What is maca extract used for?
Maca has a reputation as an aid for sex and reproductive issues. Some people believe it can rev up sex drive in men and women, boost sperm count, improve erections, and ease menopausal symptoms. The fact is that those claims are backed by little or no scientific evidence.
Does maca root make you bigger?
This may increase muscle-building, which can help you become curvier. However, maca alone is unlikely to have any effect on your body composition or curviness unless it’s paired with regular exercise.
What does maca do to hormones?
It is considered that through plant sterols, Maca stimulates endocrine system helping to maintain hormonal balance (1) in a way that is not yet well understood (2, 18).
How many mg of maca should I take daily?
Maca is available commercially in several dosage forms including powder, liquid, tablets, and capsules. Most commercial Web sites recommend a daily dose of 1 dried maca extract 450 mg capsule 3 times daily taken orally with food.
Who should take maca root?
Maca root powder is a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes. It has been claimed to help gain muscle, increase strength, boost energy, and improve exercise performance. Also, some animal studies indicate that it enhances endurance performance (18, 19, 20, 21 ).
What does maca do for a woman?
Maca contains flavonoids, which are thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety. A study in 14 postmenopausal women found that maca may reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Also, a 2015 study found that maca could reduce symptoms of depression in Chinese postmenopausal women.
Who should not take maca?
Maca extract may also act like estrogen in the body (although the study on this was only done in vitro) (Valentová, 2006). That means it’s better to avoid this supplement if you have a hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine cancer, or uterine fibroids.