Maca is an Andean root, which has been cultivated by Peruvians for over 2,000 years and resembles a radish or a turnip but tastes more like a potato. Like other starches, maca contains carbohydrates, protein, fats, and dietary fiber. It’s also rich in plant sterols and is a good source of iron, magnesium, selenium, and calcium.
So what gives Maca its sexual boost?
Macamides are described as “novel compounds” of maca and are only partially responsible for the boost.[i] [ii] This suggests that compounds other than macamides are responsible for these activities but have yet to be identified.
The science?
Georgetown University Medical Center professor Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD, says, “Some claims are over the top – compared to a placebo, maca only slightly enhanced sexual desire. The strongest evidence is that it may increase sperm count and improve fertility in certain men.”
For example, in one study researchers reported that healthy male subjects taking 1.75 grams of maca root powder every day for 3 months increased sperm count and motility.[iii]
As far as lowering cortisol there are rat studies that indicate significant results but no conclusive human studies at this point.[iv]
So while Maca on its own probably isn’t going to give you a steel pipe erection, it’s one of the safer supplements for male infertility challenges.
Rock Star Rating
- Testosterone & Erection Boost 6
- Libido and Sexual Desire Boost 5
- Lowers Cortisol 4
- Fertility & Sperm Mobility 8
- Safe to Take (no diarrhea or jitters) 9
Total: 32
While not the highest of Rockstar Ratings Maca is a powerful antioxidant and superfood. Since the benefits of maca require such a large dosage (1.7 grams per day) I recommend buying capsules of this separately or adding a tablespoon of this in powder form to your morning smoothie or sprinkling it onto your salad. For a more comprehensive cure for impotence check out the Man Up Formula.
References:
[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3184420/#B16
[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3184420/#B24
[iii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26421049/
[iv] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614596
