Is Maca Better Than Ashwagandha?
You have probably heard about the fantastic health benefits of maca and ashwagandha.
Maca and ashwagandha are both herbs that are considered adaptogens, which means they help your body adapt to different stressors.
But is one better than the other?
Maca is not better than ashwagandha; deciding the herb that is best for you depends on the benefit you are looking to gain. For reducing anxiety, ashwagandha is the better herb. However, if you want to increase your energy or libido, maca is the better option.
It is essential to note that there is more scientific evidence backing ashwagandha’s health benefits compared to maca.
In this blog post, we will discuss maca and ashwagandha’s health benefits, so keep on reading to learn more!
What is Maca?
Maca is a cruciferous vegetable native to the Peruvian Andes. Some refer to maca as the Peruvian ginseng.
It belongs to the same family of vegetables as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
Certain Peruvian populations have been using maca as both food and medicine for over 2000 years.
In recent years, maca has gained popularity as a supplement that can help increase sex drive and boost energy in both men and women.
Maca is used in different forms, with the most popular being the root powder, which you can mix in your coffee or smoothie.
health benefits of Maca:
- Increases libido
- Fertility enhancement in both sexes
- Balancing hormones in both sexes
- Improves PCOS symptoms
- Improves menopause symptoms
- Improves PMS symptoms
- Increased energy
- Lowers cortisol
- Improves memory
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That said, some scientists believe that the local indigenous knowledge about the health benefits of maca has been dragged out of context to fit the demands of a growing market for herbal remedies.
In other words, no significant scientific evidence exists that proves the health benefits of maca, and more research needs to be done.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in India, parts of Africa, and the middle east. It has been used in the Indian alternative medicine, Ayurveda, for nearly 3000 years.
It is considered an adaptogen and helps adapt the body to stressors. Ashwagandha is known to help reduce anxiety and stress.
Although it does not kill the source of anxiety, numerous studies have indicated that ashwagandha effectively reduces stress symptoms by lowering cortisol.
To learn more about ashwagandha and its amazing health benefits, click here.
Ashwagandha has an unusual number of phytochemicals that can activate pathways in the human body.
Withanones are phytochemicals found in ashwagandha and are believed to be the reason for ashwagandha’s health benefits.
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people. Still, some individuals, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with autoimmune diseases, should not take ashwagandha.
It’s always best to consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements.
To learn about ways you can reduce your anxiety, click here.
health benefits of Ashwagandha:
- Lowers cortisol
- Reduces anxiety
- Lowers inflammation
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Improves sleep
- Improves memory
- Improves cognitive function
- Lowers blood sugar
- Lowers blood pressure
- May improve depression symptoms
Disclaimer: The information provided by BrayneTrain is based on scientific research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Takeaway
Ashwagandha and maca are known to be adaptogens; they help the body adapt to stressors. Maca may help increase energy and libido, and ashwagandha helps reduce anxiety in addition to its other benefits.
Although both herbs are popular, there is no scientific evidence backing maca’s health claims. On the other hand, multiple studies have indicated ashwagandha to be effective in reducing anxiety by lowering cortisol, and increasing muscle strength.
If you want to try maca or ashwagandha, make sure to consult with your medical doctor for proper dosing. Thanks for reading!
References:
Beharry S, Heinrich M. Is the hype around the reproductive health claims of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) justified? J Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Jan 30;211:126-170. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.003. Epub 2017 Aug 12. PMID: 28811221.
Speers AB, Cabey KA, Soumyanath A, Wright KM. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress- Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021;19(9):1468-1495. doi: 10.2174/1570159X19666210712151556. PMID: 34254920; PMCID: PMC8762185.
