Peruvian maca: what is it for and benefits of food

Peruvian maca is a food native to the Andes region, which has become popular for its rich composition in nutrients and minerals, as well as its health benefits.

Found as a nutritional supplement, the root has undergone research over the years with the aim of identifying its pharmacological properties.

In this process, benefits such as reduction of menopausal symptoms, improvement in fertility and positive impacts on mental health were observed.

Understand what food is for and what are the main contributions to physical and mental health.

What is Peruvian Maca?

Native to the Andes region of Peru, the Peruvian maca is a kind of tuber known for its nutritional and medicinal properties.

The plant was cultivated and consumed by the natives of the region for over two thousand years. At the time, people related maca to benefits such as increased fertility and improved sexual function.

The information is from a Unijorge study (Centro Universitário Jorge Amado), which explains other functional properties attributed to consumption of the tuber after research, such as combating anxiety, benefits for memory and energizing function.

What is the Peruvian stretcher used for?

Maca is a food, used as a functional food because it contains properties that can contribute to health and well-being.

Given the evidence of these benefits, pointed out in articles such as “Peruvian Maca (Lepidium Meyenii Walp): Current Panorama”, published by USP (University of São Paulo), and the study by Unijorge, the root began to be used as a herbal medicine.

Today, it is possible to find nutritional supplements produced from maca and sold by specialized stores in the sector.

Before ingesting these supplements, it is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist to understand the recommendations for each body.

What are the benefits of Peruvian maca?

Maca can contribute to health, well-being and quality of life, according to research such as the ones presented above.

Learn about the main benefits of food identified by studies.

diabetes control

According to data from the Lancet and Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, released by CNN, more than 1.3 billion people will live with diabetes by 2050.

Research carried out in rats with different types of maca, reported in the USP article, showed contributions to disease control, such as the reduction of glycemia.

Glycemia refers to the level of glucose present in the blood, carbohydrate used as a source of energy by the body. When levels are high, hyperglycemia occurs, which characterizes diabetes.

In studies, both red and black maca have been shown to increase glucose consumption in insulin resistant cells.

This resistance is responsible for making it difficult to absorb glucose in the blood, which can cause an increase in carbohydrates and generate diabetes.

Therefore, the result of this study helped to prove this positive effect on blood glucose through an improvement in insulin resistance and, consequently, in the absorption of glucose.

The plant’s fibers also help reduce the rate of glucose absorption by the body, which prevents the release of large amounts of insulin, as explained by the study published by Unijorge.

slimming

The fibers and complex carbohydrates present in the Peruvian maca can contribute to weight loss, since they generate a feeling of satiety when ingested.

In a study carried out with golden hamsters, highlighted by research by USP students, consumption of the plant showed prevention of body weight and fat gain.

In addition, an improvement in liver functions was also identified, such as a reduction in lipid accumulation in the liver, which can cause hepatic steatosis.

According to Ministry of Healththis accumulation of fats can cause inflammation of the liver and evolve into more serious conditions.

Decreased menopausal symptoms

Maca can also be used to reduce menopausal symptoms, caused by the pause in the production of hormones by the ovaries, such as estrogen and progesterone, a process that leads to the interruption of menstruation.

Researchers evaluated a reduction in symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes and irritability in women who underwent treatment with the plant, as reported in the USP study.

Other improvements were cited by Unijorge’s research, such as increased libido, decreased fatigue and greater skin hydration.

Improves symptoms of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterized by loss of bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, as a result of reduced absorption of calcium and minerals by the body.

This can happen as a reflection of the body’s natural aging and can also be one of the symptoms of menopause, due to the lack of estrogen production.

Studies shared in the article “Peruvian Maca (Lepidium Meyenii Walp): Current Overview” showed an increase in bone mineral density and a reversal of bone loss in tests performed on rats.

Another test identified an increase in bone density also in women during menopause, compared to participants who did not eat the tuber.

Increased fertility

In addition to the survey published by USP, a article published by the magazine Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed the results of tests carried out with men between 24 and 44 years old.

According to the information gathered by the study, there was an increase of 20% in the sperm count and 14% in the mobility of these spermatozoa.

