Just in time for the most romantic month of the year, here’s some tips for a very important part of your overall well-beling—your sexual health.
Blast from the past
Historians believe the maca root, domesticated around 3500 BC, was an important food source for the Inca that enhanced fertility, virility, and energy.
This ancient, natural remedy has stood the test of time.
Get excited, men
Researchers at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia conducted an experiment to study the effects of maca on men’s libido. Participants received either a maca supplement or a placebo for 3 months. As early as 8 weeks, the men supplementing with maca reported an increase in their libido(1).
What’s more, researchers in Europe found that men’s sperm count increased after 12 weeks on a maca supplement compared to those on the placebo(2).
Light up, ladies
Research shows that maca benefits the production of sex hormones and enhances sex drive(3). That alone is exciting news, but maca can also address some of women’s specific concerns.
One study found that maca can increase libido for women who experience antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (AISD). It might alleviate AISD, particularly when it comes to orgasm, the study concluded (4).
Other studies show that maca can significantly lower measures of sexual dysfunction in menopausal women(5).
Factor in that maca has been shown to increase energy and stamina(6), and it looks like maca can spice up your night life no matter your age or stage. Make the most of February with Maca from Santo Remedio.
Let’s get healthier, together,
Your friends at Santo Remedio
References:
1. Gonzales, G.F., Córdova, A., et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia 2002 Dec;34(6):367-72. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x.
2. Melnikovova, I., Fait, T., et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormone Levels in Healthy Adult Men: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015;2015:324369. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/324369.
3. Hudson, T. Maca: New Insights on an Ancient Plant. Integrative Medicine. 2008 7(6) pp. 54-57. Accessed at http://www.imjournal.com/resources/web_pdfs/imcj_hudson.pdf
4. Dording, C. M., Schettler, P. J., Dalton, E. D., Parkin, S. R., Walker, R. S., Fehling, K. B., Fava, M., & Mischoulon, D. (2015). A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2015, 949036. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/949036
5. Brooks, N. A., Wilcox, G., Walker, K. Z., Ashton, J. F., Cox, M. B., & Stojanovska, L. (2008). Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 15(6), 1157–1162. https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e3181732953
6. Stone, M., Ibarra, A., Roller, M., Zangara, A., & Stevenson, E. (2009). A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 126(3), 574–576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.012
