Maca Vs Ginseng

by Vorst Canada December 16, 2022

Maca Vs Ginseng

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.

Maca and ginseng are two of the most potent adaptogens on the globe and are frequently contrasted. Maca is occasionally referred to as "Peruvian ginseng". Ginseng root is a well-known herbal remedy that is highly regarded in Chinese medicine.

These two herbs are similar due to their adaptogenic abilities and are also different in some qualities.

This article will detail maca and ginseng, their potential benefits, major similarities, and distinctions between them.

What is Maca?

Maca powder is obtained from the roots of a plant biologically known as Lepidium meyenii found at high heights in the Andes mountains. It has traditionally been used as a food supplement in various cultures and can also be taken like coffee.

Maca is rich in antioxidants and other phytochemicals including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. Studies demonstrate that maca enhances brain health and sexual functions and is best known to improve energy and boost immunity.

This root is gaining popularity and has been utilized by Native populations living at the top of the Andes Mountains, which originated from Peru. The rest of the world is only now learning what Peruvians have known for years: maca is a potent adaptogen and superfood with several health advantages.

Health Benefits

Help People with Erectile Dysfunction

Macca root has the potential to reduce erectile dysfunction and improve reproductive health.

The research examined how participants' perceptions of their overall and sexual well-being changed after eating 2.4g of maca root daily for 12 weeks.

Participants in the trial were men with mild ED. Results revealed that individuals who consumed maca root experienced a notable improvement in sexual health than those who took a placebo.

Reduce Stress and Improve Mood

Maca is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids which are considered to elevate mood and lessen anxiety. According to research done on 14 postmenopausal women, maca may lessen depressive and anxious symptoms.

In another study, maca has been shown to help Chinese postmenopausal women with their depressive symptoms.

May Boost Learning and Memory

There is some evidence to support the claim that maca can enhance memory and learning. For instance, a 2011 animal study revealed that maca enhanced mice's memory.

According to another research, maca may improve memory and learning abilities. It may be useful in preventing neurodegenerative diseases and treating diseases like Alzheimer's disease that lead to memory loss.

Promote Skin Health

Being rich in antioxidants, Maca roots may be advantageous to skin health. It has been demonstrated to accelerate the healing of wounds and protect the skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

What is Ginseng?

Ginseng is biologically known as Panax ginseng is a well-known adaptogenic herb which been used in the Chinese system of medicine for centuries. There are two popular varieties of ginseng, Asian and American ginseng.

The number of active ingredients and the way that they affect the body varied between American and Asian ginseng. Older studies suggest that Asian ginseng has an energizing impact whereas American ginseng is thought to act as a calming herb. Ginsenoside and gintonin are two main bioactive compounds present in ginseng which are responsible for the health-promoting effects of ginseng.

Health Benefits of Ginseng

Boost Energy Levels

Ginseng is well known for its potential to reduce tiredness and boost energy levels. Several animal studies revealed that ginseng is rich in bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and oligopeptides which help reduce oxidative stress. Moreover, these compounds are responsible for providing energy to the body and reducing tiredness.

May Reduce Inflammation

Studies suggest that ginseng could lessen swelling. The key ingredients in ginseng, known as ginsenosides, may target immune system pathways that potentially lessen inflammation.

Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

According to several studies, American ginseng helps people with type 2 diabetes, reduce their blood sugar levels, which lessens the symptoms of the disease. Research revealed that Panax lowers blood glucose levels an hour after glucose ingestion, supporting the notion that ginseng has glucoregulatory effects.

Can Boost Immune Function

Ginseng's potential to strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fending off illness and infection, is another well-researched advantage. The herb help reduce inflammation, fight against infection, and boost immunity.

Can Prevent Cancer

Research has revealed that ginseng has potent anticancer abilities due to its potential to restrict cancer cell growth and development. Although additional study is required, reports suggest that this herb's anticancer activities are due to enhancements in cell immunity involving T cells and NK cells (natural killer cells), inducing apoptosis, preventing angiogenesis, and protecting from oxidative stress. According to scientific studies, ginseng inhibits the development of tumors by influencing gene expression through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptotic pathways.

Possible Risks or Side Effects

Macca root is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by people. Various studies used the maca roots at a dosage of 3g daily for 12 weeks and no adverse effects were observed.

However, it is suggested to avoid its consumption in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Ginseng is regarded as safe to use and does not cause adverse effects. However, it may interact with some medications like anticoagulants and hypoglycemic drugs. It is suggested to talk to your doctor before using ginseng supplements on regular basis.

Similarities Between Maca and Ginseng

Maca root and ginseng, both are adaptogenic herbs used to reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration and boost brain health. In addition, they have aphrodisiac properties and have the potential to promote reproductive health.

Differences

Maca and ginseng vary widely in their appearance and flavor. Moreover, their mechanism of action as adaptogenic and aphrodisiac herbs are different from each other.

Maca powder is yellow, red, and black with an earthy flavor while ginseng possesses yellow or brown color with a licorice-like sweet flavor. Both these herbs have been used traditionally but maca has been used as a food source while ginseng was used for medicinal purposes.

Ginseng and Maca improve sexual functions but they differ in mechanism of action. For instance, ginseng improves sexual health by improving blood circulation, while maca works by providing nutrition to the body.

Moreover, ginseng act as a true adaptogen that has a direct effect on reducing stress and anxiety while ginseng serves as a secondary adaptogen that supports the body to reduce stress.

Bottom Line

Maca roots and ginseng are adaptogenic herbs that help reduce stress and anxiety. They boost energy levels, promote sexual function, and support overall health and well-being. However, they differ in mechanism of action, appearance, and flavor. It is suggested to take these herbs after consulting with a healthcare professional if you are on medications.

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References

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115300162

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27648102/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7175368/

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25265315/

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