4. Energy, Memory and Mood
Those who regularly use maca powder report that it makes them feel more awake, energized, and driven, often relatively quickly after beginning to use it. A positive attribute of using maca for increased energy compared to using caffeine is that maca does not give most people “jitters” or a sense of shakiness like high levels of caffeine can.
Clinical trials have shown that maca has positive effects on energy, stamina, and mood. Maintaining positive energy levels is related to having lower levels of anxiety and depression, both of which maca has been shown to positively help achieve.
Exactly how maca increases energy is still unknown, however it’s believed that it may be able to do so by helping to stabilize blood sugar levels (which decrease energy spikes and dips), and to maintain adrenal health, which regulates mood and energy throughout the day. (3)
Maca benefits also include regulating the hypothamlus, helping the pituitary gland to properly function, which is another key element in balancing focus and energy. (4) An increase in focus, energy and mood enables people to concentrate better and therefore to improve memory and ability to complete tasks.
5. Antioxidant Booster
Maca root acts as a natural antioxidant, and boosts levels of glutathione and SOD (superoxide dismutase). These are two major disease fighters in the body. Results from recent studies demonstrate that maca root has the ability to help prevent the development of chronic human diseases that are characterized by high levels of “bad” cholesterol, high antioxidative states, and impaired glucose tolerance. (6)
And because maca root increases the glutathione levels in the body, it not only improves your immune system and disease resistance, but also it is helps balance proper levels of cholesterol in the body. Plus, it significantly improves glucose tolerance, by lowering levels of glucose in blood. (6) This is especially important for those who need to worry about heart health and conditions like diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
While more research is still needed to reveal how exactly maca benefits the body’s hormonal and nervous systems, initial studies that have been completed have shown promising results for use of maca.
Here are 7 more benefits of taking Maca:
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Improves Blood Circulation – a very interesting property of Maca, is that it has been seen to improve blood circulation.
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Improves Acne – When acne is related to hormone imbalance, taking Maca can be very productive for improving hormonal acne.
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Improves Muscle Gain – More and more athletes and bodybuilders are using Maca powder to increase their athletic performance.
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Improves Thyroid Function – Due to the hormone balancing properties in Maca, it has been known to stimulate thyroid function.
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Improves Strong Teeth and Bones – Black Maca is great for increasing bone density and strength.
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Improves Skin Tone – Maca has a strong nutrient content and hormone balancing effect on our skin.
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Improves Hair Growth – Maca has been traditionally used to stimulate hair growth, as well as prevent hair loss.
Where to buy Maca
Maca is available from most good health food stores in powder form. I usually buy mine powdered. However, you might be able to find it in capsule, liquid or extract form. Look for 100% pure maca root powder, that is also raw and organic. I normally use the yellow variety, only because my local health food store supplies yellow. But, you can get it in black and red. The effects are similar but double check if the other colors might be better for particular medical condition. You can also find Maca online.
NEXT: Superfood Hot Chocolate With Coconut Oil, Maca + Turmeric
Source:
DrAxe
naturalon.com
