Maca root is derived from the maca plant, which is also called Peruvian ginseng. It is a cruciferous vegetable and the root is the most edible part of the plant. Maca root is often consumed as a powder, but you can also get it in capsule form as an extract. The flavor has been described as nutty, and you can add it to smoothies, fruit juices, and certain baked goods. Here are a few benefits of maca root.
Your Energy Levels Improve
When you add maca root to your smoothies or fruit juices, you get a boost of energy. According to the journal Pharmaceuticals, a study of participants in Peru who used black or red maca for 12 weeks experienced an increase in energy levels.
It Is Good for The Bones
Each day, your cells break down old bones and create new ones, and your hormones play a role in this. As you age, estrogen production decreases and as a result, bone production occurs more often and you become susceptible to bone loss through conditions such as osteoporosis. Absorption in your gastrointestinal system also slows down as you age, and it becomes difficult to retain bone-healthy minerals such as calcium and vitamin K. Maca root helps with hormone regulation so that your bones remain strong.
Maca Root Assists with Memory
If you want to improve your memory and brain performance overall, then maca root might work for you. There was a 2014 study in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicinewhich showed some evidence that maca root can help with memory. So the next time you decide to find a natural supplement for keeping the brain sharp, consider maca root.
It Contains Vital Nutrients
Many of us do not consume enough vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, and we can supplement our diet with a maca root supplement. Maca root contains a lot of the same vitamins and minerals that are found in fruits and vegetables. These include B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium. Instead of your morning coffee, try drinking a fruit smoothie with maca root powder added to it.