Maca, a superfood to consume for faster conception?
The benefits of maca
Maca is an adaptogenic food, meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses it may encounter. This tuber, which resembles a turnip, is packed with vitamins and nutrients. It is an excellent source of plant-based copper and iron.
It can be consumed to boost the body in case of fatigue or weakened immune system. It is also a dietary supplement recommended to stimulate cognitive abilities such as concentration and memory.
Maca powder has been used for centuries in Peru and Bolivia as a tonic, aphrodisiac, and to increase fertility. Livestock breeders also traditionally use the roots for animals having trouble reproducing.
Research has isolated two active compounds unique to maca, macaenes and macamides, which are thought to play a role in increasing libido.
Moreover, its effect on hormonal balance also helps to relieve menopause symptoms.
Maca powder, an aphrodisiac and good for men’s fertility
In men, maca helps increase libido, prevent erection problems and impotence, and improves sperm quality.
Researchers have attempted to verify the aphrodisiac and pro-fertility effects of maca. For both male animals and humans, consuming it in large quantities helps improve fertility, sperm quality, and sperm motility.
While studies on rats are reliable, scientific studies on humans lack solidity for now but are also very encouraging.
Regardless, it is established that maca is a good tonic for the body: as such, it can combat fatigue and increase vital and sexual energy in both men and women.
Moreover, conception difficulties are often explained by psychological factors: fatigue, stress… Regular consumption of this tuber helps reduce stress thanks to its adaptogenic properties.
The B-group vitamins and magnesium it contains indeed help lower cortisol, the stress hormone.
Maca for conception and pregnancy
A study conducted on female rats showed that regular consumption of maca over seven weeks increased levels of luteinizing hormones (which trigger ovulation) in the body.
The iron richness of maca makes it an excellent dietary supplement to consume for conception.
Indeed, iron deficiency in women can disrupt menstrual cycles or even cause amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). Maca thus helps facilitate cycle regularity.
It is perfectly fine to consume maca during pregnancy since there are no known contraindications. However, it is advised to seek medical advice before consuming any dietary supplements.
Its nutrient richness allows both the future mother and the embryo to avoid deficiencies. The iron needs for pregnant women are greater, which is why supplementing natural food sources can be necessary.
Furthermore, it helps energize the body during the fatigue spells common in early pregnancy.
Maca is also recommended after childbirth to strengthen the mother’s body weakened by labor and short nights. Finally, it is a galactogenic food, like fenugreek, meaning it stimulates milk production and promotes breastfeeding.
How to consume maca when trying to conceive?
Forms of maca consumption
In France, fresh maca isn’t available in stores because its export is prohibited, while it’s available at every market stall in the Andes! Here, it’s consumed dried, in powder form. You can sprinkle it on foods, at breakfast, for example, or buy maca capsules if you want to follow a specific regimen.
Maca powder has a rather pleasant caramelized nutty taste: it is therefore an enjoyable dietary supplement to consume. But everyone can decide for themselves!
You can add maca powder to a milkshake, yogurt, smoothie… It can also be cooked, replacing part of the flour in bread or pastries. It also partially replaces sugar in sweet preparations.
It is always preferable to consume organic maca to avoid pesticide residues and phytosanitary products, especially if it is maca in capsules, highly concentrated. Furthermore, it is advisable to prefer Peruvian maca as it is cultivated more traditionally and in a way that respects the environment and cultures compared to maca from China.
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Which maca to consume to increase fertility?
Maca can be consumed in capsules, powder, or as a liquid extract.
- In capsules, it is recommended to consume 2 per day throughout the conception period.
- In powder form, you can consume 3 to 6 grams per day for two to three months. However, it is advised not to consume it for a longer period.
In any case, if conception problems are encountered, it is best to consult a doctor.
There are different types of maca:
- Red maca is particularly suitable for women who want to become pregnant.
- Black maca is recommended especially for men who suffer from erection problems.
- Yellow maca is suitable for both men and women to enhance libido and increase fertility.
Maca without alkaloids: check the manufacturing process
Like most tubers (potato, cassava…), maca contains alkaloids, which can be toxic if consumed raw in high doses.
The traditional manufacturing and drying process of maca removes any alkaloid residues in the finished product. Therefore, it is better to buy Peruvian maca, as Peruvians have perfect control over the traditional manufacturing process.
Moreover, some manufacturers indicate that the maca is “alkaloid-free guaranteed” in the finished product: one can look out for this indication to ensure its quality.
