Maca has long been recognised for its benefits for energy and fertility
Maca, a Peruvian tuberous plant, has been cultivated and used for medicinal purposes for over 4,000 years. It is an excellent tonic for the body, and is thought to increase fertility in both men and women. But what is it really?
What is Maca?
This tuber grows in the cold Andes region of South America. Today, Maca is ground into a powder and is commonly found in a variety of supplements. It is an adaptogen, meaning that it helps to protect the body against the various stresses it may experience. This tuber, which resembles a turnip, is a concentrate of vitamins and nutrients.
As well as being a stress-busting adaptogen, it also contains fibre, protein, iron, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
It can be used to boost the body in the event of fatigue or a weakened immune system. It is also a food supplement recommended for stimulating cognitive abilities, such as concentration and memory.
Maca powder has been used for centuries in Peru and Bolivia as a tonic, an aphrodisiac and to boost fertility. Farmers also traditionally use the roots for animals that have difficulty reproducing.
As you can see, Maca has many health benefits. However, Maca is best known for its fertility-promoting qualities, such as stimulating libido, balancing hormones and improving sperm health. Are you curious about this super supplement for male and female fertility? Let’s dive in and find out more about Maca root for fertility!
How does Maca help fertility?
Maca supports fertility in a number of ways. The first is by increasing libido. Traditionally given as an aphrodisiac, we now know more about Maca’s libido-boosting properties. Libido, or sexual desire, is an important factor to take into account when trying to conceive a child. A study has shown that ingesting Maca increases male libido, thereby promoting fertility.
It also helps to balance hormones. Although studies concerning Maca and hormone levels mainly relate to the menopause, there may also be benefits for fertility. Maca is thought to help regulate a woman’s hormonal cycles, which helps those trying to conceive.
Finally, Maca is thought to improve sperm health and production. A 2006 study found that men had a greater volume of sperm when they took Maca root regularly. Other benefits for men include reduced erectile dysfunction, improved sexual function and healthier sperm.
For both men and women, Maca can be a powerful dietary supplement.
Maca and male fertility
Many male fertility supplements contain Maca root, and for good reason. It promotes male fertility by increasing libido and sexual function, improving sperm quality and quantity and helping to balance hormones.
It does not contain hormones but can help nourish your endocrine system. Its positive effect on the pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands promotes fertility. Known as an endocrine adaptogen, the nutrients in Maca support hormone production and help the body regulate and use its hormones. This can make a difference to the functioning of other glands, including the testicular glands in men.
A handful of studies have shown that Maca root can make a difference to the quantity and quality of male sperm. This includes seminal volume, sperm count and sperm motility. It is clear that Maca promotes male fertility in a number of ways, both physically and mentally.
Maca and female fertility
The benefits of Maca for women have mainly to do with its ability to balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles. As we saw above, although Maca does not contain hormonal compounds, it does play a role in supporting the endocrine system. This can enable your body to better regulate its own hormone production. Balanced hormones can lead to regulated menstrual cycles, making it easier to detect ovulation.
What’s more, as an adaptogen, Maca helps combat stress. There is no known link between stress and fertility, but they are thought to influence each other. Ayurveda believes that if the terrain and timing are not favourable, i.e. if the mind and body are confronted with external stress factors, conception is less likely to occur. Taking Maca for women’s fertility can help calm you down and even lower blood pressure, as one study found.
It has similar effects on the libido of women and men. It’s a natural aphrodisiac that helps improve strength, vitality and energy. This can be a welcome benefit for women who find it difficult to get into the mood due to hormonal or lifestyle factors. Try taking it every day if you’re thinking of having a baby!
What are the benefits of Maca before conception?
Maca has benefits that go beyond increasing fertility. Its high mineral and vitamin content makes it an excellent pre-conception supplement if you want to nourish your reproductive system, promote egg health and support sperm quality.
As a superfood, Maca is rich in potassium and iron, as well as containing iodine, iron, manganese, zinc, copper and vitamins B1, B2, C and D. Surprisingly, Maca is also considered a complete protein, which means it contains all nine amino acids that your body is unable to produce.
This in no way diminishes the importance of a healthy, complete diet when you’re trying to conceive. But it does highlight the nutritional boost that Maca can offer, helping to support healthy reproductive systems in both men and women.
How should Maca be used?
Taking a supplement containing Maca is an excellent way of getting your daily dose without exceeding the suggested limits.
There is no specific research on Maca excess, but researchers can guess at its side effects. Potential symptoms include restlessness, insomnia and mild digestive problems.
Taking Maca in capsules will enable you to safely give yourself the recommended daily dosage of 500 to 1,500 milligrams per day. + maca helps the body to regulate its hormonal balance and is recommended for men and women wishing to conceive a child with daily doses of 900 milligrams per day supplied in a monthly pack.
What are the contraindications?
With all these benefits, you’re thinking that there must be a downside! Rest assured, there are no contraindications. Maca is naturally good for your health and there are no known side effects.
Pregnant women and people with cardiovascular risks, thyroid problems or high blood pressure are advised to seek medical advice before embarking on a course of treatment.
Bear in mind that it is not uncommon for the inhabitants of the Andes to eat 40 to 50g of raw Maca tuber a day, and no toxic effects have been observed from this consumption.
What are all its benefits?
- It boosts libido
Maca contains two active ingredients, Macaenes and Macamides, found only in this plant, which are thought to play a key role in increasing sexual energy.
It increases sexual desire in both men and women. More specifically, it increases erectile function in men and is thought to help combat impotence.
It is commonly used as an aphrodisiac, hence its nickname of “Peruvian Viagra”.
- It stimulates fertility
Indigenous communities observed that Maca enabled cattle to reproduce more easily and have healthier litters. This led them to consume it for the same purpose, thereby combating infertility problems.
In men: it is thought to increase the volume, quality and motility of spermatozoa.
For women: it is thought to help raise levels of the luteinising hormone, which stimulates ovulation. It also helps to regulate cycles, making menstruation less painful.
- It relieves menopausal symptoms
Maca does not contain hormones, but nutrients that support our hormonal balance and could therefore act on the discomforts caused by the menopause.
It relieves hot flushes, insomnia and irritability. It naturally helps to make this transition healthier and more comfortable for women.
- Boosts concentration and memory
Thanks to the phosphorus it contains, it helps to develop memory and improve our brain’s ability to process information. It’s also an ally for learning, so it’s particularly recommended during exam periods for students!
Maca also improves concentration. What’s more, its nutritional qualities and energising properties are beneficial for brain function.
Maca: conclusion
Our Maca, +maca capsules for men and women fit effortlessly into your healthy preconception routine. They support healthy sperm quality, formation and mobility, improved female egg quality, hormonal balance and cycle regulation.
CHF 39.90 Original price was: CHF 39.90.CHF 19.90Current price is: CHF 19.90.