Did you know there’s a Peruvian root that’s been cultivated for thousands of years that can help with energy, fertility, hormonal dysfunction, depression, circulation, mental acuity, and more?
I was introduced to maca many years ago, and was intrigued then. Recently, though, it again came to my attention as an overall boon to hormones as well as physical and emotional well-being.
And I gave it a try.
My Experience with Maca: Vitality
I’ve been lifting weights for over a year now. I’ve been taking maca for at least 6 months (and about 2 months using a premium quality organic maca).
When I “get my maca” in the morning, I’m eager to move that bar around and I feel strong and I improve. On the flip side, when I skip the maca, I often don’t feel like exercising and my energy is down. This has happened enough times that I feel I can say with confidence that maca plays a leading role in my overall vitality and energy level.
(The maca has helped me with female issues as well.)
And very cool — I’ve found a brand of maca I absolutely love that makes me feel better and more energetic than any other — it’s from The Maca Team. (Below I’ll tell you just why that is.)
Keep reading to get the complete scoop on maca, but if you’re ready now to get the very best maca out there, go here.
The Complete Scoop on Maca
Even if you’re already well acquainted with the wonders of Peruvian maca, be sure to read item #4 below…
1. What is Maca?
“Maca is a root that grows high in the Peruvian Andes at altitudes of 14,000 feet (3500 m) above sea level. It has been cultivated for 1000s of years and used by indigenous people to boost their energy while living at such extreme elevations where oxygen is in short supply. It looks similar to a radish or turnip and comes in a variety of colors ranging from white to dark purple. Peruvian Maca root has the distinction of being the highest growing food plant anywhere in the world.” — source: The Maca Team
2. What are the possible benefits of Maca?
Maca was discovered over 2000 years ago, when indigenous shepherds noticed the health, hardiness, and improved fertility of animals that grazed on it. So people began consuming it themselves and experienced benefits like:
- promote fertility
- build muscle
- increase stamina
- relieve symptoms of menopause
- boost energy
- support prostate health
- increase bone density
- alleviate depression
- boost libido
- balance hormones
- and more….
Maca is a superfood — remember it’s an actual food, a root — that’s rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
What jumps out at me in the nutritional profile is that it contains vitamins and minerals many of us are often lacking. Specifically, the vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and D and the minerals iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium, and calcium. It’s a powerhouse!
I believe it’s earned the status of “superfood” because of all it contains. You can read more about its benefits and full nutritional profile by going here and then clicking on “FAQs” and “Benefits”.
3. What To Look For?
Ready to get some maca and try it out for yourself? (Good!)
You’ll want to seek out high-quality organic maca that’s as fresh as possible, and packaged to preserve nutritional quality. And preferably raw, if your digestive system can handle it.
As I investigated maca sources, I got really excited about The Maca Team‘s maca because it’s “beyond organic”. Their Peruvian farms (with farmers paid fair wages) follow traditional agricultural methods such as giving the land rest and using natural fertilization methods. This is good for the land and great for the food that’s grown on it.
Also, their maca is fresh! They process and sell small batches from only the current year’s harvest, so you receive it with a few months of it being harvested. (As opposed to larger producers who move it in huge shipping containers, where your maca could be sitting around for 2 years before you actually get it to eat it.)
Finally, their raw maca isn’t heated above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore preserving the enzymes and nutrients. (They have a pre-cooked gelatinized maca for those with a sensitive stomach.) Then it’s packaged in foil-lined double-sealed opaque bags or sealed amber jars to ensure that the maca’s potency isn’t reduced by light, humidity, or oxygen.
The Maca Team‘s maca is simply premium quality, and I can tell by how much better I feel when using this maca than other brands.
One other thing to mention is that The Maca Team offers less common colors of maca root which have increased nutritional benefits. That’s what I’ll explain next, and it’s one of the most important considerations when you’re choosing your maca.
4. What Color of Maca to Eat?
This is the part I want everyone to read! Certain colors of maca are more suited to you and your needs than others.
Peruvian maca grows in three color groups and each group creates its own grade of maca powder:
- White to yellow roots are made into Cream Maca powder (60% of the annual harvest)
- Light pink to dark purple roots are made into Red Maca powder (25% of the annual harvest)
- Light gray to dark gray roots are made into Black Maca powder (15% of the annual harvest)
Notice how the cream maca is 60% of the annual harvest? This explains why it is the most common, and therefore the least expensive, of all maca powders on the market. (It’s the type you see most often from most companies.)
But more importantly, the cream maca powder does not have the higher nutritional benefits or the unique properties of the other two colors. You’ll still get benefits from eating it, of course — but for the most health benefits, choose to eat either red or black.
Here’s the scoop on red and black maca.
- Hormonally, the red (which is the sweetest tasting and has the highest phytonutrient levels) is recommended for women and the black for men.
- Black is recommended for both men and women for these specific issues: muscle building and stamina.
