Ashwagandha vs Maca: Which Should You Go For?

Ashwagandha vs Maca: Comparative Benefits

Here are some ashwagandha vs maca benefits, which can help you decide which to use for your particular health issue:

Ashwagandha

• Reduction of stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha is a healthy superfood that can make you feel less emotionally stressed and pleasantly relaxed. It works by assisting your body in healthily dealing with stress while also relaxing your body's stress response system.

People who use supplements daily are most likely to have an improvement in physiological, cognitive, and psychological stress responses.

Taking ashwagandha will not make the stress go away, but it may help reduce the symptoms so one feels more at ease, says Dr. Yufang Lin, MD But if you take the time to develop coping tools to help manage stress in the future, that will go much further in the long run.

• Promoting better sleep

When you sleep poorly and wake up anxious, it's the worst feeling in the world. Without adequate sleep, other factors can occur, such as feeling irritable, moody, and fatigued. Ashwagandha, with its soothing effect, can help you sleep naturally.

It can help you fall asleep quickly and wake up feeling good and full of energy. So, if you have trouble sleeping, Ashwagandha helps support restful sleep without the use of harsh medications.

• Boosting physical performance

The benefits of ashwagandha are not limited to the mind! This potent superfood can also boost the way your body functions, which is important for everyone from professional athletes to casual power walkers.

Studies have shown that it can boost strength and oxygen consumption during exercise in both athletes and non-athletes. It may also increase VO2 max, which assesses your heart and lung capacity during strenuous exercise.

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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Maca

• Improved libido

The most common reason people take Maca is to increase their libido. In the ashwagandha vs maca for men debate, it has been shown that some men who took Maca supplements for 8 weeks reported significant increases in libido compared to those who did not take Maca. This demonstrates that Maca can improve sex drive in just two months for some people.

• Enhanced Energy

Everyone wants more energy to enjoy life fully. There are numerous strategies to get there, like getting more sleep and consuming more water. But on those days when you need a little extra, maca might be your best buddy.

Maca root is high in antioxidants, which can help boost energy levels. Studies have shown that healthy people who supplemented with maca root reported a considerable increase in energy without changing anything else.

• Improved brain health

Our brains are particularly susceptible to the stressors of everyday living. Poor attention, memory loss, and general brain fog can happen when we are overworked, or worn out.

However, some neuroprotective superfoods like Maca can help to mitigate some of these effects on the brain. According to research, consuming Maca may help you maintain sharp cognitive function as you get older.

On the Myprotein YouTube channel, nutritionist Jamie Wright explains exactly what maca root is, along with its benefits, side effects, and what happens when you take it.

Maca Root: Explained | All the benefits & Side effects (Video Credit: Myprotein Official)

Can I take Ashwagandha and Maca together?

Many people often ask, “Can I take ashwagandha and maca together?” and the answer is yes, you can. Individually, maca and ashwagandha have various benefits. When combined, you get the complete stress-reduction benefits of ashwagandha and the energy-stimulating and aphrodisiac characteristics of maca root. Unique ashwagandha and maca benefits for women include relieving symptoms of menopause and balancing hormones.

Read more: Benefits Of Maca For Women

Begin with the suggested dosage for each superfood. This process allows your body to adjust to the supplements gradually. A consultation with a healthcare physician or a herbal expert can assist you in determining the appropriate dose.

As a result, you can gradually raise the dosage to allow your body to adjust. Always consult with a healthcare provider before taking Ashwagandha or Maca, especially if you are on medications or have health concerns. They can provide tailored counsel.

The healthcare provider will also examine any potential issues with ashwagandha and maca regarding hormone balance or health-related concerns that may conflict.

Ashwagandha vs Maca Supplements

There are numerous choices for taking oral Ashwagandha or the best maca supplements, which may be bought over the counter at any drugstore or supermarket. After taking both of these supplements together, you can combine Ashwagandha with additional nutrients.

When purchasing ashwagandha and maca supplements, it's vital to examine their legitimacy, toxicity, purity, and shelf life. Speak with your healthcare professional before starting any supplement for proper dosage, side effects.

READ ALSO: Best Ashwagandha Supplement

Ashwagandha vs Maca: Comparative Side Effects

Here are some of the adverse effects of Ashwagandha and Maca, which will help you know what measures to take when consuming both:

1. Ashwagandha

• Ashwagandha is generally well-tolerated for short-term use of up to three months; common moderate side effects include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, and drowsiness.
• Ashwagandha supplements can cause liver harm or dysfunction in some persons, such as jaundice and nausea.
• Ashwagandha can also affect thyroid hormone levels and may interact with thyroid medicines when taken combined.
• Ashwagandha may interact with various drugs, including blood sugar and blood pressure regulators, immunosuppressants, and sedatives.
• Healthcare professionals advise against taking Ashwagandha when pregnant or breastfeeding owing to the risk of miscarriage.
• In the case of ashwagandha vs maca testosterone, ashwagandha raises testosterone levels in the body, hence it may not be suitable for those with hormone-sensitive malignancies such as prostate cancer.

2. Maca

• Interactions may occur so consult your doctor before using it with other medications
• When using ashwagandha vs maca for fertility, avoid maca when pregnant or trying to conceive because it can impair birth control effectiveness.
• Do not use it while breastfeeding.
• Use with caution if you have thyroid or hormone-sensitive disorders, such as breast cancer or uterine fibroids.
• Side effects are rare and modest, including stomach problems or headaches.