Black Maca: Health Benefits

Health Properties of Black Maca

A root vegetable from Peru, celebrated for its energy boosting nutrients, and its ability to enhance stamina, vitality, and hormonal balance. But beyond the colour of its skin, what are the special attributes that sets black maca apart from its red and yellow cousins, and why is it reputed to be the best choice for male libido and fertility? Read on to discover the black maca health benefits.

Black Maca Health Benefits

Both men and women can benefit from the health-giving properties of black maca. Following a great deal of scientific research over the past seventeen years, maca has been found to be packed with energy boosting nutrients which enhance stamina, vitality, cognitive function and the immune system. For these reasons it is classed as a superfood and here are the main areas where it helps:

Energy, Stamina, and Vitality

If you are feeling low on energy, black maca is noted for its ability to increase stamina and endurance. It does this naturally, without the side effects that certain energising and stamina inducing drugs may cause.

Black maca is often regarded as being the most effective of the three maca colours for men. This doesn’t mean that black maca is not fine for women to take as part of their diet, or as a dietary supplement. It can either be taken alone or in a blend of all three colours

Many women, as well as men, like to achieve toned muscles, strength and stamina as part of their exercise and health regime so the properties in black maca are just as appropriate for women to take.

Antioxidant Levels and Immune System

Black maca is rich in antioxidants to fortify your immune system. Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, protecting your cells from stress and damage caused by free radicals and thereby reducing the risk of diseases and infections.

Results of a 2018 study showed that of the biological activity of the three types of maca, the lipids and polysaccharides in black maca contained a higher level of antioxidant properties than those of the red and yellow varieties of the vegetable.

Metabolism

According to a laboratory study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, black maca extract was found to prevent metabolism disorders by helping to regulate glucose in the human body. Your brain needs to get around 50% of its energy from glucose and your red blood cells survive exclusively on it, so the importance of well-regulated glucose levels is paramount. This indicates that black maca can support a healthier metabolism.

Mood, Cognitive Function, and Memory

Black , yellow and red maca, have mood enhancing properties which have been found to increase dopamine levels leading to reduced feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. It has also been found to improve cognitive function and memory, keeping the brain sharp and focussed throughout the day.

In addition, maca can regulate the production of hormones oestradiol and progesterone and to lower production of cortisol which is the prime stress hormone. This evidence is the result of studies conducted into the symptoms of menopause, to which maca has been found to be of great benefit.

Black Maca for Hormonal Balance

Black and red maca, is excellent for maintaining hormonal balance which is crucial for general health.

Black maca has been found to be especially effective for boosting sperm production and motility.

Although scientists are still researching the exact way in which maca works to balance hormones, there are factors of which they are now certain:

• Endocrine Support - Due to the richness of phytonutrients such as alkaloids, black and red maca can give excellent support to the hypothalamus and pituitary glands which in turn influence hormones produced by other glands such as adrenals and ovaries.
• Sterols – maca contains compounds known as sterols which are lipids used by the body to improve the function of the adrenals, namely, the ovaries, testicles, thyroid, pancreas and pineal glands.

Libido Enhancement

Black maca is famous for its libido enhancing properties for both men and women. It has properties which can support improved sexual desire, performance and satisfaction.

Cardiovascular Health

Reducing the risk of heart disease is helped greatly by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels and black maca has been found to give support to the regulation of a safe and healthy level of blood pressure as well as cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Bone and Skin Health

Maintaining strong bones is essential for long-term wellness. Studies have shown that black maca can improve bone density and strength, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It is also known to nourish skin, and has been traditionally used to reduce acne, promoting a clear and youthful complexion.

Black Maca Benefits; Male

This version of maca is sometimes considered to be the preferred choice for men, mainly because it has been found to be best for building muscular strength and improving sperm count.

Because maca has a positive effect on hormones, it’s important to note that it is an edible vegetable which does not contain hormones but does have properties capable of supporting the body in achieving a healthy hormonal balance.

Male Libido

Research has shown that black maca has a positive effect on the male libido in subjects between the ages of 21-56. An early study from 2002 found that men who took between 1500 mg or 3000 mg experienced enhanced sexual desire compared to those participants who received a placebo.

Erectile Dysfunction

Some evidence exists that maca root could be beneficial for men with erectile dysfunction. A study in 2009 looked at the effect of participants taking 2.4g of maca for 12 weeks.

The results were based on the participants’ perception of their sexual performance and well-being. The study participants all had mild ED, and the outcome showed a significant increase in sexual well-being amongst those taking the maca than those taking a placebo.

Enlarged Prostate

Research is continuing but some studies suggest that it may be mainly red maca which helps to reduce enlarged prostate. It would be recommended to take a supplement including a blend of red, black and yellow maca to access this benefit.

Black Maca for Muscular Strength and Endurance

Black maca added to your diet has been found to help with muscular strength and endurance. Athletes and bodybuilders use maca as a supplement to increase energy and performance. Black maca has also been found to speed up muscle recovery.

Sperm Production

Several independent studies have taken place on how black maca affects both production and motility of sperm. The first laboratory study dated 2006 found that black maca was the preferred variety to be effective in supporting the production of sperm.

A further laboratory study in 2016 showed an increase in daily sperm production. It showed that sperm motility as well as sexual dysfunction was improved. The conclusion of the study was that black maca appeared to have more beneficial effect on sperm counts and epididymal sperm motility. These results were obtained over the course of 12 weeks.

For women wishing to increase fertility, red maca or a blend of all three varieties is usually suggested.

Taking Maca as a Dietary Supplement

It is possible to take black maca in isolation to the red and yellow variations of the root. It is calculated that the production and availability of black maca represents approximately 15% of all the maca grown, so it has always been a rare commodity.

As all three colours of the maca root contain similar yet certain unique properties, taking maca in capsule form as a blend of all three gives a safe, gentle and highly beneficial supplement.

Our Peruvian Maca Root Powder Capsules are a powerful blend of black, red and yellow maca, providing all the nourishment and adaptogenic properties needed to fulfil the health benefits for which maca is celebrated.

Read more about Peruvian Maca Root Extract

Ten Key Takeaways

• Black maca is a nutrient-dense food and a natural adaptogen.
• Black maca health benefits include a boost in energy, stamina, and vitality.
• Black maca strengthens the immune system with antioxidant properties.
• It aids digestion and a healthy gut.
• Black maca elevates mood, cognitive function, and memory.
• It promotes hormonal balance, fertility, and enhances libido.
• Black maca supports cardiovascular health, bone density, and skin health.
• It promotes strength and endurance, also speeds up muscle recovery.
• Black maca supports male reproductive health and libido.
• Consult a healthcare professional before incorporating black maca into your routine.

Further Reading

You may be interested in reading more about maca in our recent blogs.

• Maca Benefits for Women
• Red Maca Root

Our Promise

When it comes to keeping you informed on health and nutrition, we’re here for you and aim to help where we can. If you would like to discuss any aspect of using natural supplements, or would find advice helpful, please feel free to contact us on 01297 553932.