- Health Benefits
- 1. Increase sexual desire
- 2. Reduce tiredness and fatigue
- 3. Improves concentration and reasoning
- 4. Contributes to reducing anxiety
- How to take
- Energizing vitamin with Maca and mango
- Possible side effects
- Who should not take
Peruvian Maca, or just Maca, is a tuber from the turnip, cabbage and watercress family that has important medicinal properties, being traditionally used to increase vitality and libido, and is therefore known as a natural energizer.
The scientific name of this medicinal plant is Lepidium meyenii and can be known in other places like Ginseng-dos-Andes or Viagra-dos-Incas. Maca is also considered a superfood because it is rich in essential fibers and fats, nourishing the body and contributing to increased energy and physical vigor.
Maca is relatively easy to find and can be purchased at health food stores in the form of capsules or powder, which can be mixed in vitamins or fruit juices, for example. Its price may vary according to the form of presentation, but it is usually on average 20 to 30 reais.
Health Benefits
Peruvian Maca can traditionally be used for several purposes, however, the benefits with proven scientific effect are:
1. Increase sexual desire
Maca has stimulating, tonic and antidepressant properties and, therefore, is considered a powerful sexual stimulant, being indicated to increase sexual desire. See other strategies to increase sexual desire.
2. Reduce tiredness and fatigue
Maca essential oil provides excellent amounts of fatty acids and is therefore great for increasing energy and performance, both physically and mentally.
3. Improves concentration and reasoning
The fatty acids present in the essential oil of Maca, contribute to increase mental performance, improving reasoning and concentration.
4. Contributes to reducing anxiety
Maca helps to optimize hormonal production and increases vitality, so it is a great option to help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
In addition, there are still some studies that show that Maca can also be used to decrease feelings of depression, optimize hormone production, increase the frequency of erections and decrease symptoms of menopause.
Maca can also be used as a supplement during weight loss processes because, although it does not increase metabolism or fat burning, it favors energy levels, leaving the person more willing to exercise and follow the diet indicated by the nutritionist. Check out some supplements to lose weight and gain muscle mass.
How to take
The recommended dose per day of Maca is approximately 3000 mg, divided into 3 times, taken during meals up to a maximum of 4 months.
However, the dosage may vary according to the type of treatment or the problem to be treated. Thus, it is always best to consult a nutritionist or naturopath before using Maca capsules.
Maca can also be consumed as a food, in the form of root or powder, and should be added in the preparation of dishes or drinks, for example, in the proportion of 2 to 3 teaspoons.
Energizing vitamin with Maca and mango
A vitamin prepared using Peruvian Maca root and mango is a great dietary supplement, which helps to reduce tiredness, fatigue and weakness, as well as improves the ability to concentrate and reason.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of dry Peruvian Maca root; 2 mangoes cut into pieces; 2 teaspoons of flaxseed seeds; 2 teaspoons of coconut oil; 1 lemon juice; 4 fresh mint leaves.
Method of preparation
Put all the ingredients and a little mineral water in the blender and mix until you get a homogeneous mixture. If necessary, add water to dilute it a little. This vitamin yields 2 glasses.
Possible side effects
This food is usually well tolerated and, therefore, no side effects have been described. However, some people may have allergies to maca, so it is important to try a small dose first, under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.
Who should not take
In most people, Peruvian Maca is well tolerated, being widely consumed in the regions of South America, but for safety reasons it should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
In addition, and although there is no consensus on the effect of Maca on hormones, one should also avoid consuming Maca without guidance in children or in the case of people with a history of some type of disease or cancer dependent on estrogens such as breast cancer or uterus.
