Maca: a superfood to help you get pregnant faster?
The benefits of maca
Maca is an adaptogenic food, meaning it helps protect the body against the different stresses it might undergo. This tuber, which resembles a turnip, is a concentrate of vitamins and nutrients. It is an excellent source of copper and plant-based iron.
It can be consumed to boost the body in cases of fatigue or weakening of the immune system. It is also a dietary supplement recommended to stimulate cognitive abilities, such as concentration and memory.
The maca powder has been used for centuries in Peru and Bolivia as a tonic, aphrodisiac and to increase fertility. Breeders also traditionally use the roots for animals that have trouble reproducing.
Research has isolated two active compounds found only in maca, macaenes and macamides, which may play a role in increasing libido.
Furthermore, its effect on hormonal balance also helps relieve menopausal symptoms.
Maca powder: an aphrodisiac and good for men’s fertility
In men, maca increases libido, helps prevent erection problems and impotence, and improves sperm quality.
Researchers have attempted to verify the aphrodisiac effect and pro-fertility properties of maca. For male animals as well as humans, consuming it in large quantities can improve fertility, sperm quality, and sperm motility.
If the studies in rats are reliable, the scientific studies conducted in humans are so far not robust, but are also very encouraging.
In any case, it is established that maca is a good body tonic : as such, it can therefore combat fatigue and increase vital and sexual energy in both men and women.
Furthermore, difficulties conceiving are often explained by psychological factors: fatigue, stress… Regular consumption of this tuber helps to reduce stress, thanks to its adaptogenic properties.
The B vitamins and the magnesium it contains indeed help to lower cortisol, the stress hormone.
Maca for conceiving and during pregnancy
A study conducted on female rats showed that regular consumption of maca for seven weeks increased luteinizing hormone levels (which trigger ovulation) in the body.
The iron content of maca makes it an excellent dietary supplement to take when trying to conceive.
Indeed, iron deficiency in women can disrupt menstrual cycles, or even trigger amenorrhea (absence of periods). Maca therefore helps facilitate the regularity of cycles.
It is perfectly possible to consume maca during pregnancy since there is no proven contraindication. It is still recommended to seek medical advice before taking any dietary supplement.
Its richness in nutrients helps the expectant mother and the embryo avoid deficiencies. The iron needs of pregnant women are greater, which is why it may be necessary to supplement the amounts naturally present in the diet.
It also helps to energize the body during bouts of fatigue that are 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 galactagogue food, like fenugreek, meaning it boosts milk production and supports breastfeeding.
How to consume maca when trying to get pregnant?
Ways to consume maca
In France, fresh maca is not available in stores because its export is banned, even though it’s sold on every stall of the Andean markets! Here it is therefore consumed dried, in powder form. You can sprinkle it over your food, at breakfast for example. Or buy maca in capsules if you want to follow a specific course.
Maca powder has a slightly caramelized hazelnut taste that’s quite pleasant, so it’s an enjoyable dietary supplement to take. But everyone will have to judge for themselves!
You can add maca powder to a milkshake, yogurt, or smoothie… It can also be cooked and replace part of the flour in bread or pastries. It can also partially replace sugar in sweet recipes.
It’s always better to consume organic maca to avoid pesticide and phytosanitary residues, especially if it’s maca in capsules, which is highly concentrated. In addition, you should prefer maca from Peru, which is grown in a more traditional, environmentally and culturally respectful way than maca originating from China.
Lire aussi l Meilleure maca en gélule : notre guide d’achat
Which maca to consume to increase fertility?
Maca can be consumed in capsules, in powder, or as a liquid extract.
- En gélules, il est conseillé d’en consommer 2 par jour pendant toute la période de conception.
- En poudre, on peut en consommer 3 à 6 grammes par jour pendant deux à trois mois. On évite toutefois d’en consommer sur une plus longue période.
Whatever happens, if you experience difficulties conceiving, it’s best to consult a doctor.
There are different types of maca:
- La maca rouge convient en particulier aux femmes qui veulent tomber enceintes.
- La maca noire est à conseiller plutôt aux hommes qui souffrent de problèmes d’érection.
- La maca jaune convient indistinctement aux hommes et aux femmes pour améliorer la libido et augmenter la fertilité.
Alkaloid-free maca: check the manufacturing process
Like most tubers (potato, cassava…), maca contains alkaloids, which can be toxic if consumed raw in high doses.
The traditional maca processing and drying method removes any alkaloid residue from the finished product. That’s why it’s preferable to buy Peruvian maca, as Peruvians have fully mastered the traditional manufacturing process.
Some manufacturers also state that maca is guaranteed free of alkaloids in the finished product: you can look for this indication to ensure its quality.
