Maca, or Lepidium meyenii, is a plant belonging to the cruciferous variety, native to the Andes mountain range in Peru. Among the properties of maca Several benefits are highlighted, especially those related to sexual health, especially for men. Did you know the relationship between maca and testosterone in improving libido in men?
How does testosterone influence sexual desire?
Testosterone is the hormone responsible for regulating the distinguishing features of a man, such as muscle mass and body and facial hair. It also plays a role in regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels and contributes to a person's emotional well-being.
Regarding sexual desire, testosterone is primarily responsible, though not solely, for regulating sexual desire in men. Thus, a drop in male libido is often a consequence of a decrease in testosterone levels, although this is not always the case (medication, stress, depression, or other hormonal imbalances can also be behind this problem).
Symptoms of low testosterone
Lack of sexual desire can be a clear symptom that testosterone levels are below the recommended levels, but there are other signs that can give us clues that it's time to pay attention to this hormone:
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Lack of body and facial hair
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Loss of muscle mass
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Anemia
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Fatigue
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Mood swings, low spirits, listlessness
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Erectile dysfunction
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Fertility problems
What lowers testosterone levels?
The passage of time is the first factor that causes testosterone reduction: as we age, the body produces less and less of this hormone. In addition, other circumstances can affect its production:
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Being overweight: because fat cells produce the enzyme aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen (the female version of the hormone).
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Excess sugar, trans fats and alcohol in the daily diet.
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Certain diseases, especially those related to the endocrine system, such as diabetes or metabolic syndrome, as well as conditions such as kidney failure or COPD.
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Regular exposure to situations of stress, anxiety or depression.
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The interference of endocrine disruptors, chemicals, especially those found in plastics, whose behavior mimics that of hormones, altering the body's normal functioning.
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Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
How to measure testosterone levels in the body?
If the doctor suspects that a man's testosterone levels may be too low, he or she will order a blood test to clarify. The test is usually performed first thing in the morning, as hormone levels tend to be highest at that time. Depending on the other parameters included in the analysis, the results will be available between 4 and 10 days later.
Lack of desire in men: natural solutions
When faced with a health problem, the best thing to do is always see a doctor. However, traditional medicine can help if it's just a temporary or mild drop in libido, or if you're not prepared for medical treatments that can be more invasive and affect other aspects of your life. Below, we suggest some natural solutions that will help you. regain libido and improve your sexual appetite:
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Healthy eating: Avoid ultra-processed foods and opt for healthy foods, especially those that, due to their properties, have traditionally been considered "aphrodisiacs," such as oysters, seafood, chocolate, avocado, watermelon, and seaweed.
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Include spices and supplements like maca, cinnamon, ginseng, and saffron in your routine. Nuts will also help you increase not only desire but also sexual performance.
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Practice sports: It's been proven that exercising positively affects levels of dopamine, considered the happiness hormone, and testosterone. Plus, exercising outdoors will help improve your vitamin E levels, which also stimulates sexual desire.
Maca and testosterone in men
Maca root has countless beneficial properties: both in the context of a healthy diet, as it has been traditionally consumed in Peru, and as a medicinal supplement, its effects on health, especially for men, have been known and utilized for generations. Some of the effects of maca consumption on men include:
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Increased libido and improved sexual performance.
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Stress reduction and improved energy levels.
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It helps alleviate sun damage to the skin thanks to its antioxidant action.
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Regulating blood sugar levels, especially in men with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes.
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Increase in muscle mass.
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Delaying hair loss.
Maca and testosterone
As we have already seen, the Andean maca root contains a wide variety of micronutrients essential for the human diet, but it is also especially rich in:
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Essential amino acids (those that the human body cannot produce on its own)
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Vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, and E, among others
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Carotenes
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Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, manganese and boron
All of these micronutrients directly or indirectly influence the body's testosterone levels, contributing to their proper balance, which, in turn, facilitates the recovery of libido and sexual desire in men.
Recommendations for taking Maca
There is a relationship between maca and testosterone. Since it's a natural food derived from a root, you'll find different types of maca preparations on the market: capsules, gelatin, soluble powders, and so on.
At Superlativa Botanicals we offer you the treatment Aphrodite Hormonal Balance , which in addition to maca root contains other adaptogens whose beneficial effects perfectly complement the effects of maca, such as shatavari, a powerful aphrodisiac, vitamin B5, which helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, or zinc, which contributes to the normal functioning of the reproductive system.
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When do the effects start to be noticed?
Studies suggest that the first effects can be noticed after about two weeks of starting to take maca, although treatments typically take about three months to achieve the desired response.
Is it advisable to take Maca before having sex?
Maca is an adaptogenic plant, a natural remedy with medicinal properties, which means its effects are not immediate, but rather progressive over time. Consuming maca immediately before sex won't do you any harm, but to notice its effects, you should consume it for at least two to three weeks.
How to improve the results of Maca?
To be effective, maca consumption must be complemented by a healthy lifestyle and diet, which contribute to improving all bodily functions, including the normal functioning of sexual desire.
To do this, we recommend:
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Good nutrition, based on the consumption of fruits and vegetables and avoiding ultra-processed products.
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Sleep hygiene: Try to follow a consistent routine and get at least 8 hours of sleep a day.
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Get some exercise: The endorphins released after exercise will make you feel better about yourself and help your body produce testosterone.
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Work on your relationship, not just from a sexual perspective: communication and trust are crucial and will help you regain your libido more easily.
Does consuming maca have side effects?
Maca root, in addition to being an adaptogen, is a widely used food in countries like Peru, and its consumption has no side effects or contraindications, beyond observing certain precautions, normal for any natural supplement:
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Try not to take maca at night if you have trouble falling asleep, as its energizing properties can affect you if you experience insomnia. If you're taking any sleep aids, it's best to avoid maca for the time being.
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If you suffer from a thyroid disorder, we recommend consulting your doctor before starting to take maca, as the glucosinates present in the root can interfere with normal thyroid function.
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Maca can affect the effects of anticoagulant medications, increasing the risk of bleeding, so it is not recommended for patients taking this type of treatment.
As always, we advise against its use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as the effects of maca on this population have not been sufficiently studied.
