Maca Root for Hormonal Balance

Maca root may offer support for your health by promoting a healthy hormone balance. Learn more here!

Your endocrine system is the hub of many of your body’s most critical functions. It is responsible for secreting the hormones which control your body’s energy, metabolism, homeostasis, growth, and reproduction. When your hormones are out of balance, you may experience a wide array of symptoms which aren’t always easily attributed to hormonal reasons. Issues such as fatigue, low sex drive, weight gain, and mood swings may be due to imbalanced hormones and can often go undiagnosed.

An ancient crop known as maca root, may be able to help support optimal hormonal balance. Read on to learn more about the potential benefits of using maca root for hormonal stasis.

What is Maca Root?

Maca root is a crop which grows in higher altitude areas of Central America, and more specifically in Peru. The maca plant, or Lepidium meyenii, is a hardy perennial with a starchy consistency. The maca root itself is generally cooked and eaten in powdered form as a supplement or as a food additive. As a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, maca is rich in calcium, vitamins and fiber and has a rather neutral, pleasant taste.

How Maca Root Brings Hormonal Balance

This starchy root has been scientifically researched for a multitude of uses including antidepressant, stamina, and memory recall research. However, a wide portion of the body of maca root research centers around its effects on the endocrine system and hormonal functions of the human body. Peruvian biologist Dr. Gloria Chacon de Popivici established that it is not maca’s plant based hormones that bring balance in human test subjects, but the 4 key alkaloids contained in maca. These 4 alkaloids stimulate the hypothalamus-pituitary gland which means that both men and women may experience similar, targeted benefits from taking maca root. Doctors in the field of maca research report that because of maca root, “hormone replacement therapy, even the natural varieties, will no longer be the gold standard for optimising a holistic point of view.” Here’s a smoothie bowl recipe with maca root that we love.

Maca for Libido

Researchers across the globe including the UK, Peru, South Korea, Australia and the United States have all done maca research and found that test subjects show a positive effect from using maca. “Compared with the placebo-takers, both maca groups reported enhanced sexual desire. The high-dose group also experienced improved sexual function” wrote researchers. A group of cyclists in the UK who were given maca powder similarly showed “faster times and reported greater libido.”

Maca for Fertility & Reproductive Health

Scientific studies have similarly delved deep into the connection between ingestion of maca root and enhanced fertility. Research reports that taking maca may lead to a healthy sperm count as well as sperm motility in men. Maca also may results in more regular ovulation in female test subjects. Maca powder is also tremendously helpful for women experiencing the side effects of postmenopausal hormonal imbalance. Findings showed that maca “may help women to reduce discomfort associated with menopause as an alternative to HRT (hormone replacement therapy) program.”

Try Maca Root for Yourself

Are you ready to bring natural, hormonal balance to your healthy lifestyle? If so, check out some of these maca products available at Natural Healthy Concepts.

Men’s Maca by YouTheory

These maca root tablets help men achieve greater vitality and drive when taken twice daily. Mens Maca supports a healthy libido and is traditionally used to boost energy, stamina and endurance.

Maca by HerbPharm

Maca by HerbPharm seeks to support reproductive health in both men and women and may offer support for a healthy hormone balance. The maca in this supplement is organically grown in the Peruvian highlands, and is steam cooked to promote bioavailability.

Maca Root by NOW Foods

Maca from NOW is a vegan dietary supplement that supports sexual well-being and reproductive health for men and women. This yeast, wheat and gluten free supplement should be taken 1-3 times daily and can also be used as a general energy tonic.

Have you tried maca for hormonal balance? We would love to read about your experiences in the comments section below.