No longer having sex? Try this forbidden superfood that can instantly reignite your libido

A dip in desire can be dispiriting – and may have a negative impact on your relationship. One solution could be the plant, maca, a nutrient-dense superfood, traditionally used to lift libido and boost energy

Words: Mars Webb and Angela Kennedy | Images: Shutterstock & various brands

With loved-up couples everywhere on social media, in films and adverts, you’d be forgiven for thinking everybody’s at it all the time! Of course, it’s not true. Your libido ebbs and flows due to stress, hormonal changes, ageing and a whole range of lifestyle factors.

A survey by ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition found that libido levels are negatively affected by high stress and lack of sleep, with one third flagging these as passion killers.

Haywire hormones are also a significant issue for libido, with 48 per cent of women in the survey saying hormonal shifts impacted their sex drive. ‘Low libido matters, with more than a third of women in our survey reporting that having no libido impacted their mood, while 40 per cent claimed it made them feel unsexy,’ says Aimee Benbow, author of The Menopause Journal.

‘Nearly a quarter agreed lack of libido had caused distance in their relationship with their partner, while 75 per cent of women aged 40-50 experienced difficulties enjoying sex,’ she says.

But all is not lost, as you can boost your desire, naturally, with a biennial plant called maca. ‘For those approaching menopause and beyond, maca is a natural aphrodisiac,’ says Aimee.

Maca originates from the high-altitude regions of Peru, thriving at 4,000-4,500 meters above sea level, so it is one of the world’s highest-growing crops. Also known as Peruvian ginseng, it’s a radish-like root vegetable that’s been used as a traditional medicine, as well as for food, for thousands of years.

Maca is rich in essential nutrients, including amino acids, carbohydrates and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and iron. It contains vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E, as well as protein, fibre and essential fatty acids. This nutrient-dense profile has earned maca a superfood reputation. It’s also an adaptogen, which means it has the ability to help your body manage stress and restore balance.

Maca is prized for its ability to enhance energy, stamina, and overall vitality – but especially for the maca root benefits of libido-enhancing properties.

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Maca root benefits for libido

Clinical studies have highlighted that maca root benefits women, particularly in enhancing libido and mood. For example, postmenopausal women who took 3,500mg of maca daily for six weeks reported reduced anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction without affecting oestrogen or androgen levels. For women experiencing sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), maca has shown promise in improving libido and alleviating depressive symptoms. Unlike synthetic treatments, maca brings these benefits without altering hormone levels, making it an appealing natural alternative for improving sexual wellbeing.

Traditionally, maca has been used to support fertility in women. While direct scientific evidence is limited, experimental studies suggest that maca’s antioxidant properties may enhance luteinizing hormone levels, which play a key role in ovulation. Maca’s benefits also extend to women navigating menopause. Studies have shown that maca may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats while improving hormonal balance, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These findings could make maca an attractive, non-hormonal alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Always talk to your GP before stopping HRT, though.

In addition to its libido-boosting properties, maca is traditionally consumed to combat fatigue and enhance endurance. Known for improving physical performance and supporting flagging energy levels, it has been a staple of the Peruvian diet for generations. One fascinating aspect of maca is its diversity. It naturally occurs in different colours – black, red, and yellow – and each variety may offer unique benefits. Most traditional and clinical uses rely on a mixed blend of these varieties. Whether raw or cooked, maca remains a staple in Peruvian culture, often consumed boiled to soften its hard, dried form.

So how do you find the right type for you? When selecting a maca supplement, it’s important to look for ones without additives and fillers. Viridian Nutrition Organic Maca, for example, contains organic raw maca root sustainably sourced from Peruvian villagers. Certified organic by the Soil Association, it is purchased at above-market prices, which means it is supporting ethical and sustainable farming practices. For optimal results, maca is typically taken in doses ranging from 1,500 to 3,000mg daily. While generally safe, it’s important to follow recommended guidelines and consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication. Whether you’re looking to spice up your sex life, reduce fatigue or explore an alternative to hormonal treatments, maca can be a versatile and nutrient-rich solution.

3 of the best…

Viridian Nutrition Organic Maca

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Holland & Barrett Maca

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Naturya Organic Maca Powder

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