What is maca root good for?
The maca plant, also known as Peruvian ginseng, or Lepidium meyenii, is an edible plant that is native to South America and grows in the high Andes of Bolivia and Peru. Maca is a common ingredient in Andean cuisine, and the root can also be ground into a powder, and is often added to smoothies in this way.
Did you know that the maca plant is actually a cruciferous vegetable? This means that it is related to kale, broccoli and cabbage. That's a fact you can use to impress your friends and family next time they are preparing a smoothie with maca powder!
Benefits for reproductive health
Maca is known to possess various health benefits, mainly within the context of energy levels, stamina and mood, but also for libido and fertility.
For example, one study in 2002 showed that men who took between 1.5g to 3g of maca root per day experienced an increase in libido compared to the group who received the placebo, and another study in 2009 found that men suffering from erectile dysfunction who consumed 2.4g of maca root per day over the course of three months experienced a significant increase in sexual well-being than those in the group that took the placebo.
Several animal studies have also found similar results with maca consumption providing a significant improvement for males with low libido, low sex drive, or erectile dysfunction. It has also been demonstrated to increase semen quality.
Benefits for menopause symptoms
Maca's benefits are not isolated to men, as studies performed on women concluded that maca root supplementation reduced fatigue in young women, and also helps to manage symptoms of menopause, regulate blood pressure, and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women.
When should I take maca root?
Maca root does not contain caffeine or any other stimulant, but it can still provide an energizing effect. For this reason, it's recommended that you enjoy it first thing in the morning, or in the early afternoon.
It can be taken on an empty stomach, but this could potentially cause stomach upset, so it would be advisable to have your maca with a meal, or alternatively incorporated into a hearty smoothie.
Maca Root data sources & further reading
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025