Despite being respected for its traditional properties for thousands of years, maca root is one of the more talked-about ingredients in the natural health community right now, and that recognition is well-deserved. Researchers continue to find new benefits associated with this powerful root vegetable.
Maca is also considered an adaptogen: a term for certain herbs, plants and natural substances that help the body adapt to stressors like a demanding schedule, a challenging job, or illness.
It is also packed with important micronutrients and antioxidants, and has been shown to support sexual health, hormonal balance, energy, mood and memory.
What Is Maca Root?
Known by its scientific name, Lepidium meyenii, maca is a cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes of Peru. It is similar in appearance and size to a radish, with green tops and roots that range in colour from yellow to purple and black.
It is usually available in powder form or capsules after being harvested and ground down. Considered a healing food, it has been consumed for its traditional properties for thousands of years in the Andes Mountains, where it has historically been used to support energy, stamina, and hormonal wellbeing.
Benefits of Maca Root
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Maca root acts as a natural antioxidant, supporting levels of antioxidants such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the body. Antioxidants help neutralise harmful free radicals and contribute to cellular health.
2. Supports Energy, Mood and Memory
Those who regularly use maca report feeling more alert, energised and motivated, often relatively quickly after starting to use it. Maca can support energy levels without the jitteriness that caffeine can cause.
3. Supports Libido
Research has found that maca supports female sexual health through several different mechanisms.
In a study of women with low libido, researchers administered three grams of maca for twelve weeks. At the end of the trial, participants reported a notable increase in sexual desire.
A 2008 study also found that maca root supports both psychological symptoms and sexual function in post-menopausal women, with improvements noted after six weeks of use.
Maca has also been shown to support female sex hormone balance and to help ease some of the hormonal changes associated with the menopause transition. Supporting hormone levels is central to many aspects of reproductive health and may help with symptoms such as changes in weight and bloating.
Which By Pippa Campbell Supplement Contains Maca?
Quality of sourcing matters considerably, and the formulas that contain organic maca are specifically designed for different life stages.
Peri-Balance is formulated for women in perimenopause. It contains two forms of organic maca, addressing both energy and hormonal support, alongside Shatavari, Dong Quai, Sage, Schisandra and Suma. I position it as the foundation supplement for perimenopause, covering the breadth of what this life stage asks of the body. It can be taken alongside HRT.
If you are twelve months or more without a period, Menopause-Balance is the more appropriate formula. It contains organic maca alongside Dong Quai, Sage, Hops, Red Clover, Schisandra, Ashwagandha and Organic Broccoli Sprout Powder, plus active B vitamins, Zinc and Folate. This formula addresses temperature regulation, sleep, mood, energy and cognitive function together. It can also be taken alongside HRT.
For energy support specifically, Ener-Boost works well alongside either formula. It combines three adaptogenic herbs, rhodiola rosea, ginseng and liquorice root, with CoQ10 to support sustained energy without caffeine. It is designed to be taken in the morning and at lunch, never in the evening.
If you are unsure which formula is right for you, book a supplement consultation with Rachel or a discovery consultation with one of our practitioners.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18784609
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4411442/
