Fertility levels are in decline in many countries. More and more couples are attempting to start a family (or add to their family) and are finding that it is not as easy as they thought it was going to be. There are several theories about why this may be happening, such as exposure to environmental pollutants.
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Treatments for couples experiencing infertility are advancing all the time, but some prefer to try traditional remedies. Maca root powder is becoming increasingly popular.
Everything you need to know about Maca
So, what is Maca powder and how can it help you? Maca powder is derived from the root of the Maca plant. Scientists refer to it as an adaptogen, which simply means that it can help your body to adapt to change. It has been used in particular to boost fertility and help to solve fertility problems.
It is grown in the Andes mountains, where the indigenous population have used it in traditional medicine for centuries. They believe that it can improve fertility. These days, Maca is used by couples all over the world who are having problems conceiving.
How does Maca powder help fertility?
The first way in which Maca helps with fertility is by boosting libido. It acts as an aphrodisiac for men and women by boosting the body’s testosterone levels. At the same time, it supports healthy ovulation and encourages a woman’s body to release an egg ready for fertilisation.
It also provides a much-needed energy boost, making couples feel more invigorated and ready to face the challenges of starting a family. It can be used as a healthy alternative to a cup of coffee.
Maca has an impressive nutritional profile and delivers all the vitamins and minerals that you could need to conceive. In particular, it will provide all the amino acids and fatty acids that you need. Added to this are essential minerals including calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron. It is also packed with phytonutrients and B vitamins. For women, there is everything you need to successfully conceive and carry a healthy embryo.
However, Maca is also beneficial for men. It increases both sperm production and motility, which makes it more likely that a healthy sperm will reach an egg. This is essential to boost the chances of a successful conception.
Yellow, red and black maca compared
Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng, grows high in the Andes and belongs to the same plant family as cabbage and broccoli. It can be eaten as a root vegetable but is usually exported as a powder, and it comes in several colours, each traditionally used for slightly different purposes.
Red maca is the variety most associated with fertility and women’s health, and it is used to help balance hormones. It is not only for women, though, as it is also linked with maintaining prostate health. It is the sweetest of the powders, so many people find it the most pleasant to take.
Black maca is the rarest type and is traditionally used to support men’s libido and fertility, as well as muscle strength, endurance and concentration. Yellow or cream maca is the most common and readily available, and is used for energy, focus and hormone balance. Choosing the right colour lets people target the area they are most concerned about.
Ways to add maca to your diet
Maca is a root vegetable grown mainly in Peru and used for centuries. It is packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and amino acids, and is valued for its potential to support energy and libido as part of a well balanced diet. It is sometimes confused with matcha, the Asian green tea, but the two are completely different.
The root is ground into a powder that is easy to add to everyday food and drink. A scoop works well in a smoothie or shake, and some people simply stir it into a warm or cold milk drink. It can also be used in baking, in muffins or homemade granola bars, giving you healthy snacks for when you are out and about.
A more concentrated form, known as gelatinised maca powder, is also available. Whatever form you choose, maca works best alongside a varied diet of healthy foods rather than as a replacement for one.