Many natural ingredients have been proven to be beneficial for human health. Ashwagandha and Maca root are two popular Ayurvedic elements among those. The debate between Ashwagandha vs. Maca root often arises because they provide outstanding benefits.
Choosing between Ashwagandha and Maca root can be challenging because both offer unique health advantages. Here, we will help you choose the best one based on different criteria.
In this guide, we'll introduce you to their usefulness in the human body and help you to understand their dissimilarities. After reading this article, you can decide which fits your health goals most.
Key differences between Ashwagandha and Maca root
Let's explore some distinctions between Ashwagandha and Maca roots.
|
Difference |
Ashwagandha |
Maca Root |
|
Botanical name |
Withania somnifera |
Lepidium meyenii |
|
Origin |
India and parts of Africa |
Peru, South America |
|
Primary Benefit |
Reduces stress and anxiety |
Promotes energy and stamina |
|
Effect on Hormones |
Balances cortisol (stress hormone) |
Supports balanced hormones |
|
Energy Boost |
Offers calming energy and reduced fatigue |
Increases physical endurance and energy |
|
Mood Enhancement |
Eases anxiety, promotes relaxation |
Elevates mood, enhances libido |
|
Adaptogen Type |
Calms and stabilizes the nervous system |
Energizing and uplifting |
|
Use for Sleep |
Improves sleep quality |
It doesn't directly affect sleep |
|
Forms Available |
Powders, capsules, tablets form |
Powders, capsules form most often |
|
Scientific Research |
Well-researched with many clinical studies |
Limited but growing research |
How does Ashwagandha benefit your health?
According to Vanan Herbal, Ashwagandha has the ability to provide you of unimaginable benefits. Here's a simple overview of how Ashwagandha may improve your health.
Reduces stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha is well-known for managing the human body's stress. It's an adaptogen, which means it helps you cope with stress naturally. Research shows that Ashwagandha may lower stress hormones like cortisol.
Besides, it reduces stress-related proteins in the body. It also calms the system that controls your stress response. In studies, people taking Ashwagandha, like capsules or in other forms, have reported lower stress and anxiety levels. Moreover, they also experienced better sleep quality.
Enhances muscle strength
People taking Ashwagandha during resistance training have shown more significant muscle strength development. Exercises like bench presses and leg extensions saw noticeable improvements compared to those using a placebo.
People not only use Ashwagandha for strength boosts but also for increased muscle size. Its Ayurvedic properties can reduce muscle damage after workouts.
Additionally, it increases testosterone levels, which are directly responsible for muscle development. These combined effects make Ashwagandha a valuable element for enriching muscle strength.
Supports heart health
According to Forbes Health, some studies have shown that Ashwagandha can increase VO2 max levels. This measurement indicates the maximum amount of oxygen your body uses during exercise.
Higher VO2 max levels suggest better cardiorespiratory endurance. It means the heart and lungs supply oxygen effectively to muscles.
However, it's important to note that these studies mostly involved healthy, athletic adults. More research is needed to see how Ashwagandha affects a wider range of people.
Balances cortisol levels
Cortisol is a natural hormone made by your adrenal glands. It plays a role in waking us up and providing energy. However, too much cortisol can cause health issues.
Chronic stress keeps cortisol levels high. As a result, your body may suffer from inflammation and other problems. Many studies have proved that using Ashwagandha for cortisol reduction works effectively.
Promotes relaxation
Ashwagandha contains natural chemicals to help calm the brain and reduce stress. This ancient herb is an adaptogen that helps the body cope with physical and mental stress.
Many people use it to manage conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and the effects of aging. Besides, it may help lower blood pressure. Reduced blood pressure means your body gets proper relaxation.
So, Ashwagandha is a popular choice for those looking to promote relaxation.
How does Maca root benefit your health?
Now, you'll get introduced to some mentionable Maca root benefits.
Boosts energy and endurance
Many athletes and bodybuilders rely on Maca root for their desired energy increase. Some studies suggest it can improve performance in the human body.
