Not just a highly nutritious super food, maca has also taken the limelight as a sexual aid for men. It is also famed for its overall energy giving properties, improving physical performance. Scientific evidence has shown that maca improves the quality and quantity of sperm in men - but does it improve the actual desire to have sex? And does maca really give you more physical energy? The evidence so far says yes to both these questions.
In a study conducted by the School of Psychology and Sports Sciences, Northumbria University, UK, sportsmen (cyclists) were tested to see if maca improved their cycling performance and also their sex drive. The cyclists were separated into two group and either given a daily maca supplementation or a placebo over a period of 14 days. Physical performance was measured by how well the cyclists performed a 40km speed performance before the trial and after 14 days. The speed time was significantly improved in those taking the maca supplements, but not in those who took the placebo. Sexual desire yielded the same results based on a self rated sexual desire score; those taking the maca recorded a significant increase in sexual desire compared to those taking the placebo.
The researchers in the above study were not sure by what mechanisms maca generated increased sexual desire or physical performance. So another study was undertaken to see if this could be explained. The aim of this experiment was to test if increased sexual desire levels, as assessed by the participants themselves, was a result of raised testosterone levels or improved mood. Men aged 21-56 years age were given a daily dose of maca or a placebo over a period of 12 weeks. At 8 weeks into the experiment those taking maca stated their sexual desire levels had increased, whereas those taking the placebo showed no change. Both groups showed no change in blood testosterone levels, or mood as assessed by specific psychological evaluations. The conclusion clearly showed that maca raised sexual desires levels, but how it does so is still at this point a mystery.
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