In the Unijorge study, it is possible to find a clinical trial carried out with men who consumed the plant in gel daily, revealing an improvement in sexual desire after eight weeks.

The article also highlights other research conducted on maca-fed mice, which showed an improvement in erectile dysfunction.

antioxidant effect

The antioxidant properties have also appeared in research conducted with maca over the years. They are responsible for giving a darker color to the root.

The study released by Unijorge, for example, highlights the effects of this action in combating the body’s natural oxidation caused by aging.

According to the data, individuals who consume the plant showed a later and slower aging process compared to those who do not ingest maca.

In research carried out with rats, presented in the USP studies, a reduction in fatigue was proven, attributed to the antioxidant effect – the action of the polysaccharides that make up maca.

Therefore, the plant can also bring benefits to the practice of physical activities by strengthening the body’s resistance.

In addition, the article also talks about an improvement in learning and memory, attributed to the antioxidant activity of the plant.

Helps in cancer prevention

Another benefit observed as a result of the antioxidant action present in maca is the elimination of free radicals, molecules capable of causing cancer by damaging the cells of the body.

Therefore, maca is also known for its preventive functions against various diseases, including cancer.

The research published by USP also shows the antitumor activity of the polysaccharides that make up the plant.

According to the study, this can be explained by the stimulating action of the macrophagic response of this component.

Fighting cardiovascular disease

Some properties of the root of Peruvian origin, such as omega 3, amino acids and omega 9 are attributed to the benefits provided to the cardiovascular health of those who consume it.

In the study carried out by Unijorge, the vasodilator action of omega 3, which also helps to regulate cholesterol, is complemented by the effect of omega 9, responsible for increasing the level of good cholesterol (HDL).

Amino acids complete the contribution to the fight against cardiovascular diseases by controlling hypertension and blood fat levels.

In a study reported by USP Research, an improvement in blood pressure was observed in men who consumed maca for 12 weeks.

Another finding was the inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, called ACE, which works together with the high levels of potassium present in the plant to reduce the risk of hypertension.

The reduction in systolic blood pressure (maximum value verified during the measurement) and an improvement in physical function were two benefits observed in a study carried out with the population of the Central Andes of Peru, presented in the USP survey.

Improvement of mental health

According to a survey by PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), released by CNN, the countries of the Americas recorded an increase of more than 30% in diagnoses of depression and anxiety disorders during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Studies such as the one carried out by USP students and the one released by Unijorge show that the Peruvian maca has antidepressant effects and can help in the treatment of anxiety.

In research carried out with mice, highlighted in the USP article, the antidepressant effect was observed, also proven in tests with postmenopausal women.

For this group, the actions were observed after daily use of maca for a period of six weeks. In addition to the antidepressant effect, an improvement in the level of anxiety was also observed in the women participating in the study.

According to research released by Unijorge, the tuber helps to promote a sense of well-being, in addition to improving energy and contributing to mood stabilization.

These factors can directly help with mental health and disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Helps to strengthen immunity

The USP and Unijorge articles also highlight the immunomodulatory function of maca, a consequence of the polysaccharides and antioxidant capacity, which contributes to resistance.

In addition, the study reinforces the evidence of the analgesic action of the plant, both in pain of inflammatory and neuropathic origin.

The vitamins and minerals present in the tuber, such as magnesium, vitamin C and zinc also contribute to strengthening the immune system.

How can Peruvian maca be consumed?

Maca can be found in capsules and powder, which makes the way to consume the supplement more flexible. Some options to include in everyday life are:

• sprinkled on soups, fruits and cereals;
• added to pâtés, creams and pastes;
• mixed with flour to prepare cakes, breads and pies;
• together with hot or cold drinks, such as smoothies, juices and coffee.

The indications for consumption may vary from one person to another, so it is essential to carry out a medical evaluation to know how to take the Peruvian maca correctly, according to the needs and goals of each person.

Possible side effects of Peruvian maca

There is no scientific evidence of side effects caused by the consumption of Peruvian maca, but medical follow-up for evaluation and guidance on use is indicated for all people.

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