If you’re looking to put a bit of extra pep in your step or you’re looking for the perfect workout partner, then allow us to introduce you to Maca Root capsules! This cruciferous root vegetable is a relative of turnips and radishes and is native to the nutrient-rich soils of the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. It’s been cultivated and taken for its numerous health benefits for over 2000 years.
At Active Burst, we’re a reliable and trusted partner when it comes to health nutrition, so if you want to learn how to harness the power of maca root, look no further. Here, we break down everything you need to know about this nutritional powerhouse and how it can support you in leading a healthy and active lifestyle.
What is maca root?
This marvellous root vegetable has an excellent reputation for boosting energy, enhancing libido, and generally improving overall health and well-being. It’s incredibly rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, so maca root can help reduce inflammation, balance your hormones, and support a healthy immune system - best of all, it tastes pretty good, too!
Maca root, or Lepidium meyenii, as it is also known, has long been a favourite food and medicine of the Andean culture and is well-known for its adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are herbs, roots and other plants that help our bodies restore balance after stressful situations. So, as an adaptogen, maca root is believed to help the body adapt to physical and mental stress, promoting resilience. Additionally, maca root is rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients, containing:
- Vitamins B, C, E
- Fiber
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
The benefits of maca root
Now that you have a good grasp of maca root and its plethora of nutritional benefits and rich history, we can delve deeper into the many health advantages that have made it so well-known and revered on the global market, starting with fertility and libido.
Fertility and libido
Maca root has a reputation for being an aphrodisiac. Some studies have found that maca root may be especially beneficial for males with a low sex drive or libido. Not only that, but a 2020 study deduced that men who had just 2g of maca supplement per day for a period of 12 weeks had a significantly improved semen concentration compared to those who took a placebo treatment. Regarding women, a 2015 study conducted on 45 women suffering from antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction found that taking 3,000 milligrams of maca root a day for 12 weeks also improved their sexual function and increased sexual desire compared to the participants who took a placebo.
Relief from menopausal symptoms
When people who menstruate reach the menopausal stage of their lives (the stage in which their hormones drop, signifying the end of the mental cycle), the symptoms that accompany the change can be stressful and inconvenient, to say the least. For example, this could be hot flushes, night sweats, or interrupted and inconsistent sleep. Studies have suggested, however, that maca root could overall help relieve these symptoms.
Energy and mood
Many people choose to enjoy maca root to replace caffeine as part of a healthy lifestyle because it boosts the body without any of the adverse side effects of caffeine consumption. Because maca is an adaptogen, it helps the body deal with stress, which can also help to boost moods and energy levels. Some scientific findings even suggest that it can give you a shot of energy.
The side effects of maca root and who should avoid taking it
Maca root is a fantastic supplement and a healthy addition to your diet. If you decide to take it as a capsule, studies have shown that it's safe to consume up to 3 g per day for a period of no longer than four months. Side effects are minimal but can include insomnia and stomach cramps. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking it due to a lack of study on the impact it may have. All supplements should be taken as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Always consult your GP before adding anything new to your diet, especially if taking prescribed medication.
At Active Burst, we focus on informing our customers about the benefits and research behind the supplements we sell so you can feel empowered and enabled to make your own informed choice on what’s best for you and your health.
If you’re interested in our maca root supplements or anything else we supply, you can check out everything we offer here on our site. Or, if you have any questions or queries, you can get in touch via info@active-burst.com or call us on 07854 492 046, and our team will be happy to help you out!
