Ashwagandha Vs. Maca
Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.
Ashwagandha and maca are amazing herbs that have been used to relieve stress and anxiety. These two herbs are frequently compared due to their adaptogenic abilities.
Maca and ashwagandha both are packed with amazing nutritional profiles and health benefits. Therefore, these foods have been a mainstay in the diets of indigenous civilizations. Before picking one over the other, you need to be aware of a few significant distinctions between both plants.
In this article, we will dive deep into the similarities and differences between ashwagandha and maca.
Ashwagandha Overview
Ashwagandha is a herb that has been used in traditional ayurvedic systems due to its ability to relieve stress and anxiety. In Chinese medicine, ashwagandha has traditionally been used to relieve stress and boost immunity.
Scientific studies revealed that ashwagandha help alleviate anxiety, regulate hormone production, and improve sleep quality. It is recognized for its ability to encourage in people the feeling of vigor, strength, and vitality.
May Reduce Mild Anxiety
Clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of ashwagandha for reducing anxiety and improving overall mental health. Human studies showed that individuals who consumed 300mg of ashwagandha daily reported feeling less stressed. Various studies showed that ashwagandha help people reduce stress and anxiety in people.
May Improve Sleep Quality
Clinical studies showed that ashwagandha has the potential to improve sleep quality and lessen sleep problems.
According to one study, ashwagandha improves several sleep disorders in patients who have poor sleep quality.
Another human investigation compared ashwagandha's effects on those who suffer from sleeplessness. According to a clinical test, the researchers found that ashwagandha enhanced the quality of sleep in both the healthy and insomniac groups.
May Improve Hormone Production
Research showed that ashwagandha may improve exercise performance and increase the production of testosterone.
In a study conducted to compare the effects of ashwagandha with a placebo, ashwagandha significantly increase the testosterone levels by 15%, and DHEA-S levels were boosted by 18% compared to the placebo.
Another study showed that regular consumption of 300 mg of ashwagandha has been shown to improve body strength and muscle mass in athletic people.
Can Boost Brain Function
Ashwagandha is rich in phytochemicals that help relieve stress and anxiety, improve cognitive abilities, enhance sleep quality, and boost brain health. Studies suggest that the cholinergic properties of ashwagandha leaf extract may help improve memory, learning abilities, and brain functions.
May Strengthen Immunity
This adaptogenic herb is best known for its ability to boost immune health and optimize body functions. Ashwagandha possesses potent antioxidant abilities which help fight free radicals, reduce oxidative damage, lower the risk of diseases, and boost immune health.
How to Take Ashwagandha?
Owing to the surprising health-promoting abilities, many people take ashwagandha in various forms in the body. It is available in capsules, powders, and gummies. You can take the ashwagandha supplements as directed by the physician and add in smoothies to enjoy the potential benefits of this amazing herb.
Maca Overview
Maca is an adaptogenic herb that is also known as Peruvian ginseng and grows at high altitudes. It has been used by native cultures as a food source and many have been consuming this herb as a nutritional supplement. Research showed that maca root has the potential to support both sexual function and mental health.
May Uplift Your Mood
Maca has the ability to reduce stress and elevate mood. It can improve the brain’s antioxidant levels and boost brain health and psychological well-being.
Various studies revealed that maca has potent neuroprotective properties which help optimize brain functions. A mice study demonstrated that administration of maca extract resulted in significant improvement in cognitive performance, coordination, and endurance.
May Boost Energy Levels
Maca has a long history of use as a supplement to enhance energy and improve physical performance. According to a clinical trial conducted to evaluate the maca root’s effect on athletic people. Results showed that the consumption of maca resulted in improved athletic performance by 10% of athletes.
Can Improve Sexual Performance
Clinical studies on humans and traditional uses suggest that maca may be beneficial for enhancing libido and sexual function.
In a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, it was discovered that maca increased male sexual desire. Individuals were instructed to use 3g of maca for 8 weeks. Results showed that there was a significant improvement in sexual drive in people with maca therapy. However, the study showed that there was no improvement in hormone production.
For generations, maca has been utilized as a fertility enhancer and aphrodisiac. While there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to back these claims, current research is still trying to figure out why maca has such a strong favorable effect on sexual health.
Similarities and Differences between Ashwagandha and Maca
First off, the roots of both ashwagandha and maca have been used traditionally. Ashwagandha has been used as a medicinal herb while maca was used as a food source and nutritional supplement.
Ashwagandha and maca both have abilities to improve sexual functions and athletic performance. But the primary distinction between these two herbs is that ashwagandha is a real adaptogen with the capacity to control the body's stress response. Maca, on the other hand, is a secondary adaptogen which means that it helps the body in a variety of ways but does not have a direct effect on the nervous system.
Additionally, both herbs can assist to increase physical energy and sexual function in various ways. Ashwagandha helps the body by promoting the synthesis of hormones (primarily testosterone). Maca has the ability to improve sexual function and it does not improve hormone production.
How to Choose?
As a stress-relieving herb, ashwagandha helps to increase the body's resiliency. It has also been demonstrated to enhance testosterone production and the quality of sleep. The main benefit of maca is an increase in libido and sexual desire. Additionally, it might increase physical stamina and energy.
Ashwagandha root is an ideal choice if you are under a lot of stress and need assistance with your capacity to handle stress.
Maca can be the correct choice for you if you want to increase your libido and feel physically lethargic. It is nutrient-rich and aids in regaining the functionality of your body.
Bottom Line
Ashwagandha and maca are both superfoods due to their phytochemicals and nutritional profiles. Both these herbs improve exercise performance, boost energy levels, and promote sexual functions. While helping to improve sexual function, maca is unable to affect how hormones are made. The nutritional profile of maca, which is high in minerals, is regarded to be the substance that gives it its therapeutic effects.
You can check out Vorst’s premium Ashwagandha with black pepper, Ashwagandha 500 mg 60 capsules, Ashwagandha gummies, and Maca 500mg 90 capsules.
References
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.4103/0253-7176.106022
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378874120331585
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6438434/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266766/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5020397/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5018343/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12472620/