What benefits does maca powder have? Top 10 benefits of maca
Maca powder comes from the root of the maca plant, which is grown mainly in the mountainous regions of Peru. The powder, which is a quite pleasant tasting, can be used in smoothies, added to breakfast cereals or used in cooking and baking, and it is fast gaining a reputation as a superfood.
While maca powder has nutritional value for everyone, it has some very special benefits that are particularly useful for women.
Here are ten fabulous reasons why you should be adding maca powder to your diet.
1. Improves fertility
If you have been trying for a baby and it's taking longer than you would have liked, then there is some evidence suggesting that maca powder could help increase fertility. Maca powder has traditionally been used as a fertility treatment for some time.
Recent tests, which have so far only been performed on animals, show some very promising results in this area.
2. Increases bone density
A loss of bone density is quite common in women as they get older, and studies have shown that maca powder may have ingredients that can help reduce this effect, which usually occurs after menopause.
This could be especially useful for women whose families have a history of developing osteoporosis in later life.
3. Improves the mood
There are certain fatty acids in maca that can help stabilise the mood and improve cognitive function. Maca is not alone in containing these fatty acids, they are the same as those found in oily fish, but maca is a good way of increasing your intake of these fatty acids, especially if you follow a vegan diet.
4. It is great for the skin
Many of the nutrients found in maca are very beneficial for skin health, and regular consumption of maca powder can help improve the complexion and help fight common skin problems. A lot of cosmetics companies use maca in their skincare products. It is said to give the skin a natural-looking rosy glow.
5. Balances hormones
Many of the benefits of maca root for women emanate from its ability to balance out the hormones in the body. This is why it is often recommended to treat the unpleasant side effects of menopause, including mood swings, hot flushes, and disruption to sleep patterns.
6. Boosts energy levels
The combination of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in maca powder is present in just the right proportions to make it a great energy booster. Numerous studies have looked into how maca root enhances physical performance in athletes, but anyone can benefit from its energy-boosting properties.
7. Boosts the immune system
One of the amazing benefits of maca powder is that it contains powerful antioxidants and boosts glutathione levels in the body, both of which will help your immune system fight off disease.
Antioxidants fight the damage to cells that free radicals can cause, which can help protect you against cancer and the signs of ageing and other chronic illnesses.
8. Rich in vitamins and amino acids
You can use maca powder just for its benefits as a general health supplement. It's a rich source of the minerals calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and it contains vitamins B, C and E. It is also a good source of more than 20 different amino acids, including 8 of the essential amino acids, which the body needs to function properly.
9. Improves concentration
As a part of its mood-regulating properties, maca has been shown to help improve concentration and boost memory. People who have consumed maca powder have reported that they can get better fuss on tasks and complete them faster. This is partially attributed to the mood-enhancing effect that maca has.
10. It is an aphrodisiac
Scientific evidence that proves the aphrodisiac effect of maca powder is very limited, but it has been used for that purpose for centuries. Its mood-enhancing and hormonal balancing properties may well be what accounts for maca's reputation for being an aphrodisiac, and some small scale studies have suggested that the reputation is well-founded.
One of those studies, conducted in 2008 by CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, discovered that maca might increase sexual libido in women by increasing the levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin in the body, which would make people feel more relaxed and at ease.
Do you know other benefits of maca powder?
Stay happy and healthy!