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Benefits of Maca Root Consumption for Men (2025 Update)
Maca root (Lepidium meyenii), also known as Peruvian ginseng, is a cruciferous vegetable native to the high Andes of South America. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its nutritional and medicinal properties, particularly as an energizing and fertility-enhancing food.
In recent years, maca has gained popularity as a natural supplement for men's health. Studies suggest maca root can positively impact sexual function, hormonal balance, physical performance, and overall vitality in men[1][2].
🔥
Sexual Health & Fertility
⚡
Testosterone & Hormones
🏋️
Energy & Performance
🧠
Mood & Cognition
🦴
Bone Density
🛡️
Immune Function
💪
Prostate Health
✅
Safe & Well-Tolerated
Sexual Health and Fertility
One of the most touted benefits of maca root for men is its potential to improve sexual health and fertility. Modern research lends support to maca's ancient reputation as a natural aphrodisiac:
- Increased Libido: A systematic review found that maca supplementation can increase sexual desire in men after at least 6–12 weeks of use[3]. In healthy men, doses of 1.5–3g per day were associated with a statistically significant boost in libido compared to placebo.
- Enhanced Erectile Function: In one randomized, placebo-controlled study of men with mild ED, those who took maca extract reported improved sexual well-being and erectile function compared to the placebo group[4].
- Improved Sperm Quality: Research indicates that maca can improve semen quality – including sperm count, motility, and morphology[5][6]. A controlled trial in 69 men found that taking 2g of maca daily for 12 weeks significantly increased sperm concentration.
📊 Research Highlight
A 2016 systematic review concluded there is "suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of maca in improving semen quality" in both fertile and infertile men[5].
Nutrient-Rich for Sexual Health
Part of maca's benefit may come from its rich nutritional profile. Maca root is packed with essential vitamins and minerals[7] that support men's reproductive health:
Vitamin C
An antioxidant that boosts immune function and may increase energy levels, indirectly improving sexual stamina.
Potassium
Vital for muscle function and healthy blood pressure regulation – both important for normal erectile function.
Calcium
Important for nerve signaling and cardiovascular health. Strong bones and a healthy circulatory system contribute to an active love life.
Together with other nutrients like iron, zinc, and B-vitamins, the nutritional components of maca help support the bodily functions – from hormone production to energy metabolism – that underlie a healthy sex drive.
The consensus from current evidence is that maca root can be a valuable natural aid for men's sexual health – promoting increased desire, better performance, and potentially improved fertility without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.
Testosterone and Hormonal Balance
Another area of interest is maca's influence on testosterone levels and hormonal balance in men. Healthy testosterone is crucial for male vitality – affecting everything from muscle mass and mood to libido.
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Unlike direct testosterone boosters, maca does not appear to directly spike serum testosterone in healthy men[9]. Studies show that maca supplementation often has no significant effect on blood testosterone, LH, or other reproductive hormone levels[10]. This highlights an important point: maca likely works through balancing and adaptogenic mechanisms rather than overriding your body's hormone levels.
Maca is considered an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. One way maca may support healthy testosterone is by reducing excess cortisol (the stress hormone). High cortisol over time can suppress testosterone production; by keeping stress in check, maca indirectly creates a more favorable environment for your body's own testosterone synthesis.
📊 2023 Clinical Trial Results
A double-blind trial investigated maca in men with late-onset hypogonadism (men with normal T levels but low-T symptoms). Men took 3g of gelatinized maca daily for 12 weeks. Results: maca significantly improved their Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scores, sexual function (IIEF scores) improved compared to placebo, and prostate health symptoms also improved[11]. The study concluded maca "may be considered an effective and safe treatment" for men with LOH symptoms[12].
In simpler terms, maca helped these men feel and perform like they had higher testosterone, despite having normal hormone levels. This aligns with observations that maca can exert androgenic effects at the tissue level without altering serum testosterone[9].
The Bottom Line
If you're looking to support healthy testosterone function and hormonal balance, maca root is a promising natural ally. It's not a synthetic hormone or a steroid; rather, it works with your body to optimize your own hormones.
