Maca (Lepidium meyenii) powder is one superfood worth looking into
if you are interested in happier hormone health, more energy, and better moods.
It grows native to Peru and is often called “Peruvian Ginseng”. The root of this plant which resembles a turnip is dried and powdered and used by people all over the world that can attest to it’s health promoting properties, myself being one. I have used this powder for about 8 years now and I love the energy and mood lift it gives me. It is delicious when added to smoothies. Maca is a girl’s best friend, it is being used to help increase libido, improve fertility. and give you a sense of well being and balance. That being said, don’t expect miracles out of this powder if you are not making other healthy adjustments to improve overall health. Incorporating a healthy whole foods diet, good sleep, good water, stress management, and exercise should also be in practice to see optimal benefits. Let’s learn more about maca for energy, hormones, moods, and more!
What is Maca?
Maca is an adaptogen. An adaptogen helps the body to adapt to physical and emotional stressors while promoting a normalising effect on bodily functions. It is also an excellent source of important phyto -nutrients. These nutrients are largely responsible for the mood elevating and energizing effects of this powerful root. The root possesses properties that help to balance the hormones. As your hormones start to balance it will increase a sense of well being. If your hormones have been all over the map, you have pms issues, infertitlity, peri-menopause, menopause, moodiness, etc…. maca would be an important adjunct to a hormone balancing protocol. Maca has been reportedly helping numerous people with anxiety and depression as well. Take a look at some studies that have been done on maca and it’s incredible effects on moods, fertility, libido, and it’s balancing effects on hormones. Here are just a few studies but there are many more. study #1, study #2, study #3, study #4, study #5 study #6,
How Does it work?
There are metabolites called macamides in maca that are really attracting alot of attention because they seem to be the compound responsible for increasing libido. Maca also is known to stimulate and nourish the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. These glands are the master glands. These 2 glands help to regulate the other glands like the thyroid, adrenal, ovarian, testicular, and pancreas glands. When those glands are in good working order they are beneficial to the hormonal system. Maca is NOT a hormone and does not supply hormones but rather it helps to bring hormones into balance by improving gland health, those glands help to regulate hormone production.
Maca Benefits
- Libido– one reason it is believed that maca increases libido in women is because it has a positive effect on serotonin levels. Serotonin is the “happy” hormone. See this study here. Reports of taking 3 grams a day for 6 weeks have had good success rate at increasing libido significantly in both men and women alike.
- Energy– With consistent use, maca helps nourish the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus gland. These master glands when healthy help to balance the adrenal glands. Adrenal gland health is imperative for having energy. Maca is also rich in iron, b vitamins, and iodine, all of these contribute to energy levels. It is nice to have more energy without the jitters or anxiety, maca accomplishes this. People that use maca say they have better endurance, stamina, and vitality.
- Helps to balance hormones– maca is very beneficial to help balance hormones along with other lifestyle changes like eliminating plastics, chemicals in cleaners you use, eating organic when possible to avoid pesticides, proper sleep and a whole food diet. See this study here. Maca is also being used as a non- hormone alternative in women that are in peri-menopause for benefits in helping to balance their hormones. See this study.
- Fertility– Black maca has been shown in men to increase the sperm count and the volume of sperm. Maca is known to help female users regain regularity with their cycles and help ovulation to be easier. Another thing to consider is a healthier hormone balance contributes to healthier eggs and sperm. Maca’s ability to increase libido has an effect on fertility as well. See study.
- Moods– It’s no wonder why your moods improve when you have more energy, balance, and an all around sense of well being. Maca’s ability to help as an adaptogen and hormone balancer can also go a long way to improve your moods. I love that it also helps to increase serotonin levels, a plus in my book 🙂
What Is Gelatinized Maca?
In gelatinized maca, the roots are dried and then boiled. Then to remove the starch content in the root they are pressurized. The starch is what makes maca root so hard to digest. So…basically gelatinized maca has been cooked and the starch removed. It is a more concentrated powder because the starch has been removed. This form works best for people with sensitive stomachs. If your stomach can handle the starch, go with the raw. The advantage with the raw powder is that the enzyme content is higher because there was no heat used and allows for better absorption. Check with your physician to see which is best for you.
How To Use Maca
Whether you are using maca for more energy, to uplift your moods, or as a tool to help balance your hormones, I find it easy to incorporate into your daily regimen. Maca is available in a number of supplements, sometimes it is used in combination with other botanicals or used by itself. It comes in powder and it comes in capsules. Personally, I like the powder. This way I don’t have to deal with some of the additives that can be found in capsules. I think it tastes great when added to your daily smoothie. It has a sweet, nutty, malty kind of a taste. The other way I take it is straight up in about 1/2 cup of water. I love the taste so I don’t mind. It’s a matter of preference. Some add it to their juice and that is fine too. About dosage, always start with a smaller amount and work your way up to a larger amount. You don’t want to start off with a bang, go slowly. Here’s a general guideline some have followed: If you are relatively healthy and middle aged and weigh over 150 lbs. consider taking 1-3 tsp. raw maca powder a day. Do the same for gelatinized maca. If your weight and age are not under these general guidelines, adjust accordingly. Remember. either way, be sure to check with your physician before adding any kind of supplements. If you decide to go with the raw maca powder, this is a trustworthy brand. I personally use the gelatinized maca. The 2 brands I like are this one, and this one. I have been happy with the results I am getting from using gelatinized maca for energy, hormones, and moods. For those of you that would rather use capsules, these are the ones I recommend.
Please let us know if you have used maca and how has it worked for you? What form did you use, raw or gelatinized? We would love to hear from you! 🙂
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