Black Maca
Other Names:
Peruvian Ginseng
What is black maca?
Black maca is a plant native to Peru, it is a cruciferous vegetable meaning it is related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. It has been used in Peru for culinary and medicinal purposes for years. It is highly nutritious, containing several important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, copper and iron.
Health Benefits:
Sexual health
Maca is well known for its potential to increase libido, and there are studies to support this. One study found an increased libido in that men who took 1.5-3 grams of maca per day. It has also been known to benefit people who suffer with erectile dysfunction, research showed that participants in a study experienced a significant increase in sexual well-being when taking black maca compared to those taking a placebo. There is also some evidence that the root may increase fertility, especially in men.
Boosts energy and mood
The root has been claimed to help build muscle, strength and boost energy, this could be due to its nutritional content and adaptogenic qualities. Maca could also improve mood due the plant compounds it contains called flavonoids.
Improves memory
Research found that black maca may improve learning and memory. One study showed that maca extract improved the spatial learning and memory of mice induced with scopolamine. This research suggests that black maca could be beneficial in treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, that effect the process of learning and memory – particularly with age.
History:
Ancient Incan warriors used to take maca before going to battle to make them physically strong, according to folknore. They were later forbidden from consuming the root, as to protect the conquered women from their heightened libidos.
Typical Uses:
Black maca can supplemented by eating the root, or more commonly through a black maca extract supplement. We suggest taking 2-8 capsules or 1 to 9 grams of our Black Maca Root spread out over the day with food, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Sources:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00892.x
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753476/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24931003/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115300162