The ‘superfood’ you’ve never heard of that boosts your sex life and costs less than a fiver
IT promises to "revitalise the body and focus the mind" - and give you a boost in the bedroom.
But what exactly is maca and why are Jennifer Aniston and Miranda Kerr such big fans?
The maca plant grows in the Andes in South America and has been cultivated for thousands of years.
Traditionally used as food or medication to treat respiratory conditions and rheumatic diseases like arthritis, it is now a staple for scores of celebs.
Friends star Aniston and Victoria's Secret Angel Kerr blend a powdered version into their smoothies, while model Daisy Lowe sprinkles it into chocolate cakes.
And just a small serving packs a serious punch.
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Maca contains around 15g of protein per 100g - about the same as prawns, and more than Greek yoghurt and cottage cheese.
It is also high in iron, vitamin B2, fibre, calcium and zinc - all great for the mind, body and skin.
The best parts? Unlike other "superfoods" - such as spirulina, which is technically "pond scum" - maca is pretty delicious.
It has a sweet, malty and slightly nutty taste - perfect for smoothies, shakes and porridge.
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And you can pick it up in most supermarkets for less than a fiver.
One brand, Naturya Organic Maca Powder, costs £4 in Sainsbury's and Tesco, while Morrisons sells a different variety for just £2.80.
So what are the potential health benefits of maca?
1. Increases libido
The most widely reported advantage of adding maca into your diet is its potential to increase libido.
Research shows that daily consumption of the "superfood" can do wonders in the bedroom.
One study from 2002 found that men who took 1.5g or 3g per day experienced a higher sex drive than those who received a placebo.
Two other reports that featured in a 2010 review demonstrated a significant positive change in sexual desire in both men and women.
And scientists in Spain found in 2020 that taking 2g of maca every day for 12 weeks significantly improved semen concentration.
2. Reduces erectile dysfunction
While the evidence is limited, some research suggests maca, also called Lepidium meyenii or Peruvian ginseng, may be beneficial to people with erectile dysfunction.
A study in rats found after 15 days of taking it, the animals had increased sexual behaviour and improved performance.
Another study looked at the effect of consuming 2.4g of maca root per day for three months.
Those taking the supplement experienced a significant increase in sexual well-being compared to those taking the placebo.
3. Boosts energy
Some scientists believe maca, a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale, can give you a mega energy boost - similar to caffeine.
In 2016, a team in Peru discovered a 12-week course improved energy levels when compared to the placebo group.
It's not understood exactly why, but some people believe it might be down to the stabilisation of blood sugars.
Maca also contains vitamin B and iron - known to help sustain long-term energy and fight fatigue.
4. Improves mood
Maca is said to be an adaptogenic plant, meaning it helps the body adapt to or resist anxiety, stress and depression.
It contains flavonoids - a group of naturally occurring chemicals known for their antioxidant effects.
They are thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression.
There aren't many studies which focus specifically on maca, but one in 2015 revealed it could reduce symptoms of depression in postmenopausal women in China.
Another found a reduction in feelings of anxiety in a similar group of participants.
5. Enhances memory
A 2011 study found evidence that maca can enhance memory and learning in mice.
A review three years later concluded the same, suggesting it could help treat Alzheimer's disease in the future.
6. Lowers blood pressure
Evidence is scarce, but some experts believe maca can help lower blood pressure.
The same study which found it boosted people's moods revealed 3.3g per day for three months lowered blood pressure.
7. Lessens menopause symptoms
Those going through the menopause could benefit hugely from taking mac, studies suggest.
Researchers at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, found it helped alleviate some symptoms, including hot flushes and interrupted sleep.
A separate study by teams in Poland and Australia indicated that night sweats could also be reduced.
Maca is available in many forms, including capsules and powders which are easy to take.
It can be taken directly, or be added to everything from smoothies to porridge.
There is no doctor-approved optimal dose, but Naturya advises up to 20g of the powder per day to "revitalise the body and focus the mind".
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Bulk suggests 15g to incorporate some "all-important nutrients" into your diet, while Myprotein suggests 5g to "support your body through a busy training schedule" and leave you "feeling your best".
As with all supplements, speaking to a medical professional before taking them is recommended.
