Table of contents:
- Benefits of maca root (maca root) for body health
- 1. Prevent the formation of free radicals
- 2. Increase energy and athlete performance
- 3. Balancing estrogen levels
- 4. Increase male fertility
Macca is known as an herbal plant for thousands of years, especially in increasing the sexual ability of men and women. It turns out that not only that, herbal plants that are used by their roots also have overall benefits for the body. What are the health benefits of maca root (maca root)? Come on, find out the answer in the following review.
Benefits of maca root (maca root) for body health
Maca has the Latin name lepidium meyenii, which is shaped like a radish with green shoots and roots that are yellow, purple, or black in color. This plant grows a lot in the Andes Mountains in Peru, America. However, many have processed this maca root in the form of brownish powder or liquid, making it easy to use.
Maca root is an herbal plant that is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as glucosinolates and polyphenols. Therefore, this plant is also known as an adaptogen, which is the term for an herbal plant that contains natural substances that help the body adapt to stress or certain diseases.
Some of the health benefits of maca root are:
1. Prevent the formation of free radicals
One of the benefits of maca root is that it increases levels of antioxidants in the body, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Antioxidants are substances that the body needs to prevent the formation of free radicals, a cause from premature aging to cancer. Even polysaccharides (carbohydrates in maca root) have been shown to prevent cell damage and fight chronic disease.
An animal study in Czech found that administering maca doses to mice not only increased antioxidant levels but also lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the liver and lowered blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, the use of extra leaves also shows protection against nerve damage.
Increasing antioxidants can indeed prevent the body from the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, oxidative stress, and cell damage. But so far, the benefits of maca root this time are needed further research.
2. Increase energy and athlete performance
Maca root powder is well known among athletes and bodybuilders. Because this supplement is believed to increase energy, increase muscle and increase body performance. Quoted from Men's Health, Paul Salter, MS, RD, said, "Maca root is thought to have a positive impact on stabilizing blood glucose levels. That's why many people report experiencing an increase in energy after enjoying it. "
Despite being a stimulant, maca root supplements do not contain caffeine. Therefore, it will not give the nervous or shaky effect of consuming caffeine.
So when the blood sugar in the body spikes, the body will produce more insulin, which can cause a weak effect on the body. However, when the blood sugar level is stable, you can maintain a more consistent energy throughout the day.
Despite this, there is still much research to be done to ascertain the potential of maca root as an energy booster, but some evidence suggests that this may be a strong trigger.
3. Balancing estrogen levels
Estrogen is a female sex hormone that is responsible for regulating the reproductive system. If the amount of this hormone is not normal, it will cause irregular menstrual cycles, change moods, and overcome women who have difficulty having children. Another benefit of maca root is that it helps balance estrogen levels in the body.
A study published on International Journal of Biomedical Science, Thirty-four early postmenopausal women took maca root in tablets twice daily for four months.
As a result, maca root not only balances hormone levels but also reduces menopausal symptoms, such as night sweats, reduces depression, and also increases bone density.
In addition, balanced levels of estrogen also help improve reproductive health and fertility and reduce symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.
4. Increase male fertility
Apart from balancing estrogen levels in women, maca root also benefits male fertility as well. A study in Peru found that taking maca supplements for eight weeks increased sexual desire in men.
Other studies have also shown increased sperm quality and count are linked to fertility in men. However, further research is still needed on this matter.
Although there are many known benefits of maca root. Before taking maca root supplements, you should consult your doctor first, especially if you have certain conditions.
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