The Mighty Maca Root: Nature’s Endocrine Ally

Introduction: What is Maca?

Grown high in the Peruvian Andes at elevations over 13,000 feet, maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a hardy cruciferous root known for its adaptogenic and endocrine-supportive properties. Traditionally used for stamina, fertility, and vitality, maca has become a beloved botanical in functional health for both men and women.

A Nutrient-Dense Super Root

Maca is rich in essential nutrients including:

• Iron, calcium, potassium, iodine, and zinc
• Amino acids
• Plant sterols
• Polyphenols and glucosinolates

Unlike caffeine or stimulants, maca doesn’t give a jittery energy burst. Instead, it works with your body to restore vitality over time.

Health Benefits of Maca

1. Supports Hormonal Balance

Maca doesn’t contain hormones — it works by nourishing the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping the body regulate endocrine function naturally¹. Clinical studies show improvements in hormonal symptoms including irregular cycles, PMS, and menopause².

2. Enhances Libido and Fertility

Traditionally dubbed "Peruvian ginseng", maca has shown notable effects on sexual desire in both men and women. One randomized controlled trial found that men taking maca experienced increased libido compared to placebo³. It’s also been studied for improving sperm concentration and motility⁴.

3. Elevates Mood and Energy

Maca’s adaptogenic properties help the body adapt to stress, potentially lowering cortisol and boosting mood⁵. A 2015 study found maca improved symptoms of depression in postmenopausal women⁶. Users often report better energy and resilience without stimulants.

4. Cognitive and Bone Benefits

Preliminary research suggests maca may support memory and learning, particularly in models of cognitive decline⁷. It may also enhance bone density, an especially relevant benefit for aging individuals or postmenopausal women⁸.

Maca Varieties: Which One is Right for You?

Maca comes in yellow, red, and black varieties — each with its own effects:

• Yellow maca: Most common, well-rounded for general vitality
• Red maca: May support prostate health and mood
• Black maca: Traditionally used for male fertility and stamina

Gelatinized maca (cooked to remove starch) is easier to digest, while raw maca retains all its enzymatic activity.

image credit: MDPI

How to Take Maca

For general wellness:

• Start with 1,500–3,000 mg/day
• Best taken in the morning or early afternoon

Consistent use over 6–12 weeks is ideal to experience maca’s full adaptogenic effects.

Want Maca That Does More?

Not all maca is created equal.
Beautiful Holistic's Maca+ is more than just one maca root — it’s a triple-powered blend of yellow, red, and black maca, enhanced with adaptogenic allies like ashwagandha, tongkat ali, and panax ginseng for amplified hormone, energy, and libido support.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, low libido, hormonal swings, or just want to feel more like yourself — Maca+ is designed to meet your body where it's at.

Ancient Root, Modern Wisdom

Long before clinical trials, maca was revered by the Inca for strength, focus, and fertility. Today, its legacy continues — now validated by science and loved by those looking to naturally support hormone balance and energy.

References

¹ Gonzales GF. "Ethnobiology and ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (maca), a plant from the Peruvian Highlands." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012.
² Brooks NA, et al. "Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women..." Menopause. 2008.
³ Zenico T, et al. "Subjective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction..." Andrologia. 2009.
⁴ Gonzales GF, Cordova A, et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels..." Andrologia. 2002.
⁵ Meissner HO, et al. "Hormone-balancing effect of pre-gelatinized organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (I) Biochemical and pharmacodynamic study..." International Journal of Biomedical Science. 2006.
⁶ Stojanovska L, et al. "Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women." Climacteric. 2015.
⁷ Rubio J, et al. "Aqueous extract of black maca (Lepidium meyenii) improves learning and memory in ovariectomized mice..." Menopause. 2011.
⁸ Wang Z, et al. "Effects of maca on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats." Journal of Medicinal Food. 2010.