Maca is a plant that grows wild in the Andes mountains in Peru. Traditionally, Peruvians have used this nutrient-rich superfood for nutritional and traditional medicinal purposes including supporting hormone health and energy.* In recent years, maca has been popping up in health food stores and the supplement scene boasting benefits in reproductive health, energy, and stamina.*

Many men and women alike struggle with low libido and other hormone-related issues that may negatively affect their mood, wellbeing, and relationships. That’s why maca root has become so popular, as people are looking for plant-based solutions to naturally support their libido and hormone health.* But how super is this superfood? Are these maca claims fact or fiction?

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a tuberous root that grows in the high elevations of the Andes mountain range. Maca is known as an adaptogen, which means it helps to bring balance in the body and supports your body’s normal stress response.* According to folklore, Maca is an aphrodisiac — it enhances sexual drive, which tends to be reduced at higher altitudes.* Since it grows wild and is able to survive harsh conditions, people living in the high altitude regions of Peru and Bolivia relied on maca as an important staple in their diet. It’s believed that Maca supported the people to adapt, reproduce, and thrive in harsh conditions that include extreme cold, rugged terrain, low oxygen, intense sunlight, and strong winds.

As a result, Maca has earned its claim to fame as an adaptogen to help support energy levels, endurance, and a healthy libido.* It’s been suggested that maca may help regulate menstrual cycles and improve mood in menopausal women.* With its subtle nutty, butterscotch flavor this plant has turned into a superfood staple, and can be added to smoothies, lattes, baked treats, energy bites, and more. For convenience sake, maca is also available in capsule form for those who prefer to take pills instead of powders.

These claims are all great and sound promising, but if scientific studies don’t support these claims, we can’t be sure that this superfood is that super. Maca has limited studies to confirm its ability to support sexual wellbeing.* According to a review, limited evidence from four small trials suggests that maca is effective in improving sexual desire after at least 6 weeks.¹ However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and draw conclusions.¹

While more studies are needed, maca does show some signs of supporting sexual well-being in healthy individuals.* If you’re a healthy individual and looking for plant-based solutions to support your overall wellbeing in a natural way, maca root may be a supplement to consider.* Just be sure to speak to your healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement routine, especially if you have any signs of hormone imbalance or sexual dysfunction. There may be something going on that requires a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment.

While its role in sexual well-being may still be a question mark, maca root is known to provide antioxidant activities.* As we know, antioxidants are needed for human health. Just like vitamin supplements, maca root can help protect against free radical damage, maintain cellular health, and provide antioxidant protection.* Now that’s a super benefit to this superfood!

Maca is a superfood with antioxidant protection and adaptogenic abilities to support your overall wellness.* As a healthy individual, maca may be a great choice for you if you’re looking to keep up your energy and stamina.* But, if you are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, like low libido, low energy, or sexual dysfunction, be sure to talk to your doctor. Make your health and wellbeing a priority so you can get the care and quality you deserve!

References:

¹Shin et al. (2010). BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010; 10: 44.