Maca Root Vs. Shilajit: Herbs for Energy & Sexual Health
Maca Root vs Shilajit are two naturally sourced supplements renowned for their health benefits, especially in boosting energy and enhancing sexual health.
However, consumers often find themselves at a crossroads, wondering which option is the best for their specific needs. The following article aims to compare these two products, helping you determine the best fit for your health regime.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
What Is Shilajit and How Does It Benefit for Human Health?
Shilajit is a natural compound formed by microorganisms over centuries through the decomposition of certain plants.
It is predominantly found in the mountain ranges across Asia, particularly in the Himalayas.
Shilajit contains nutrients such as fulvic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, zinc, iron, copper, and magnesium.
The key benefits of Shilajit include:
- Prevention of neurodegenerative disorders and diseases related to cognitive decline like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's [1][2].
- Antioxidant properties may prevent cancer [1][6].
- Anti-inflammatory effects may prevent diseases such as ulcers and stomach inflammation [3][6].
- Enhancing testosterone levels in men [4].
- Stimulating sperm production and improving sperm quality [5].
- Boosting physical and mental energy [6].
- Enhancing physical performance [6].
- Strengthening the immune system [7].
Learn more: Shilajit Vs Sea Moss: Is Shilajit Better Than Sea Moss?
What Is Maca and How Does It Benefit for Human Health?
Maca is a perennial plant native to Peru, primarily grown in the Andes mountains.
It has been consumed as a dietary supplement and herb for centuries due to its potential health benefits. Maca is a rich source of vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C, E), minerals (iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium), amino acids, and plant compounds.
The main benefits of Maca include:
- Supporting recovery from sexual dysfunction [8].
- Increasing and improving sperm motility and volume [8].
- Boosting libido [8].
- Alleviating menopausal symptoms [9][10].
- Protecting the nervous system and enhancing memory [11].
- Antioxidant and anti-cancer properties [11].
- Overall energy boost [12].
Maca Root Vs. Shilajit: The Comparison Between Herbs for Energy and Sexual Health
If you are seeking a functional food that enhances overall health and reproductive function yet uncertain whether to choose Maca root vs Shilajit, the following comparison information may assist you:
The Similarities Between Maca and Shilajit
Maca root and Shilajit are both naturally sourced herbs used historically in traditional medicine.
They contain numerous nutrients and may possess standard functions beneficial to the human body, such as boosting overall energy, improving endurance, offering strong antioxidant properties, enhancing sexual health, and effectively addressing various sexual disorders.
The Differences Between Maca Vs. Shilajit
Besides their similarities, Maca Root and Shilajit also have distinct differences in their origins and functions as follows:
Firstly, Shilajit is not an herb but a natural compound obtained from the rock surfaces of high mountain ranges. At the same time, Maca Root is genuinely an herbal and vegetable root.
Next, Maca Root has numerous studies supporting its ability to balance hormone levels and enhance sexual health in both men and women.
Meanwhile, with fewer studies, Shilajit is often used to support male health and is known for its higher promotion of Testosterone production compared to Maca.
Maca Root acts as an adaptogen for overall energy enhancement, helping to manage stress and increase energy levels. In contrast, Shilajit primarily transports nutrients to cells and boosts ATP production to maintain energy.
Finally, regarding the function of mental health and cognitive improvement, Maca Root performs well in anti-anxiety, anti-depression effects, and reducing stress hormones.
At the same time, Shilajit performs better with its antioxidant properties and mood regulation functions.
Criteria |
Maca |
Shilajit |
Origin |
Grows in soil |
Comes from mountain rocks |
Active Compounds |
Protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals |
Axit fulvic, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones and minerals |
Traditional Use |
Andean cultures |
Ayurvedic medicine |
Main Benefits |
Supports the hormonal system, provides energy, enhances overall function |
Provides energy, anti-oxidation, may synthesizes testosterone |
Forms |
Whole root, powders, capsules |
Resin, powder, capsules |
Dosage |
1,5-10g per day |
250-500mg per day |
Taste |
Malty or butterscotch flavor |
Tarry, bitter taste |
Gender Benefits |
Balance hormones for men and women |
May increase Testosterone for men |
Safety |
Safe for most people |
Quite safe, avoid overdose |
Side Effects |
Acne, insomnia, and indigestion |
Iron overload in some individuals, mild allergies, and abdominal pain |
Price |
Affordable |
Expensive |
The comparison table of Maca Root and Shilajit
What Should You Choose to Enhance Your Overall Health?
When choosing between Maca Root and Shilajit for overall health enhancement, increased energy, and improved stamina, you might lean towards Shilajit.
Shilajit provides antioxidants and enhances ATP production to boost the body's direct energy levels. Conversely, Maca Root would be more suitable for those seeking a product with stress-relief and mood-balancing effects.
Experts support using Shilajit as a "revitalizer," boosting physical and mental energy. Additionally, it enhances physical performance and reduces fatigue by stimulating the production of Adenosine Triphosphate [6].
Related Article: Shilajit Vs. Kratom: A Detail Comparison of Natural Remedies
Can You Combine Maca Root and Shilajit?
You can use Maca Root vs Shilajit together. Both compounds supplement the body with numerous nutrients, and current research does not show that combining Maca Root and Shilajit is harmful.
Therefore, you can consume them together if they are within the recommended dosage and supervised by a professional.
Combining Maca Root and Shilajit offers enhanced energy, improved endurance, hormonal balance support for both men and women, improved memory, and concentration.
