Maca

The popularity of maca has exploded in recent years, it is actually a plant originating in Peru, and is commonly available in powder form or as a supplement, it is often used in powder form, that root has traditionally been used To improve fertility and sexual desire in both men and women. It is also known as energy booster and endurance.

What is Maca?

The maca plant, known scientifically as Lepidium meyenii, is sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng, grows mainly in the Andes of central Peru, under difficult conditions and at very high altitudes - above 13,000 feet 000 meters).

The maca is a cruciferous vegetable and therefore related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. It has a long history of culinary and medicinal use in Peru.

The main edible part of the plant is the root, which grows underground. It exists in several colors, ranging from white to black.

Maca root is usually dried and consumed in powder form, but it is also available in capsules and liquid extract.

The taste of the maca root powder, which some do not like, has been described as earthy and hazel. Many people add it to their oatmeal and sweets and even to natural remedies and recipes. It is interesting to note that research on maca is still early.

Many of these studies are still being tested, carried out in animals and / or sponsored by companies that produce or sell maca.

Benefits and virtues of maca

1. Maca is very nutritious

Maca root powder is very nutritious, and is a great source of several important vitamins and minerals, one ounce (28 grams) of maca root powder contains:

Calories: 91

Carbs: 20 grams

Protein: 4 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Grease: 1 gram

Vitamin C: 133% of the RDA

Copper: 85% of the RDA

Iron: 23% of the RDA

Potassium: 16% of the RDA

Vitamin B6: 15% of the RDA

Manganese: 10% of the RDA

Maca root is a good source of carbohydrates and protein, low in fat and high in fiber. It also contains a high proportion of essential vitamins and minerals.

In addition, it contains various plant compounds, including glucosinolates and polyphenols (1, 3, 4). Maca Root Powder is also rich in protein, carbohydrates and in a number of nutrients, including vitamin C, copper and iron, it also contains many bioactive plant compounds.

2. It increases libido in men and women

The weakness of sexual desire is a common problem in adults, therefore the interest of herbs and plants that naturally stimulate libido is great.

Maca has been extensively marketed as being effective in improving sexual desire, and this claim is supported by scientific research: A review that took place in 2010 and included four randomized clinical trials with a total of 131 participants, Given evidence that maca improves sexual desire after at least six weeks of use.

3. It can increase fertility in men

When it comes to male fertility, sperm quality and quantity, maca can give good results. There is evidence that the root of maca increases male fertility: A recent review summarized the results of five small studies, showed that maca improved sperm quality in sterile and healthy men and same time .

One of the studies reviewed included nine healthy men. After consuming maca for four months, the researchers detected an increase in sperm volume, number and motility.

Conclusion: Maca can increase sperm production and improve sperm quality, thus improving fertility in men.

4. It can help relieve the symptoms of menopause

Menopause is defined as the time in a woman 's life when her menstrual period ceases, the natural decline of estrogen that occurs during this time can cause unpleasant symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, Mood, sleep problems and irritability.

A review of four studies in postmenopausal women revealed that maca helped alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes and interrupted sleep.

In addition, animal studies suggest that maca may help protect bone health. Women have a higher risk of osteoporosis after menopause.

Conclusion: Maca can improve symptoms of menopause, including hot flushes and disturbed sleep.

5. Maca can improve mood

Several studies have shown that maca can improve mood, it has been associated with reduced anxiety and symptoms of depression, especially in postmenopausal women

Maca contains plant compounds called flavonoids, which have been suggested to be at least partially responsible for these psychological benefits.

6. Maca stimulates sports performance and energy

It has been claimed that maca helps in gaining muscle mass, strength, stimulates energy and improves performance of exercises.

In addition, some studies in animals indicate that it improves endurance performance.

In addition, a small study of eight male cyclists showed that they improved the time it took to complete a 40 km bike ride after 14 days of maca extract supplement.

Currently, there is no real scientific evidence that confirms the benefits for muscle mass or strength.

Conclusion: Eating maca can improve exercise performance, especially during endurance tests. However, its effects on muscle mass and strength have not yet been studied and it remains relative to small research and limited experiments.

