Maca and Pregnancy

One of maca’s oldest, most traditional uses was for helping prospective parents in the Peruvian Andes with conceiving. This may not come as a surprise to some - today, maca is commonly seen as a sort of holistic substitute for prescription medications intended to combat erectile dysfunction. While it’s no magical cure-all, modern research has linked maca with increased libido and virility. But did you know that maca is associated with boosting sex drive and fertility in women as well?

Maca Root’s Nutritional Value

Maca root, or Lepidium meyenii, is a root found in the Peruvian highlands. It’s known as a superfood for a reason. Maca root is a nutritional powerhouse that has long been associated with numerous medicinal qualities. Look to its nutritional content for an explanation: it contains nearly all essential amino acids, which drive many cellular activities including sexual and fertility functions. Maca is also loaded with free fatty acids and vitamins, in addition to minerals linked with supporting thyroid and enzyme health.

Of particular significance is the presence of glucosinolates in maca root. Glucosinolates are a group of plant secondary metabolites mainly found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and horseradish, and they’re associated with anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.

Maca root is considered an adaptogen, which means it’s believed to mitigate the effects of stress on the body. This exhibits as a sort of “balancing” effect, which is why maca is recommended for addressing hormonal imbalance despite the fact that it contains no hormones.

Maca Root and Fertility

In addition to being associated with an increased libido in men as well as higher sperm quantity and quality, maca has also been linked with improved fertility in women. While the research is ongoing, some studies have found positive connections between regular maca consumption and consistent menstruation and ovulation.

Maca for fertility isn’t a new concept - maca root has long been reported to improve the odds of conception by inhabitants of the regions of Peru where it originates. It was even fed to livestock in order to keep them in good reproductive health.

Besides affecting hormonal functions, maca root can also reduce the harmful effects of stress that may negatively impact the odds of conceiving. Maca has been found to help reduce anxiety and depression as well as the symptoms of chronic fatigue.

Is Maca Safe for Pregnant Women?

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that consuming maca root during pregnancy is in any way harmful. Its nutritional content may be beneficial for pregnant women, but we recommend consulting with a licensed medical professional regarding your diet during pregnancy, especially if you’re still relatively new to maca root. Serving size is key when you’re getting started with maca, and we suggest beginning with just a teaspoon or two of maca powder added to your favorite beverage. You can also check out our vegan maca powder capsules, which contain only pure maca root powder with no fillers or additives.

A small percentage of our customers have experienced stomach upset when beginning their maca root journey, which is all the more reason to make sure you’re starting with a small serving. But if morning sickness has been troubling you, it’s understandable that you would prefer to avoid eating something that might upset your digestion further. In that case we can recommend our gelatinized maca products, which have been pre-cooked to reduce the starch content. There’s also our liquid maca extract, which contains the same nutrients and compounds as our powdered maca preserved in a mild-flavored liquid form, making it easier for the body to absorb.

Which Maca Is Best for Pregnancy?

Maca root grows naturally in three colors: red, black, and yellow. Though maca root has long been harvested as a tri-color mix, modern research has found that particular colors of maca root may possess some unique benefits. Black maca root, for example, is linked with elevated male libido, virility, and the ability to put on body muscle.

Red maca is most closely associated with women’s health. As mentioned above, it can improve female fertility and libido and overall hormone balance. Our Gelatinized Red Maca Root Powder is made from 100% red maca roots that are carefully and consciously grown, processed and handled. These roots come from an organic farming cooperative in and around Junin, Peru. H3 Our Maca Root

We’re proud to work with farmers who are committed both to organic farming and to producing only the highest quality maca anywhere. If you have any more questions about our maca root products, we’d love to hear them! Don’t hesitate to Contact Us using our web form, or call us toll-free at 888-919-8616.

Enjoy the day!