The Benefits of Maca roots for Sexual Functions
Maca root is a popular herb used for thousands of years in form of food and medicine by natives of Peru. It’s widely used across the globe for its numerous health benefits, including sexual and reproductive issues. Maca is a vegetable similar to cabbage, and cauliflower. While its use started out as a natural medicine to target numerous health challenges such as rheumatic disease, Over the years, there has been a wide claim of it improving fertility and libido.
The question is, is maca root indeed effective to improve fertility and sexual function? Maca root is loaded with amino acids and bioactive compounds such as macaridine, glucosinolates, and macamides believed to be the reasons for its amazing benefits. Although research is limited about its numerous medicinal benefits, however, here some potential benefits this herb possesses based on numerous research.
- Improve Libido and sexual function: According to some studies, maca was found to have positive effects on low libido and erectile dysfunction. Although there is little to not enough knowledge of its risk when consumed.
- May improve the quality of sperm: Consuming the herbs in form of supplements may improve some areas of fertility in males such as the quality and quantity of semen, and sperm motility.
- May ease the symptoms of menopause: The natural reduction in estrogen levels due to menopause comes with daunting feelings such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. Studies have shown that taking maca can help women going through this unique phase by managing some of the symptoms such as better sleep and improved moods.
- Improve antidepressant-induced sexual function: This amazing herb may help reduce antidepressant- induced sexual dysfunction in women. Some antidepressants such as selective seronin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are known to lead to issues such as low libido, vagina dryness and inability to reach orgasm. Women taking such medications and took maca for a period of a few months experienced lower rates of sexual dysfunction.
What are the possible side effects?
As mentioned earlier, there is insufficient knowledge of the negative effects of consuming maca. Being an herb, maca is regarded to be safe even in large doses. However, due to some hormonal effects, you are advised to speak with your health provider if you have endometriosis, breast cancer, uterine fibroids or cancer, ovarian cancer, and thyroids disease.
How do I take maca?
The herb is available as powder, capsules, tincture, or gummies. You can take the unprocessed one in your food with other vegetables. While there is no standard dosage for it, herbalists suggest you start with a tablespoon of the powder before increasing the dosage.