A pilot study on male cyclists found that Maca extract performed better in a time trial. However, the results were not significantly different from those taking a placebo.
Another study claims that the unique properties of Maca may help enhance endurance and prevent fatigue during intense workouts. It regulates energy metabolism and fights oxidative stress caused by prolonged exercise.
Enhances reproductive health
Maca root is gaining attention nowadays because it can enhance reproductive health. Some studies suggest it may improve sexual health and fertility.
For men, it offers better sperm quality and higher sperm count and motility. Maca root may also protect sperm from oxidative stress, which can damage DNA and impact fertility.
In women, it reduces menopause symptoms. Additionally, more research on Maca root health benefits can make it a good choice for reproductive purposes.
Improves mood
Maca root may help improve mood by reducing anxiety and stress. When your body has no stress, your mood automatically becomes sound.
Maca root contains flavonoids, which are the main influencers for mood-boosting effects.
In one study, women taking 3 grams of Maca every day saw improvements in their mood and sexual health. They also felt less depressed. However, smaller doses didn't show any benefits.
Supports cognitive performance
Various animal studies have discovered that Maca root may improve brain function, such as one’s memory and learning. Research on aging mice showed that Maca slowed cognitive decline down.
This shows us a possible hint of Maca roots benefits for brain health. However, these findings are based on animal studies, and more human research is needed.
Some people start taking Maca root tablets for possible cognitive support. They should remember that its full effects on humans have yet to be confirmed.
Regulates hormone levels
Balancing hormones in the human body is difficult, even after using natural ingredients. Maca root may help balance hormone levels by acting on the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis. This mainly controls all reproductive hormones.
Research finds it especially helpful for women. More specifically, post-menopausal women can take advantage of Maca root.
Some studies reveal that Maca root can influence estrogen levels. As a result, people get relief from symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. Unfortunately, there has only been a few studies regarding this statement.
Which one is better overall?
We recommend Ashwagandha if you shortlist only two options: Ashwagandha and Maca root. Our experts believe it is the best choice for most people due to its clinically proven benefits.
Ashwagandha can reduce stress, improve sleep habits, balance cortisol levels, and more. Furthermore, there are strong studies about the effects of this Ayurvedic on muscle strength and overall health.
On the other hand, Maca is good for stimulating energy and supporting reproductive health. A major drawback is that it hasn't been studied much in humans yet.
So, what is Maca root good for? It's good for energy, endurance, and improving sexual health. Yet, Ashwagandha's wider range of benefits makes it the better option overall.
Can I take Maca and Ashwagandha together?
Many people with stress, anxiety, or low libido ask if they can use both Ashwagandha and Maca root at the same time. The answer is yes! You can take Ashwagandha and Maca together. No health issue will arise from doing this.
Ashwagandha is great for reducing stress and other health benefits. On the flip side, we recommend using Maca for energy enhancement. The two have no known interactions. So you can combine both safely.
People are looking for ways to improve their health and well-being. Together, these two can fight stress, increase energy, and enhance sexual performance, making them powerful allies for your vitality.
All things considered
Picking between Ashwagandha and Maca root depends on your personal health needs. We recommend Ashwagandha if you're looking for a natural solution to manage stress, improve sleep, or calm anxiety.
Conversely, Maca root is more suitable for people desiring an energy boost, better stamina, or enhanced hormonal balance.
Both supplements have unique benefits and fields of possible effect. Sometimes, you can take them together to get one step closer to a better vitality.
Since you know everything about Ashwagandha vs Maca root now, we hope you can decide based on what your body needs most. If you have further questions, contact Vanan Herbal to clarify any confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens When You Mix Maca With Ashwagandha?
When you mix Maca with Ashwagandha, you combine the benefits of both. Ashwagandha helps reduce stress, while Maca boosts energy. Together, they may enhance your overall well-being without known side effects.
What Is Better, Maca Or Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is generally better for stress relief and anxiety, while Maca is better for increasing energy and endurance. Your choice depends on your specific health goals.