How to Combine Maca Root and Shilajit Together
Maca Root and Shilajit offer numerous health benefits when used together. Shilajit Maca Latte can be an excellent alternative if you'reyou prefer to avoid consuming them in their traditional forms. Here's a detailed recipe:
Name: Vegan Shilajit Maca Latte
Purpose: Coffee replacement helps improve focus and energy levels.
Ingredients:
- Purified Water (400ml)
- Plant-based Milk (400ml)
- Gelatinized Maca Powder (2 teaspoons)
- Cocoa Powder (1 teaspoon)
- 1 Date, pitted
- Rice grain to lentil size portion Shilajit
- Coconut Oil (1 teaspoon)
Instructions:
- Boil the prepared water and milk.
- Put all the ingredients, including the milk and water, into a blender, and blend for 30 seconds to a minute until frothy.
- Pour into a cup and enjoy.
Note: It is recommended to use gelatinized Maca powder for easier digestion, minimizing effects on the adrenal glands and hormonal imbalances.
How to Use Shilajit and Maca Root
To maximize the benefits when combining Maca Root vs Shilajit, pay attention to the following information during use:
Dosage:
- If used individually: Shilajit 250-500 mg/day divided into 2 doses, Maca Root 1.5-10 g/day [13].
- If combined: 250mg Shilajit + 500-1000 mg Maca.
Timing: Shilajit is most effective and metabolized best around 12-14 hours [14], so it's best consumed after a main meal for maximum effectiveness.
Note:
- Please start with the lowest dose and gradually increase it to suit your body's adaptability.
- Shilajit may contain impurities, toxins, and harmful free radicals in its natural state, so be cautious when using it and choose a high-quality Shilajit product to ensure puritys and effectiveness.
- Consult with a specialist to find the proper dosage, avoiding overdose.
Conclusion
The information provided above compares Maca Root vs Shilajit.
These two supplements not only offer benefits in fighting oxidation, and enhancing the nervous system but also improve endurance and sexual health for both men and women.
Hopefully, the insights on their combination and the precautions are helpful to you.
References
- [1] “Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity.”Www.hindawi.com, www.hindawi.com/journals/ijad/2012/674142/.
- [2] Christian, Donny. Health Benefits of Fulvic Acid or Shilajit.
- [3] RK , Goel, et al. “Antiulcerogenic and Antiinflammatory Studies with Shilajit.” Sciencedirect, Apr. 1990, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/037887419090102Y. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
- [4] Pandit, S., et al. “Clinical Evaluation of Purified Shilajit on Testosterone Levels in Healthy Volunteers.” Andrologia, vol. 48, no. 5, 22 Sept. 2015, pp. 570–575, https://doi.org/10.1111/and.12482.
- [5] Biswas, T. K., et al. “Clinical Evaluation of Spermatogenic Activity of Processed Shilajit in Oligospermia.” Andrologia, vol. 42, no. 1, 1 Feb. 2010, pp. 48–56, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20078516/, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2009.00956.x.
- [6] Stohs, Sidney J., et al. “12 - Energy and Health Benefits of Shilajit.” ScienceDirect, Academic Press, 1 Jan. 2017, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128054130000120.
- [7] Mohamed Saiyad Musthafa, and Abdul Rahman Jawahar Ali. “Macrobrachium Rosenbergii (de Man) against Aeromonas Hydrophila.” Sciencedirect, Oct. 2016, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1050464816305009. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
- [8] Dording, Christina M., et al. “A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Maca Root as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Women.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 14 Apr. 2015, www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/949036/.
- [9] N. A. Brooks, G. Wilcox, K. Z. Walker, J. F. Ashton, M. B. Cox, and L. Stojanovska, “Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content,” Menopause, vol. 15, no. 6, pp. 1157–1162, 2008.
- [10] “The Benefits of Maca Root in Hormonal Regulation and Menopausal Symptom Relief.” Rupa Health, 9 Jan. 2024, www.rupahealth.com/post/the-benefits-of-maca-root-in-hormonal-regulation-and-menopausal-symptom-relief.
- [11] Peres, Natália da Silva Leitão, et al. “Medicinal Effects of Peruvian Maca ( Lepidium Meyenii ): A Review.” Food & Function, vol. 11, no. 1, 2020, pp. 83–92, pubs.rsc.org/az/content/articlehtml/2020/fo/c9fo02732g, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9FO02732G.
- [12] Gonzales-Arimborgo, Carla, et al. “Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Pharmaceuticals, vol. 9, no. 3, 1 Sept. 2016, p. 49, www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/9/3/49/htm, https://doi.org/10.3390/ph9030049.
- [13] Bower-Cargill, Cherie, et al. “A Systematic Review of the Versatile Effects of the Peruvian Maca Root (Lepidium Meyenii ) on Sexual Dysfunction, Menopausal Symptoms and Related Conditions.” Phytomedicine Plus, vol. 2, no. 4, Nov. 2022, p. 100326, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyplu.2022.100326.
- [14] Meena, Harsahay, et al. “Shilajit: A Panacea for High-Altitude Problems.” International Journal of Ayurveda Research, vol. 1, no. 1, 2010, p. 37, https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7788.59942.
- [15] Government of Canada, Health Canada. “Archive – Health Canada Warns Consumers Not to Use Certain Ayurvedic Medicinal Products - Recalls, Advisories and Safety Alerts – Canada.ca.” Recalls-Rappels.canada.ca, 20 Aug. 2021, recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/archive-health-canada-warns-consumers-not-use-certain-ayurvedic-medicinal-products. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
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