Maca is a plant native to Peru, and its root has long been used as a natural remedy for various health concerns, including infertility and low sex drive. In recent years, interest in maca has expanded globally, with many people also wondering, Does maca root make you gain weight in your stomach? While some use it for hormonal balance and vitality, questions about its potential effects on body weight and abdominal fat continue to arise. More high-quality research is still needed to fully understand its impact.
For thousands of years, certain populations in Peru have used maca both as a staple food and as a medicinal plant.
Over the past few decades, maca has gained significant popularity worldwide. This article explores what maca root is, outlines its possible health benefits, discusses concerns such as Does maca root make you gain weight in your stomach, and reviews whether it’s safe to include in your daily routine.
What does maca root do for the body?
The maca plant, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii or “Peruvian ginseng,” is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale.
Indigenous to the high Andean plateaus, maca has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years and can withstand the extreme climate of the Peruvian Andes at elevations above 4,000 meters (m), or 13,123 feet (ft). Historically, Andean communities used maca as nourishment and as a remedy for respiratory conditions and rheumatic disease.
Today, maca supplements are widely marketed for enhancing libido and fertility. It is now cultivated in several regions around the world, including China’s Yunnan province.
Maca contains a variety of beneficial nutrients and plant compounds, such as:
- fiber
- vitamins and minerals
- bioactive compounds, including macamides, macaridine, alkaloids, and glucosinolates
Despite these promising components, scientific findings on its benefits remain mixed, and further human studies are required to confirm many of the claims.
For a broader look at how maca may influence body composition, see Maca root weight gain or loss, which discusses whether it contributes to weight changes or metabolic shifts.
SummaryPeople in Peru have relied on maca for thousands of years as both a food source and traditional medicine.
Maca may help with libido, sexual function, and fertility
It remains uncertain whether maca provides consistent benefits for low libido, sexual dysfunction, or infertility in males or females. Available research shows varied outcomes, and larger, well-designed human studies are still necessary.
Are sex and gender the same thing?
The terms sex and gender are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct concepts:
- “Sex” refers to biological characteristics that distinguish male, female, and intersex bodies.
- “Gender” relates to a person’s internal identity and sense of self. Examples include man, woman, nonbinary, agender, bigender, genderfluid, pangender, and trans. Gender identity may differ from the sex assigned at birth.
What does maca do for male sexual function?
Although many investigations have been conducted in animals rather than humans, some research indicates that maca may support males experiencing low sexual desire or libido.
A 2019 study found that combining maca with Chinese chive seed (Allium tuberosum) improved erectile dysfunction in male mice.
Additionally, a 2020 study reported that taking 2 grams (g) of maca daily for 12 weeks may significantly improve sperm concentration compared with a placebo. However, there was no significant difference in sperm motility between groups.
What does maca root do for a female sexual function?
An older 2015 study involving 45 females with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction suggested that consuming 3,000 milligrams (mg) of maca root daily for 12 weeks significantly enhanced sexual function and libido compared with a placebo.
Even so, more extensive human research is needed to better understand how maca affects female sexual health. You can explore additional insights on Maca root benefits for females, including its potential hormonal and reproductive effects.
SummaryLimited evidence suggests that maca may help improve sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and fertility. However, research is limited at this time.
Maca may help relieve symptoms of menopause
Menopause is a natural phase in people who menstruate, marked by the permanent cessation of menstrual periods.
Research indicates that maca may offer support during menopause by easing symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances. Because hormonal changes during this stage can also influence fat distribution, some individuals question, Does maca root make you gain weight in your stomach? Current evidence does not confirm that maca directly causes abdominal weight gain, but hormonal shifts during menopause themselves can affect body composition.
SummaryAccording to limited findings, maca may help reduce some menopausal symptoms. However, there’s not enough evidence to determine its true effectiveness.
Maca may improve mood and energy
Preliminary evidence suggests that maca could help support energy levels and overall mood.
A 2021 study in mice found that maca helped regulate exercise-induced fatigue. Similarly, a 2022 study in mice reported comparable findings.
In humans, a 2022 study involving young adult females showed that maca extract may reduce fatigue. Furthermore, a 2016 study of 175 individuals living at low or high altitudes demonstrated that consuming 3 g of red or black maca daily for 12 weeks improved mood and energy scores compared with a placebo.
Still, more robust clinical trials are necessary before definitive conclusions can be made regarding maca’s impact on mood, vitality, or metabolic rate—factors sometimes associated with concerns like Does maca root make you gain weight in your stomach.
SummarySome evidence suggests that maca may help improve energy and positively affect mood. However, research is limited at this time.
Other potential health benefits of maca
Human studies examining the broader health effects of maca remain limited.
However, early findings from laboratory and animal studies in mice and rats suggest that maca may contribute to health by:
- helping preserve cognitive function
- supporting treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- helping wound healing
- containing anti-inflammatory properties
- containing prebiotic nutrients that may support digestion
At present, there is no solid evidence confirming that these potential benefits translate directly to humans. Clinical trials in people are needed to validate these effects.
SummaryLimited evidence from animal research suggests that maca may have benefits for BPH, brain health, and skin health.
How to use maca
Maca is edible in its whole-food form and is also sold as capsules and powders.
Maca powder can be blended into smoothies, stirred into oatmeal, mixed into baked goods, or added to homemade energy bars. It has a nutty, slightly butterscotch-like flavor that complements sweeter ingredients.
An optimal medicinal dose of maca has not been firmly established. In research settings, maca root powder dosages typically range from 1.5 to 3 g per day.
If you’re considering maca to address concerns such as libido, menopause symptoms, or even questions like Does maca root make you gain weight in your stomach, consult a qualified healthcare professional. A registered dietitian or physician can help determine an appropriate dosage and assess potential interactions. Because supplements are not regulated as strictly as medications, selecting products tested by third parties can help ensure quality and label accuracy.
SummaryMaca root powder is widely available and easy to incorporate into your diet.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I take maca every day?
Maca is generally considered safe when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Research indicates it is safe to use as a supplement at doses of up to 3 g per day for up to four months.
However, a 2018 study examined a case of a woman whose blood lead concentration increased after she consumed a maca supplement.
Who should not take maca?
It’s essential to carefully evaluate any supplement, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing. It is currently unclear whether maca is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak with a doctor before using maca or any dietary supplement, especially if you have existing medical conditions or take prescription medications.
Does maca increase testosterone?
Maca doesn’t increase testosterone levels. Research shows no statistical difference in testosterone levels between individuals who used maca root and those who did not.
How long does it take for maca to work?
The timeframe for noticeable effects depends on the outcome being measured. Several research studies have observed positive changes after approximately 12 weeks of consistent maca use.
The bottom line
Although evidence regarding the health benefits of maca remains limited, some studies suggest that maca supplements may enhance certain aspects of sexual health and fertility, alleviate menopausal symptoms, and support mood in some individuals.
There is currently no strong scientific proof that maca directly causes abdominal fat gain. For those asking, Does maca root make you gain weight in your stomach, available research does not confirm a direct link. Body weight changes are typically influenced by overall calorie intake, physical activity, hormonal balance, and underlying health conditions.
Researchers must continue to investigate maca more thoroughly before it can be recommended as a treatment for specific medical conditions or symptoms.
If you’re considering adding maca to your wellness routine, consult a healthcare professional first. They can help determine whether maca aligns with your individual health goals and medical history.
Just one thing
Try this today: Mix maca powder into homemade energy balls for a satisfying and nutrient-dense snack. Numerous recipes are available online to match your flavor preferences. Pair maca with wholesome ingredients such as hemp, cacao, and flaxseed for added nutritional value.
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