Maca is a common ingredient in Peruvian cooking that gives dishes an earthy flavor. Maca root plant can be ground up into a powder and added to meals or smoothies. The most well-known benefit of maca root is its potential to increase libido.  Maca root could also have benefits for people with erectile dysfunction. Maca root may increase semen quality in both fertile and infertile men.

Maca contains flavonoids, which are thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety. It is possible that maca root can also help to improve blood pressure.