The Health Benefits of Maca Powder

 Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Maca is a type of herbaceous biennial plant that belongs to the crucifer family. It’s native to Peru and cultivated as a root vegetable, as a medicinal plant, and even as an aphrodisiac. Maca is considered as a super food; it’s been used for generations as an all-natural energy booster, mood stabilizer, and skin enhancer.

Maca is processed in many ways — the most common being in powder form. It can be mixed with various beverages or mixed with food such as salads, cakes, etc. Maca powder can be taken daily in capsule form too. Other times, maca powder is prepared in gelatin form and is mixed with shakes or smoothies.

Health Benefits of Maca Powder

Enhances Vitality

Maca powder has the ability to balance the hormonal system in both men and women. Taking maca powder was said to help boost vitality (especially in active individuals), increase energy and stamina, and even strengthen the immune system to increase resistance against various health problems. Maca powder contains the same energy-boosting compounds found in ginseng — that’s why the herb is a popular tonic among pro athletes.

Soothes Irritated, Acne-Prone Skin

Is your skin sensitive and prone to breakouts? Your skin will benefit from taking maca powder too! Maca powder contains natural compounds that help minimize skin sensitivity, inhibit acne formation, and restore the skin’s youthful texture.

Clinical testing shows that maca powder helps nourish and soften skin because it stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts in vitro. This result is glowing, rejuvenated skin. Maca powder also helps boost collagen synthesis and improve the structural matrix of the skin.

Treats PMS and Menopause

From dysmenorrheal to hot flashes, maca powder helps minimize discomfort and painful symptoms associated with both PMS and menopause. The hormones go haywire when a woman goes through menopause or is PMS-ing. Because maca powder helps stabilize and normalize hormones, taking it helps prevent common symptoms associated with the two conditions such as night sweats, headaches, lethargy, chronic fatigue, etc. Maca also helps prevent mood swings, anxiety, stress, and depression.

Boosts Sex Drive

Maca powder is traditionally taken as an aphrodisiac and it comes to no surprise that the herb helps boost a person’s libido and improves stamina. Even better, maca powder contains natural compounds that boost fertility in both men and women. That’s why this herb is popular among couples who are struggling to conceive.

Promotes Better Health

Apart from boosting energy, balancing the hormones, and boosting sex drive in both men and women, maca powder helps improve overall health in many ways. It contains iron that increases red blood cells, preventing anemia. It also helps promote healthy bones and teeth, stimulates the body to heal itself faster, and—when taken in conjunction with an excellent workout program—also boosts muscle mass.

Who Shouldn’t Take Maca Powder

Although maca powder contains many health-giving nutrients, not all people can take this herb. Because of its potent compounds, pregnant and breastfeeding women are not advised to take maca powder or maca supplements. People with heart conditions are also discouraged from taking maca supplements. People with history of testicular cancer or liver problems should consult their doctor before taking maca supplements.