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4 Proven Health Benefits of Maca Roots Powder

Date: 28 Oct 2024

More and more people are seeking alternative medicine to treat common health problems such as chronic pain, stress and anxiety, digestive issues, sex problems, and insomnia among others.

Maca, a Peruvian plant, is one such herb with various benefits used by many people across the globe. Maca root powder offers several health benefits such as improving mood, boosting libido, & energy, as well as increasing fertility. Read this article to learn more about its benefits and where to find Maca root powder in Kenya.

What is Maca Root and its nutrient value?

The Maca plant is a cruciferous vegetable in the same class as Kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. The plant is planted in Peruvian highlands especially Andean plateaus. Andean people have used Maca as food and medication for respiratory conditions for over 2000 years.

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Maca roots gained popularity because of the claim that it increases libido and fertility. Today, Maca is grown across the globe and is used as food and alternative medicine in many countries and cultures.

Nutrient Value of Maca Roots

Here is the nutrient value of Maca Roots per 100 grams, according to FoodData Central:

  • Calories: 325 kcal
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Total Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 71 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Sugars: 20 g
  • Calcium: 413 mg
  • Magnesium: 74 mg
  • Potassium: 806 mg
  • Iron: 7 mg
  • Zinc: 3 mg
  • Copper: 430 mcg
  • Vitamin C: 475% DV
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 21% DV1

Maca root is known for its high fiber, protein, and carbohydrate content, and it's also rich in essential minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds such as glucosinolates, acridine, macamides, and alkaloids.

Health Benefits of Maca Roots

Before, I show you where to get Maca Roots in Kenya, let us first look at the many health benefits of Maca Roots.

Maca Roots Help Increase Libido and Sexual Function

The most well-known benefit of Maca root is its potential to increase libido. There is some scientific evidence to support this claim.

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Shin et. Al. conducted a systematic review on how Maca improves sexual function by analyzing 17 databases of randomized clinical trials up to 2010 and concluded that there is a positive effect of Maca on sexual desire, function, and libido in both adult men and women.

Research shows that Maca helps reduce sexual dysfunction especially with women way past menopause taking antidepressants. On the same note, a study conducted in 2009 for 12 weeks where participants consumed 2.4g of maca root per day concluded that maca improved their perception and sexual well-being.

Maca may Increase fertility among men.

Researchers examined the number of men's sperm, their morphology, and their mobility to assess male fertility. The findings suggested that maca might enhance the quality of semen. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and further research is necessary.

Promotes Healthy Menopause

Older women can benefit from Maca in reducing discomfort because of hormone levels in the postmenopausal stage. One study suggests that Maca helps relieve hot flashes and interrupted sleep among women going through menopause. It is important to note that there is limited evidence to prove that indeed Maca is effective. Therefore, it is important to consult your gynecologist if you experience any discomfort when going through menopause.

Boosts Energy and Endurance

Maca root is used as a supplement by some bodybuilders and sportsmen to boost their energy and performance. This is supported by some evidence.

 

Using maca extract for 14 days enhanced male cyclists' performance in a 40-kilometer time trial, according to a 2009 pilot research. The outcomes, however, did not differ substantially from the improvement shown in the placebo group.

 

The same study also discovered that participants' libido was enhanced by maca extract. However, this study's sample size was quite tiny, thus further research is required to validate the findings.

How to Use Maca

Maca can be consumed as a vegetable or in the form of supplements such as capsules. You can use Maca powder as seasoning for baked goods, oatmeal, smoothies’ e.t.c

Consume an average of 1.5 to 3 g per day. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure that you get personalized dosage. Also, choose verified brands to ensure that indeed what you get is Maca Powder.

Where to find Maca Root powder in Kenya

Maca root powder is readily available in Kenya. Many online pharmacies, traditional doctors, Supermarkets, and marketplaces sell Maca roots in Kenya. Here are 5 places you can find Maca Roots powder in Kenya:

Pharmily

Pharmily is an online pharmacy and platform where you can book an appointment for a virtual visit with a doctor. Pharmily offers original Now Maca root Pure Powder at only Kes 5,099 on their online store. Order today and get it delivered to your doorstep.

Jumia

Jumia is an online marketplace that operates throughout Africa including Kenya. There are many vendors in Jumia who sell Maca Roots Powder in Kenya. The price ranges from Kes 650 to Kes 1200 for 50g in Jumia.

Carrefour

Carrefour is a popular supermarket available in many malls in Kenya. You can easily find Maca Roots Powder in any Carrefour supermarket near you. However, be sure to purchase Maca root powder from a reputable brand to get value for your money.

Reed Naturals

Reed Naturals is an online marketplace for supplements sourced from the United States of America. Reed Natural sells 120 capsules of 3200mg Peruvian Maca Supplement for Kes 4,400.

Final thought

Traditional uses of Maca root date back many years, and it has several health advantages, ranging from boosting fertility and libido to promoting stamina and vitality. While evidence suggests that Maca has beneficial effects, it is critical to treat it as a supplement rather than a cure. Maca roots powder is available in Kenya at select supermarkets, online pharmacies, online marketplaces, and local vendors in the market. If you are thinking of using Maca to treat a particular issue, it is important to get advice from a medical expert.