- Red is recommended for both men and women for these specific issues: energy, mental focus, depression, chronic fatigue, anxiety/stress, circulation, bone density, hair growth, and acne.
The Maca Team offers all 3 colors in both powder and capsule, and raw and gelatinized. They also offer a premium maca blend which is a blend of all three colors of maca root.
For more information on the colors of maca and the specific recommendations, go here and click on “Which Maca?”.
5. What Form To Choose?
Maca usually comes in powder or capsules. The powder is usually less expensive, and (I think) offers a delicious, nutty flavor in a morning smoothie. (Yes, that’s how I take mine.) You can also mix it with a small amount of milk or other liquid, and just drink in a small shot, or use in recipes.
Some don’t like the taste, though, so that’s where the capsules come in. You can purchase them ready-to-go, or you can fill your own capsules (instructions are here).
In addition, if purchasing through The Maca Team (and I think you should!), you can choose between raw or gelatinized maca. Here’s the difference.
Raw maca has not been heated above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which preserves the enzymes and nutrients at peak levels. This is the best choice for most people.
Gelatinized maca is heated to a high temperature to remove starch content. This makes it easier on the stomach for those who are sensitive to starchy foods and experience gas or indigestion. Also, the maca is more concentrated. However, the downside is that the heat destroys the enzymes and alters some of the important nutrients.
For more information on the forms of maca, go here and click on “Which Maca?”.
6. How Much to Take?
As you might know, I can’t give you specific recommendations for how much maca to take; this is something that should be determined over time and taking into account your age, needs, weight, and overall health. It’s a personal thing!
However, the general recommendation for a fairly healthy 40-year old who weighs 160 pounds is 1 to 3 teaspoons (3 to 9 grams) per day. I follow this myself and find it works well for me. I take between 2 and 3 teaspoons per day.
If you’re just starting out, start with small amounts and work up slowly and pay close attention to how you feel. Because maca is a food (not a drug, herb, or supplement), it’s hard to take too much. Still, listen to your body to see how you’re handling it. Consider keeping at it for awhile to build up the cumulative and long-term benefits. Also, take a break from it now and then (like one day a week or a whole week each month).
For more information, click here and then go to “How to Use Maca” — there you’ll find serving information, recipes, and best practices.
While writing this post, I got even more excited about this maca than I already was. I had originally selected the red maca as the right one for me, but just now decided to get a 1 kg package of both raw red and raw black. I plan to mix them for my own custom blend. I also purchased some gelatinized maca because some in our family are more sensitive to starch.
I am so thrilled to have found The Maca Team. I believe in what they’re doing and I believe they offer the best maca out there. My own body can tell the difference, and I feel certain you will, too!
Do you use maca? How does it benefit you?
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You are responsible for your own health and for the use of any remedies, treatments, or medications you use at home.
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Do you know if this is safe or good for those of us who are hypothyroid and possibly hashimoto thyroid? Thanks!
Grace — I’ve asked The Maca Team their thoughts about this and I’ll get back to you!
Grace — The Maca Team suggested you start with this article at their site. It is very informative.
http://www.themacateam.com/maca-and-iodine-content
I will write with more…
Grace — Here’s a little more info for you, from The Maca Team:
http://wellnessmama.com/14892/boost-thyroid-function/
Katie from Wellness Mama (and her family) have been using our products for almost a year. Katie may have additional insight into Maca in the context of Hashimoto’s. In our Maca + Iodine article we advise our customers to consult their doctor if they have an autoimmune thyroid disease before taking Maca.
I Love maca! I take it every day in my smoothie, and we also put it in homemade protein bars. We’ve found when we’re hiking it gives us a little boost midway that is very helpful! (We live in Colorado, so there’s really no such thing as an “easy” hike here 😉 ) I think it has also helped with menopausal symptoms. When it’s cooler out, I’ll add maca with some cacao powder and ghee to coffee for a fabulous mid-day drink. We use the raw organic premium, totally love it!
I have used it raw for several years, but sparingly as it’s hard on my lower guts- I will be investigating the pill form as it does help my menopause symptoms, thanks for the info!
It also has a good effect on my joints, which pain me from rheumatoid arthritis.
With the hormone balancing component, is this recommended for breastfeeding mothers?
I’d really like to know as well. I have this in my “medicine cabinet” but stopped taking it when pregnant. Can I take it while Breastfeeding? I’d like to get back into using it. I’m so tired with baby number 3!!
Hi Andrea,
We checked with the Maca Team and here are their thoughts:
The first thing we can say is that there are no ‘definitive’ studies out there demonstrating Maca’s effects on women during pregnancy and breast-feeding. By ‘definitive’ we mean double-blind, placebo controlled, or at least studies done with animals.
However, we could say the same for any number of foods which have been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world with no adverse effects. It is important to understand Maca in its native context.
