Maca are believed to have neuroprotective effects, supporting brain health and potentially enhancing cognitive performance [7].
This positive impact on cognitive function adds to the diverse range of potential health benefits associated with Maca consumption.
Nurturing Skin Health with Maca
Maca is a natural and effective way to support skin health and improve overall well-being. Maca may help inhibit the formation of sunburn cells and protect the skin from UV-induced damage.
Maca extracts protect the skin of rats against UV irradiations and can be suggested as an alternative means of solar protection [8].
The research on Maca indicated that it could be antioxidant and anti-radiation, which was the basis of skin-lightening [12].
Moreover, when maca root puts up with fermentation with Lactobacillus, Maca retains its antioxidant effects and enhances its anti-inflammatory. Based on the positive outcomes observed with fermented maca root extracts with Postbiotics and improved skin barrier function [13].
Maca's Impact on Cardiovascular Health
The plant is believed to help regulate blood pressure levels and improve overall heart function. As blood pressure is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease, this could be a significant finding for lowering cardiovascular disease risk. Maca was shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and depression [9].
Particularly, Maca reduces blood pressure and depression in postmenopausal women who are more likely to present with cardiovascular disease as compared to men in the same age group [9].
Maca's Role in Reducing Osteoporosis
Maca reduces osteoporosis and benefits bone formation by enhancing the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. Research on mice shows that giving a strong dose of Maca extract helps reduce bone loss caused by a lack of estrogen [1].
Nourishing Thyroid Health with Maca
Maca is believed to contribute to nourishing thyroid health. It may help support the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Additionally, Maca's belongings are thought to help balance hormonal activity, potentially benefiting those with thyroid imbalances' particularly in women entering a perimenopausal state of life [10].
Achieving an Enhanced Curve with Maca
Maca appears to hold the secret to achieving enhanced curves; its ability to influence body composition has attracted interest. In particular, adding black Maca helps significantly increase muscle endurance and isokinetic muscle function of the knee [11].
This benefit, combined with incorporating it into a healthy lifestyle, can be considered part of a comprehensive approach to achieving enhanced curves.
Maca's Considerations During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women need to be cautious when considering the use of supplements like Maca. Despite its reputation for potential hormonal balance and nutritional benefits, the safety of Maca during pregnancy has not been much researched.
Because of the lack of clear evidence, it is highly recommended that pregnant women consult with their healthcare providers before incorporating Maca or any other supplement into their diet during pregnancy.
Incorporate Maca Root Into Women's Diet
Maca root is a nutritious and versatile plant used for centuries for its potential health benefits. With the range of benefits of Maca root benefits for females, it can be a good choice for women to incorporate into their diet. However, how can females take Maca root?
Here are some recommendations for using Maca:
Choose the Right Form:
Maca root is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and extracts. The powder is popular as it can be easily added to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.
However, the capsule form is more commonly used on the market because of its convenience and easy storage.
In addition, the manufactured and tested capsules also provide the same effects as benefits of maca root powder for females. That's why it is popular in many supplements nowadays.
Blend Into Other Foods:
One of the easiest ways to incorporate Maca into your diet is by adding it to your favorite smoothies. Combine it with fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and your preferred beverages for a delicious and nutritious blend.
Maca Cream And Mask:
Beyond the conventional maca powder supplements, there's another intriguing form known as gelatinized Maca, which brings a new approach to incorporating this natural wonder into your beauty routine.
Gelatinized Maca is processed to remove the starch content, making it more concentrated and easily digestible. You can add it to a mask, serum, or cream. It can extend their benefits into the field of skincare.
Maca Tea
Create a maca tea by infusing maca powder in hot water. You can add honey or lemon for flavor. Remember that a tea's taste might be stronger, so adjust the amount to your fancy.
It was taken at the correct dosage, which differs for each woman. For women with menopausal symptoms, most of them will need a minimum of three to four 500 mg capsules daily [10].
However, individual responses to Maca can differ; what works for one person may not be the same for another. Be mindful of your body's signals and consult with a healthcare professional if you have pre-existing health conditions or any concerns about how much maca root “Should a woman take or how can women take Maca root?”.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maca Root benefits for females are numerous. From enhancing cognitive function and skin health to regulating blood pressure and supporting thyroid health, incorporating Maca into one's diet can positively impact overall well-being. With the proper form and dosage, Maca can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle for women of all ages.
