Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng, comes from the root of a plant that grows in the Andes. Peru's indigenous peoples have used maca as both food and medicine for centuries.
Maca belongs to the same plant family as beets and broccoli. The roots contain amino acids, iron, calcium, and several compounds found only in the maca plant. Like many plant-based food sources, maca root is rich in beneficial nutrients such as copper, zinc, and potassium. Some research suggests that consuming maca root may have certain health benefits.
Studies have shown that maca has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, molecules that can cause cell damage. These molecules can be formed by exposure to pollution, smoke, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Due to its antioxidant properties, maca may be able to prevent skin cell damage caused by free radicals.
Women, especially as they age, take on many responsibilities in life, including raising children and having a successful career. This requires a great deal of brainpower, concentration, and the ability to multitask.
This also means that the woman is suffering from chronic stress, which can quickly drain her brain and mood. When you need cognitive support, the antioxidants in maca provide comprehensive support. Maca's effects on the endocrine system and female hormones may have positive effects on brain health.
Maca also contains nutrients essential for proper brain function. These nutrients include essential fatty acids, which many studies have shown to positively impact cognitive health, mood, and mental/emotional well-being, as well as iron, which supports healthy oxygen levels.
As an adaptogen, Maca helps regulate stress responses and supports hormonal health, blood sugar levels, sleep cycles, stamina, and cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone. Some athletes and bodybuilders use maca root as a supplement to improve energy and performance.
As a superfood, maca provides energy-supporting nutrients, including iron, vitamin C, zinc, iodine, and amino acids.
Maca supported brain and emotional health in mice exposed to stress. This suggests another possible mechanism of action, as better mental health may lead to more energy.
One of maca's superpowers lies in its adaptogenic properties. As an adaptogen, maca helps the body adapt to various physical, emotional, and environmental stressors by protecting the adrenal glands from producing excess stress hormones such as cortisol.
This process has downstream positive effects on the endocrine system. It has a positive effect on overall balance and well-being.
An older study using animals found that maca may help protect skin from UV rays. Another 2011 animal study found that maca leaf extract may help prevent the formation of sunburn cells.
Maca root also help in promoting natural antioxidants in the body, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase.
Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals that can damage cells in the body and can help prevent certain health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
Maca root may also have some benefits for skin health. It may protect your skin from environmental toxins. As a natural detoxifier, maca root helps protect the skin from damage caused by pollution and other harmful environmental factors.
Maca root's potential health benefits may also impact heart health, with some evidence showing it has a positive impact on blood pressure and risk of heart disease.
