With advances in fertility studies, along with medical evidence, new methods, treatments, and ways to help women and men with difficulty getting pregnant are being discovered every day, enhancing their fertility and making their dreams come true. Some high-cost treatments are, unfortunately, out of reach for a large part of the population1. But there are others that are easily accessible and promise to be a natural revolution in fertility, such as the use of Peruvian maca to get pregnant. Have you heard of it?

What is Peruvian Maca?

Peruvian maca, with the scientific name lepidium meyenii2, is a cruciferous vegetable very common in the Andes region of Peru, but its main use is the root. It is identified as the only plant able to grow at any altitude, even under severe temperatures. For this reason, it has been used for thousands of years as a staple food and also as a remedy for various treatments among Peruvians.
With an appearance and shape similar to a garlic bulb or a turnip, Peruvian maca is found in purple, black, or yellow. Revered for thousands of years for its medicinal powers, this plant has been making a strong comeback, especially among those promoting natural treatments and methods. Its influence on fertility has been noted since the 1500s when the Spanish conquered South America and, suffering from several health problems, including couple infertility, the native Peruvians recommended maca and observed clear results of its effectiveness.

Benefits of Peruvian Maca

Indeed, the intake of Peruvian maca enhances fertility in several aspects for both women and men3. But before you find out exactly what these benefits are, know that you can purchase your Peruvian Maca here in our online store.
Besides being a food rich in vitamins and nutrients, the root of Peruvian maca is indicated for various treatments for different health changes. Below we will list and explain some of these benefits.

Hormonal Balance

One of the main effects of Peruvian maca is hormonal balance, as it has a hormone-replenishing effect. In women, it helps to balance estrogen and progesterone levels, which are essential for achieving pregnancy and affect many other body functions. Controlling hormone levels is also important to maintain a healthy pregnancy to term.
Women who used Peruvian maca to get pregnant showed an increase in ovulation and the quality of fertile mucus. As we know, cervical mucus is essential for women trying to get pregnant, and one way to increase the presence of mucus and make conception easier is to also use fertility-friendly lubricating gels, such as FamiGel.
With men it is no different, since Peruvian maca acts in the regulation of hormone levels. When there is an imbalance of estrogen, fertility is directly impacted, causing reduced sperm count, decreased seminal fluid production, erectile dysfunction, and even a change in libido. Studies have shown that men who used Peruvian maca to get pregnant experienced positive results such as increased libido and a higher sperm count.

Increased Libido

Studies have shown that men who consumed Peruvian maca for a period of 4 months experienced an increased libido, as well as improvements in sperm count and motility. It also helped to control anxiety, blood pressure levels, and balanced iron levels in the blood, in addition to addressing stress.

Acts on the Endocrine System

One of Peruvian maca’s main benefits in the body is its regulation of endocrine system levels. Its effect helps to stimulate the hypothalamus and regulate the pituitary gland, both essential for proper functioning of the hormonal system. With a balanced endocrine system, the thyroid and sex organ glands function more efficiently. For this reason, it strengthens the ovaries and egg production—in men, it strengthens the testes and the produced sperm.
Besides the benefits listed above, Peruvian maca is rich in antioxidants, which are essential for strengthening male fertility, helping balance estrogen levels in the body. It also improves memory, mood, and boosts energy in both men and women.

Nutritional Sources of Peruvian Maca

Peruvian maca offers various benefits, among them nutritional sources, as it is a food rich in vitamin C, iron, and is a potential source of fiber and minerals. It is also high in proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

How to Take Peruvian Maca to Get Pregnant?

Peruvian maca can be consumed in several forms: powder, capsules, or root extract. Here in Brazil it is nearly impossible to find the root in its natural form. For this reason, it is commonly found mainly in natural food stores in other forms. The most popular is pure powder or its gelatinized form, in which all the starch is removed from the maca, making it more concentrated and better absorbed by the body.
The gelatinized form is indicated as being easier to digest and more cost-effective. However, the powder form can be mixed into juices, smoothies, and even meals. Therefore, it’s up to the person to choose the best way to consume it. Capsules are the most practical way for daily use, since they can be taken anywhere, at any time of the day. The maca extract form can be added to water, smoothies, and juices.
How you use it will depend on which form you choose and your focus. In capsule form, the recommended dose is 2 capsules per day. For powder or extract, a 10-gram spoonful per day mixed into any liquid or food, if the goal is to increase libido and control hormone levels. Ideally, consumption should be under the guidance and prescription of a doctor or nutritionist. Especially for women who want to get pregnant, since it is not recommended to use it in the second phase of the cycle, after ovulation, which is when there are chances of pregnancy, and so maca is not indicated at that stage.

Can I Have Side Effects from Peruvian Maca?

The use of Peruvian maca has been studied for many years, and its benefits have been compared to those of a health-beneficial herb. Tests performed to assess its toxicity did not show any change or adverse effect.
Some women reported menstrual cycle changes and discomfort like stomach pain, but these were considered common due to the minority among many who underwent tests. The cycle disruption was also linked to maca’s ability to affect hormone levels, so this symptom was also considered normal.