The popularity of Maca has exploded in recent years, it is actually a plant originating in Peru, and is commonly available in powder form or as a supplement, this root has traditionally been used to improve fertility and sexual desire in The man as in women. It is also known as energy booster and endurance.

7. When applied to the skin, Maca can help protect it from the sun

The ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can burn and damage exposed and unprotected skin, over time, UV rays can cause wrinkles and increase the risk of skin cancer.

It is proven that the application of maca extract, a concentrated form of the plant, to the skin can help protect it from UV rays.

One study found that maca extract applied to the skin of five rats over a three-week period prevented skin damage from UV exposure.

The protective effect was attributed to the antioxidant polyphenols and glucosinolates present in the maca.

Keep in mind that maca extract can not replace conventional sunscreen. In addition, it only protects the skin when applied to the skin, not when it is eaten.

8. It can improve learning and memory

Maca can improve brain function, in fact, it has been traditionally used by natives in Peru to improve children's performance at school. In animal studies, maca enhanced learning and memory in rodent-impaired rodents.

Conclusion: There is some evidence that maca can improve learning and memory.

9. It can reduce the size of the prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy)

The prostate is a gland only in men, prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy, is common in aging men.

A larger prostate can cause various problems with the passage of urine because it surrounds the tube through which the urine passes.

Some studies in rodents suggest that maca (especially red) reduces the size of the prostate and it has been proposed that the effect of red maca on the prostate is related to its large amount of glucosinolates. These substances are also associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer.

10. Treats osteoperosis

A recent study in ovarized mice revealed that Maca has improved both the symptoms of osteoperosis and the conditions of osteoarthritis.

11 Stimulates thyroid function

It has been shown that maca stimulates thyroid function, more likely due to its hormonal balancing properties. Maca also contains iodine, which can positively affect thyroid function.

12. Increases hair growth

Although not much research has been conducted, traditionally Maca has been used to prevent hair loss as well as to stimulate hair growth.

13. Improves blood circulation

One of the most interesting properties of Maca is that it has been seen to improve blood circulation throughout the body, thus reducing anemia and healing time of the wounds. People taking blood pressure medications should be carefully monitored by starting Maca because their blood pressure may be reduced as soon as it is taken.

14. Adjust the hormonal balance

Maca contains a variety of amino acids, which are the components of our hormones. Modern research has shown that regular consumption of Maca can balance hormones in men and women. Maca does not contain hormones, but the building blocks from which the body can create them, such as hormones that affect various aspects of our overall health. Having a healthy and balanced endocrine system can lead to many health benefits.

15. Maca is easy to integrate into the diet.

It can be taken as a supplement or added to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, energy bars and more.

The optimal dose for medical use has not been established. However, the dose of maca root powder used in the studies generally ranges from 1.5 to 5 grams per day.

Yellow maca is the most available type, darker types such as red and black may possess different biological properties.

Conclusion: Maca root powder is easy to incorporate into your diet and is widely available.

Maca: Safety and side effects

Maca is generally considered safe. However, Peruvian natives believe that consumption of fresh roots of maca can have adverse health effects.

Also, if you have thyroid problems, you may want to be careful with taking the maca. This is because it contains goitrogens, substances that can interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland. These components are more likely to affect the thyroid if you already have a thyroid function deficiency.

Finally, pregnant or nursing women should consult their doctor before taking maca.

Conclusion: Maca is considered safe for most people, although those with thyroid problems need to be careful.

Maca can provide several health benefits, such as increased libido and better mood.

Although Maca shows a lot of promise, it needs to be studied more widely.

La Maca in Arabic

Maca is a relatively new herb / fruit in the Arab world since it is native to South America (specifically Peru) and is not grown in Arab countries, and can not be grown in Arab countries. Import is the only channel for Maca to the Arab countries. Without looking very far, in Arabic, the nomination of Maca bears the same name:

It is called الماكا أو ثمرة الماكا

You can click on الماكا or simply change the language to read the benefits of this fruit in Arabic.