Energy and Athletic Performance
Men who use maca often report feeling a noticeable increase in energy, stamina, and endurance. This is not just anecdotal – scientific studies confirm that maca can enhance exercise performance and reduce fatigue:
- Higher Energy Levels: In a placebo-controlled study of 175 people, taking 3g of red or black maca daily for 12 weeks led to significant improvements in energy and vitality scores compared to placebo[13]. This boost didn't come with the jitters or crashes associated with caffeine – maca's energy lift is steady and natural.
- Endurance and Stamina: Trained male cyclists who took maca root extract for only 14 days saw improvement in their 40km cycling time-trial performance[14]. Another 2023 study on 44 male elite athletes found that 5g of black maca extract per day for 8 weeks improved their aerobic metabolism and performance markers[15].
- Strength and Recovery: There are indications maca might aid muscle recovery and growth. One animal study noted maca improved exercise tolerance and reduced fatigue in mice, which could translate into better workout endurance and less post-exercise soreness[16].
It's no surprise Andean warriors allegedly ate maca before long journeys or battles. By acting as a natural ergogenic aid, maca can be a boon for active men – giving you an edge in stamina and performance, legally and safely.
Mood, Cognition, and Mental Well-Being
Maintaining a positive mood and sharp mind is another pillar of men's health that maca root may support. Life's stresses can take a toll on mental health. Interestingly, maca has traditionally been used as a mood enhancer, and emerging research suggests it can indeed benefit mental well-being:
- Improved Mood: A clinical study found that taking 3g of maca daily for 12 weeks significantly improved mood scores compared to placebo[17]. Participants reported feeling more upbeat and less anxious. This effect is backed by animal studies linking maca's impact on neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin[18][19].
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Maca's adaptogenic properties help modulate the body's stress response. In one study, 3.3g of maca per day over 12 weeks led to a significant reduction in psychological symptoms including anxiety and depression[20]. Instead of the "wired" feeling from caffeine, maca offers a state of calm energy.
- Cognitive Support: Maca is rich in antioxidants and plant compounds that protect neurons from oxidative damage. In mouse studies, maca has demonstrated neuroprotective effects, improving memory and learning[21][22]. Many men find maca helps banish brain fog and sustain concentration.
- Overall Well-Being: In clinical observations, men taking maca reported better mood, drive, and sense of wellbeing relative to placebo[2]. When you feel good mentally, it reflects in all areas of life.
Bone Density and Joint Health
A lesser-known benefit of maca (but an important one) is its potential to support bone health. As men age, maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis becomes crucial – yes, osteoporosis can affect men too!
- Stronger, Denser Bones: In an estrogen-deficient rat model, red maca supplementation dose-dependently prevented bone density loss[23]. Trials in cell cultures have identified specific maca constituents that promote osteoblast activity – the cells responsible for building bone[24][25].
- Joint and Connective Tissue Benefits: Traditional Peruvian use of maca includes treating rheumatic conditions[26][27]. Maca's antioxidants and nutrients may help reduce inflammation in joints and support collagen formation.
Though human clinical research on maca for bone health is limited, the early evidence is promising. Ensuring adequate bone density is part of overall "male longevity" – keeping you active and structurally sound well into older age. Think of maca as fertilizer for your skeletal system.
Immune Function and Antioxidant Defense
Staying healthy and illness-free is paramount for the modern man constantly on the grind. Maca root can bolster your immune system and protect your cells through its rich antioxidant profile:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Maca is packed with powerful antioxidants, including glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD)[28]. Research confirms maca significantly raises glutathione levels, which helps scavenge free radicals in the blood. By neutralizing free radicals, maca reduces oxidative stress on the body's cells.
- Enhanced Immune Protection: Vitamin C in maca supports white blood cell function, and zinc is crucial for immune cell development. A study in middle-aged adults found those taking maca had lower levels of inflammatory cytokines (like IL-6) and reported higher overall health status[2].
- Cancer Prevention Potential: Maca's glucosinolates (the same compounds found in broccoli and kale) may have anti-cancer properties. Preliminary research has shown antitumor effects of maca extracts in laboratory settings[1].
- Overall Vitality: Users often report fewer colds and faster recovery when they do get sick. This could be due to maca's immune-boosting vitamins and its role in reducing stress (high stress can weaken immunity).
