Table of Contents
Growing and propagating in the Andes highlands in Peru, the Maca plant is a vegetable known for its plethora of medicinal and sexual benefits.
More specifically, the maca root has been used to enhance sexual function for men in South America and around the world. It’s so renowned that it has even been extracted and repackaged into powder or capsule form for easier ingestion.
Scores of people have reported the positive effects of the maca root, particularly in the realm of sexual function and sexual desire.
But do these claims have any merit? Or is there no real, scientific evidence that proves such a connection?
Allow us to clear that up for you. Let’s look into these potential health benefits of maca root through a more scientifically sound lens.
What Is Maca? A Nutritional Breakdown
Maca, often referred to as “Peruvian ginseng” by some, is a highland, cruciferous vegetable that has a rich medicinal past.
For centuries, this plant has been used by Peruvians as an alternative medicine to treat conditions like rheumatic disease, skin damage, and respiratory illnesses.
However, it’s now being grown and harvested worldwide, as far as China in some cases.
The reason for its worldwide spread, unsurprisingly, is its unique combination of nutrients. In particular, maca contains the following amino acids, fibers, vitamins, and minerals:
- Leucine
- Phenylalanine
- Lysine
- Glycin
- Cellulose
- Lignin
- Manganese
- Copper
- Protein
- Vitamin B1
- Iron
On a physical level, maca extract provides a slew of benefits to one’s health—from improvements in the mental sphere to enhanced sexual capabilities.
Let’s dive right into this and explore these maca root benefits.
Taking Maca Root: 5 Benefits for Male Sexual Health
Whether you’re taking maca root capsules, maca root powder drinks, or maca supplements, you can enjoy various sexual benefits by simply taking this plant.
Here are some of the sexual benefits of taking maca root.
1. Enhanced libido
Taking a maca root supplement regularly is known for improving sexual function in men.
One study reported that men experienced improved sexual arousal after 8 to 12 weeks of maca treatment.
According to a more recent 2020 study, maca root has been reported to improve sexual desire and arousal in adult human subjects with low libido. However, the author claims that the findings would need further investigation to confirm this hypothesis.
Furthermore, another study noted invigorated sexual desire among rat subjects. This shows that the maca root’s ability to improve libido extends beyond a particular species.
2. Improved seminal concentration
If you’re trying to get a baby, eating 2 grams of maca root a day may help you a lot.
In one 2020 study, patients who ate 2 grams of maca root for 12 weeks experienced a statistically significant increase in seminal concentration compared to control patients.
An older study of men who took Maca tablets for four months noted an increase in seminal volume, motile sperm count, sperm count per ejaculum, and sperm motility.
That said, more research and peer-reviewed studies need to be performed to fully establish a link.
3. Improved energy levels
Feeling lethargic and fatigued throughout the day? Maca may help you out.
Peruvian maca root is a root crop known for its energy-boosting properties. In one 2022 study, maca powder has been proven to improve energy metabolism and reduce oxidative stress.
Another study reported similar findings. The only difference is that the participants are all people in highland environments.
Regardless of where you’re presently situated, taking maca regularly makes it easier for you to do physically strenuous activities, like sex.
4. Better erectile function
People with sexual dysfunction can benefit greatly from dabbling in various maca extracts.
In one double-blind study conducted on 50 Caucasian males with erectile dysfunction, there’s a small but statistically significant correlation between eating maca extract and improved erectile function.
The participants were part of a 12-week study, and upon retaking the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and the Satisfaction Profile (SAT-P) tests for diagnosing ED, those who took maca in supplement form reported better results compared to the placebo.
5. Better mood
Psychological conditions like anxiety and depression can seep into and adversely affect your sexual health. Maca, in all its various forms, can help in reversing that.
In one study, individuals who took 3.5 grams of maca root powder every day reported better psychological benefits than people in the control group.
This, in turn, can help minimize the psychogenic side effects afflicting men and women, paving the road for a better sex life.
Maca Root Side Effects
Maca root is generally safe to consume, especially when taken in controlled amounts. That said, there are rare instances when side effects may pop up, especially when you eat too much maca root.
These are some side effects that may arise from taking a Maca supplement:
- Insomnia
- Moodiness
- Cramps
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Heart rate problems
If you face any of these symptoms, adjust your consumption of the root and talk with a doctor.
Natural Ways to Improve Your Sexual Health
The quality of your sexual health doesn’t rely on a single vegetable. Many other influential factors can impact your sexual health as well, with one major one being your lifestyle.
Here are ways you can naturally improve your sexual health:
- Eat a balanced diet in good portions
- Exercise regularly
- Sleep at least 7 hours a night
- Reduce sources of stress
- Prioritize your mental health
By doing these simple things consistently, your sexual health can undergo a major positive transformation.
Get Professional Treatment at Tampa’s Best Male Health Center
Maca root is a good remedy for a class of sexual dysfunctions, but it should by no means be treated as a substitute for actual medical treatment.
The best way to treat sexual problems is by accessing local healthcare clinics specializing in your particular condition.
The clinic of medical professionals at Tampa-based Prestige Men’s Medical Center specializes in providing male health treatments.
We offer quality ED treatment, RestoreWave therapy, hormone therapy, premature ejaculation treatment, testosterone treatment and more tailor-fit treatment plans for any individual.
Interested to know more? Schedule a consultation with one of our doctors today about boosting libido, your initial consultation and first treatment are completely free.
