Maca is well-known for its ability to nourish the kidneys and improve male sexual function. But what are the risks for women who take maca?
Risks of Women Taking Maca
1. May Cause Thyroid Enlargement
Taking maca may lead to thyroid enlargement in women. Maca contains compounds called glucosinolates, which, when combined with a low-iodine diet and taken in excess, may cause thyroid swelling.
2. May Cause Allergic Reactions
Many people are prone to allergies, which vary from person to person. Some individuals may be allergic to certain flowers, and symptoms of allergies include itching, tingling, or swelling in the mouth, lips, or throat; rash, redness, and itching of the skin; diarrhea or vomiting; runny or stuffy nose, red or painful eyes, or tearing; difficulty swallowing; coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, joint stiffness, fainting, shock. Maca may also be an allergen for some individuals.
3. May Cause Skin Problems
Since maca increases hormone secretion, it is not suitable for teenagers and infants, as it may cause skin problems such as acne in adolescents.
4. May Cause Hormonal Imbalance
Taking maca may lead to menstrual irregularities in women. Although maca is known to increase sexual desire, it may also cause hormonal imbalance. Maca is suitable for people with hormonal imbalances, but if your hormones are already in balance, there is no need to take maca. Excessive hormone secretion caused by maca may lead to hormonal imbalances. Therefore, it is essential to only take medication when necessary, as the saying goes, "Don't take medicine if you are not sick."
5. May Cause Nausea and Stomach Discomfort
Taking maca may cause nausea and stomach discomfort in women, but this varies from person to person and depends on the condition of the digestive system.
6. Excessive Maca Consumption May Cause Internal Heat
Taking maca while experiencing internal heat may worsen the condition. It is crucial to control the amount of maca consumed. Even good things should be consumed in moderation. Clinical studies have shown that excessive and long-term consumption of maca can cause internal heat. For individuals who are already experiencing internal heat, taking maca may exacerbate the symptoms.
Contraindications for Maca
1. Pregnant Women
During pregnancy, sexual activity is generally stopped to protect the fetus. Maca can enhance sexual desire and improve sexual performance, which is not conducive to maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Although there is no clinical evidence to prove that the nutritional components of maca have negative effects on the fetus, it is still not recommended for pregnant women as a precautionary measure.
2. Infants
Although maca is a natural food that can quickly replenish energy and improve sleep, the unique compounds in maca, such as macaene and macamide, regulate hormones and enhance sexual desire and performance. This is not suitable for infants, as it may lead to early maturation. Therefore, it is not recommended for infants to consume maca.
3. Minors
Minors are in their developmental stage, and it is recommended that they consume a variety of nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits to promote healthy growth. Maca is mainly recommended for adults who are experiencing suboptimal physical conditions, such as lack of energy, decreased sexual desire or performance, and hormonal imbalances.
4. Patients with Thyroid Disorders
Maca contains a compound called glucosinolate, which, when combined with iodine, may cause thyroid enlargement. This can have a series of effects on patients with thyroid disorders. However, maca does not cause thyroid enlargement in people with normal thyroid function, so it is safe for consumption.
5. Breastfeeding Women
Breastfeeding mothers are not advised to consume maca because it enhances sexual desire. Additionally, there is no conclusive research to determine whether the nutritional components of maca affect the composition of breast milk and the fetus. Therefore, it is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers to consume maca as a precautionary measure.
Benefits and Effects of Maca
1. Anti-Fatigue
Maca contains high levels of iron, protein, amino acids, and zinc, which effectively enhance the immune system, improve anemia symptoms, and combat fatigue.
2. Improves Sexual Function
Maca contains macamides and macaenes, which have significant effects on improving sexual function. Additionally, the starch content in maca enhances erectile function. Therefore, maca has a significant auxiliary therapeutic effect on improving sexual dysfunction, reducing sperm count and motility, declining fertility in both men and women, irregular menstruation, breast hyperplasia, breast atrophy, and relieving menopausal symptoms.