Prostate Health
As men age, prostate health becomes a significant concern – issues like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can affect urinary function and quality of life. Excitingly, maca root shows promise in supporting a healthy prostate:
- Reduced Prostate Enlargement: In a notable animal study, only red maca significantly shrunk the prostate in male rats with testosterone-induced BPH[29]. The reduction was dose-dependent and occurred without altering testosterone or estrogen levels.
- Improved Urinary Symptoms: In the 12-week trial of men with late-onset hypogonadism, men taking 3g/day of maca experienced a significant improvement in their International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS)[11]. This indicates fewer urinary difficulties, implying maca may have reduced prostate inflammation or size.
- Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant: Maca's ability to help the prostate may stem from its anti-inflammatory action. Certain compounds in maca might inhibit enzymes or growth factors that cause prostate tissue proliferation.
For men, taking maca could be a proactive way to support prostate health naturally. Prevention is key: incorporating maca early on might yield the best results in maintaining a healthy prostate.
A Safe and Powerful Herb for Men
✅ Safety Profile
With all these benefits, one might wonder: is maca root safe to take daily? The answer from research and history is yes – maca is very safe and well-tolerated for most people.
This root has been a dietary staple in parts of the Andes for millennia. Modern studies confirm: even at relatively high doses (3g per day or more), maca has shown no significant adverse effects in humans[30]. A 3-month study of 175 people taking 3g of maca daily reported no serious side effects or abnormalities in blood tests.
Maca is caffeine-free, gluten-free, and plant-based, with no known toxicity. It does not disrupt hormone levels in a dangerous way – it balances rather than spikes hormones.
Summary: Evidence-Based Benefits for Men
🔥 Sexual Health
Boosts libido and sexual performance while improving sperm quality for fertility
Boosts libido and sexual performance while improving sperm quality for fertility
⚡ Hormone Balance
Supports healthy testosterone function without interfering with hormone levels
Supports healthy testosterone function without interfering with hormone levels
🏋️ Performance
Enhances energy, endurance, and athletic performance for harder training
Enhances energy, endurance, and athletic performance for harder training
🧠 Mental Health
Improves mood and cognitive well-being, reducing stress and sharpening focus
Improves mood and cognitive well-being, reducing stress and sharpening focus
🦴 Bone Health
Strengthens bone density and may protect against osteoporosis
Strengthens bone density and may protect against osteoporosis
🛡️ Immunity
Bolsters immune defenses, guarding against illness and cellular aging
Bolsters immune defenses, guarding against illness and cellular aging
💪 Prostate
Promotes prostate health, potentially preventing or easing BPH symptoms
Promotes prostate health, potentially preventing or easing BPH symptoms
✅ Safe
Natural superfood with no prescription needed and minimal risk
Natural superfood with no prescription needed and minimal risk
This is why maca is the foundational ingredient in ATHANASE®
Each serving packs an optimized dose of maca root (1,750mg of Lepidium meyenii) alongside other performance herbs, designed to help you conquer all 7 areas of male health.
Ready to Experience Maca's Benefits?
Try ATHANASE® – our acclaimed all-in-one herbal blend for men, as seen in Men's Health magazine and certified by Informed Sport.
Shop ATHANASE®Make Your Ancestors Proud. ⚔️
📚 References
[1] Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii – PMC
[2][8][9][10][18][19][21][22] Maca | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – MSKCC
[3][4][6][13][15][30][31] Maca Root for Men: Sexual Benefits Explained – Hims
[5] The use of maca to improve semen quality: A systematic review – PubMed
[7] Aerial parts of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) – PubMed
[11][12] Efficacy and Safety of Maca in Patients with Late-Onset Hypogonadism – PubMed
[14][20][28] 5 Reasons That Make Maca A Superfood – Medium
[16][17] 4 Benefits of Maca Root – Healthline
[23] Maca Inhibits Osteoporosis – SupplySide
[24] Discovering anti-osteoporosis constituents of maca – ScienceDirect
[25] Clinical responses of early-postmenopausal women to Maca – PMC
[29] Red maca reduced prostate size in rats – PubMed
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MAKE YOUR ANCESTORS PROUD® with ATHANASE®. A blend of herbs specially formulated for men, to help conquer 7 areas:
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MOOD & COGNITION |
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RECOVERY & SLEEP |
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