Maca is a supplement derived from a Peruvian plant. It is commonly used today as an adaptogen, meaning that it helps fill the health void within your body, particularly relating to hormonal health. It helps regulate your hormones, increase libido, regulate the menstrual cycle, and can even help with acne.
Maca comes in capsule or powder form and is often used in Peruvian dishes. It can also act as an antioxidant and fights free radicals. Maca is pretty accessible today with quite a few options out there, such as Maca Team, and many more. Plus, it is actually relatively affordable as well. It is a great alternative to many hormone medications on the market and definitely a more natural approach to hormone regulation. Let’s learn more about Maca and what the best Maca supplements are below.
Different Types Of Maca Supplements
Maca supplements can come in powder or pill form. The powder form of Maca can be mixed into drinks, such as water. The pill form can come in capsules and are usually to be taken like normal pills.
Maca Supplement Benefits
Most of maca’s benefits relate to its ability to support healthy hormone levels. The following are some of the more prevalent benefits of maca:
- Fights free radicals (acts as an antioxidant)
- Supports healthy hormone levels
- Increases libido
- Eases menopause symptoms
- Helps regulate the menstrual cycle
- Treats PMS symptoms
- Reduces blood pressure
- Increases energy
- Improves mood
- Increases fertility in both men and women
- Helps treat acne
- May help reduce erectile dysfunction
- May help improve learning abilities
- May help boost sports performance
There are many associated benefits that come with maca supplements and offer a great option for those of us looking for assistance in regulating our hormonal health.
Should I Take Maca Supplements?
Maca supplements can be very beneficial if you’re looking to treat hormonal related issues or regulate your hormonal levels. However, it’s important to note that maca can be pretty effective, and if you do not need hormonal regulation, you really do not need to do it. It may disrupt otherwise normal hormonal levels in the body, so take it cautiously. Also, consult with your doctor first and maybe consider getting your hormone levels checked to see if maca is the right fit for you.
Some individuals may benefit from maca supplements more than others. It has proven effective for individuals struggling with erectile dysfunction, low libido, acne, menstrual cycle irregularities, and menopausal symptoms. Again, always consult with your doctor before taking maca supplements, especially due to associated side effects that may prove serious.
Some associated side effects of maca include:
- Jittery feelings
- Hormonal imbalances
- Insomnia
- Changes in thyroid functioning and thyroid hormone levels
Do Maca Supplements Really Work?
Maca has been studied for a while now and has been deemed effective for use in regulating hormonal levels. Some research studies showed that maca was most effective in women experiencing low libido as after 12 levels, their libido increased (especially for post-menopausal women). Other studies found that menopausal symptoms were relieved after use. Research has also shown that sperm quality and mobility was also increased through maca supplementation in men.
It’s important to note that maca acts as an adaptogen within the body, which means you should not take maca too often. With adaptogens, it’s best to take them for 3-4 months and then have a break in between. This allows your body to regulate on its own for a little and not be too reliant on a supplement like maca.
The Best Maca Supplements
NaturaLife Labs Maca
This product contains 1900 mg capsules of maca and includes a blend of yellow, red, and black forms of maca. It comes very highly rated by consumers, is vegan, and contains no additives or fillers.
Terrasoul Maca Powder
This brand is highly rated by consumers, as is this form of maca. It contains gelatinized maca root powder with many servings in each package. It is non-GMO, vegan, and organic. It comes at an affordable price as well.
Now Supplements Maca
This product contains 500 mg capsules of maca (you can take up to three a day). There are 250 vegan capsules per bottle, and the product is pretty affordable and highly rated as well.
Maca Supplement Alternatives
Maca is an alternative to many of the hormonal medications on the market. However, some have indicated a maca shortage in the world. Alternatives to maca include foods and other adaptogens that may also help regulate hormone levels or achieve the same hormone benefits. The following are some alternatives:
- Chaga mushroom
- Ashwagandha
- Asian ginseng
- Fatty fish
- Flax seeds
- Chia seeds
- MCT oil, coconut oil, olive oil
- Avocado
- Green tea
In terms of dietary sources, healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids are essential. It’s also important to make sure you are not overeating and not undereating as well. Exercise also becomes important, especially as weight is a key determinant of hormone health.
Promoting Healthy Hormones With Maca Supplements
Maca offers a great natural alternative to many of the hormone regulating medications on the market today. It acts as an adaptogen that allows your body to reach a healthy homeostatic level. Through regulating hormone levels, maca can help treat libido issues, PMS and menopause symptoms, erectile dysfunction, and acne. Using maca can be a great option for those seeking natural hormonal regulation, and it has been proven to be pretty effective.