3. Improves Sleep
Maca contains various active ingredients that have a significant regulatory effect on the nervous system, making it an effective adjunct treatment for insomnia.
4. Improves Blood Circulation
Maca's amino acids and minerals can regulate the normal function of various organs in the body. Linoleic acid in maca combines with cholesterol in the body to form esters, making it easier to transport cholesterol to tissues outside the blood vessels. This reduces the deposition of cholesterol inside the blood vessels and promotes the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids for excretion. Therefore, maca helps regulate blood pressure, lower blood lipids, and enhance heart function.
5. Enhances Brain Nutrition
Maca is rich in sugars, which are the only nutrient for the brain and nervous system. Consuming maca regularly has beneficial effects on brain function. Maca can make the mind alert and agile, improve work efficiency, promote student learning, help maintain memory function in the elderly, and keep the mind clear and thoughts organized.
6. Relieves Anxiety
Maca effectively improves anxiety caused by stress and neurosis. In Peru, maca is considered a natural herb for relieving stress and anxiety. Additionally, maca is also beneficial for alleviating symptoms of insomnia and excessive dreaming.
How to Maximize the Effectiveness of Maca
1. Slice 2-4 grams (2-3 slices) of maca and steep in hot water (approximately 300-500 ml) for 20 minutes. After steeping, the maca slices can be consumed directly.
2. Combine 30g of maca slices with 10 red dates. Remove the pits from the dates, wash them, and set aside. Boil an adequate amount of water in a pot, add the red dates and maca slices, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Slice the maca and add it to the pot with other ingredients. Simmer over low heat to allow the nutrients in the maca to diffuse into the broth. Typically, one intact slice of maca is added for every 2-3 servings.
4. Soak maca roots in a water container and mix them with various ingredients such as a small amount of fresh papaya, condensed milk, eggs, honey, and vanilla. Stir continuously to create a delicious maca beverage.
5. Add 10 grams of maca slices to 2000 ml of soup, such as chicken, duck, meat, ribs, etc., 30 minutes before the end of cooking. Consume 50 ml per day.
6. Slice the maca and soak it in white wine at a ratio of 1:20 by weight (g) to volume (ml) for two weeks at a temperature of 42-56 degrees Celsius. Consume 25 ml per day. The soaked maca slices can be taken according to meal times, usually three times a day, on an empty stomach with warm water.
7. Slice the maca and immerse it in pure high-quality liquor. Allow it to ferment for a long time, allowing the active ingredients of maca to fully dissolve in the alcohol. After one month, pour out the liquor and consume it directly. This is known as maca health liquor.
Foods to Avoid After Consuming Maca
1. Do Not Consume with Other Supplements or Nutritional Products
Maca is already rich in nutrients and provides balanced nutrition to the body. If taken together with other supplements or nutritional products, it may counteract the effects of maca. Additionally, maca's unique alkaloids, macaenes, and macamides, regulate hormone secretion through the pituitary gland. Many foods contain hormones, which may hinder the efficacy of maca.
2. Do Not Consume with Other Potency-Enhancing Products
Each potency-enhancing product has its unique effects. To ensure the optimal effects of maca, it is recommended to avoid consuming other potency-enhancing products simultaneously. Furthermore, if a male is undergoing treatment for any medical condition, it is advisable to consult their attending physician before taking maca to avoid any adverse effects.
Precautions for Men Taking Maca
Maca is a medication that enhances male sexual function and kidney health. Taking an appropriate amount can combat fatigue, replenish sperm, and treat erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
However, excessive consumption of maca can cause internal heat. Therefore, when taking maca, it is essential to consume it in moderation and maintain a light diet. It is recommended to consume more fruits and vegetables to balance the heat generated by maca.
Remember not to consume spicy foods, fried foods, red dates, goji berries, or any other foods that may generate heat while taking maca. These foods may further increase internal heat.