I did a quick search a came for “Peruvian Women Maca Pregnancy” and found the following helpful articles:
http://natural-fertility-info.com/maca-fertility-qa.html (Good Perspective; explains why many sources say to avoid it outright during Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding and how this is unrelated to the food itself)
http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2008/10/maca-diaries-week-one-and-story-behind.html (Also good perspective, though not on lactation)
http://www.medicinehunter.com/mediahit/medicine-hunter-maca (While we wouldn’t recommend eating it “by the pound,” he makes a good point about its complete lack of toxicity; this has been studied. However, he is inaccurate in his assertions about Gelatinized Maca and Maca Color; the former we know from traditional usage, Maca was always consumed cooked by indigenous Peruvians. The latter, there are many studies indicating specific benefits for Red Maca for Prostate, Black Maca for bone density, etc. See our Research Studies page for more details: http://www.themacateam.com/maca-studies-and-research
In the end, it is a matter of personal choice. Drugs.com actually says it best: http://www.drugs.com/npc/maca.html. Objectively, data is lacking.
Finally, we want to re-affirm that the members of The Maca Team are not medical doctors, and that our Health Disclaimer applies in this situation as it does in all questions about Maca’s effects on the body: http://www.themacateam.com/health-disclaimer.
Ultimately, whether it is a new food in one’s diet, a new exercise plan, or even a new living environment, we recommend pregnant / breast-feeding women discuss their intentions and goals with their healthcare provider.
Is maca ok for pregnant woman?
Hi Margaret,
We checked with the Maca Team and here is their response:
The first thing we can say is that there are no ‘definitive’ studies out there demonstrating Maca’s effects on women during pregnancy and breast-feeding. By ‘definitive’ we mean double-blind, placebo controlled, or at least studies done with animals.
However, we could say the same for any number of foods which have been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world with no adverse effects. It is important to understand Maca in its native context.
I did a quick search a came for “Peruvian Women Maca Pregnancy” and found the following helpful articles:
http://natural-fertility-info.com/maca-fertility-qa.html (Good Perspective; explains why many sources say to avoid it outright during Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding and how this is unrelated to the food itself)
http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2008/10/maca-diaries-week-one-and-story-behind.html (Also good perspective, though not on lactation)
http://www.medicinehunter.com/mediahit/medicine-hunter-maca (While we wouldn’t recommend eating it “by the pound,” he makes a good point about its complete lack of toxicity; this has been studied. However, he is inaccurate in his assertions about Gelatinized Maca and Maca Color; the former we know from traditional usage, Maca was always consumed cooked by indigenous Peruvians. The latter, there are many studies indicating specific benefits for Red Maca for Prostate, Black Maca for bone density, etc. See our Research Studies page for more details: http://www.themacateam.com/maca-studies-and-research
In the end, it is a matter of personal choice. Drugs.com actually says it best: http://www.drugs.com/npc/maca.html. Objectively, data is lacking.
Finally, we want to re-affirm that the members of The Maca Team are not medical doctors, and that our Health Disclaimer applies in this situation as it does in all questions about Maca’s effects on the body: http://www.themacateam.com/health-disclaimer.
Ultimately, whether it is a new food in one’s diet, a new exercise plan, or even a new living environment, we recommend pregnant / breast-feeding women discuss their intentions and goals with their healthcare provider.
I love maca and so do my kids, it gives me tons more energy for homeschooling 3 kids, homesteading and developing 103 acres permaculture style, preserving food, wildcrafting and making our medicines, and cooking everything from scratch by the weston price principles. Thanks Wardee for this great source, I look forward to even better results as I have been taking the cream powder. Also 1Tbsp a day for 3 months or so completely resolved the hemorrhoids I developed in the last trimester of my first pregnancy….and tried for years many remedies to get rid of, even as they worsened with each pregnancy and birth.
I lived in Peru for 3 years as a young teen, back in the early 60s. Our cook would always have maca available for her consumption and I started eating it as well. And when I would visit the village with her, they would share their meals with me, which always included maca. The locals said that it would give me energy and strength, which it did. I also believe that is why I never had a symptom when I went through menopause (I am now 65), as I continued using the powder she gave me for a few years after returning to the States. I am glad to see a renewed interest in maca – thank you for your informative article!
Hi Karin! That is so interesting and awesome that you got to live with the Peruvians and experience this. Could you tell me what are some of the ways they would take/eat the maca, how did they cook it or what did they mix it with? And how much per day would they consume? Does it depend on your age? I find it helps me, but I need about 2 or 3 TABLEspoons before I notice any real extra energy, but it give me bad Bowel movements, and the taste is pretty bad for me. Thank you in advance for any tips or recipes or ways to consume it.
I would also like to know about using this during pregnancy…Thank you!
Hi Melinda,
We checked with the Maca Team and here are their thoughts:
The first thing we can say is that there are no ‘definitive’ studies out there demonstrating Maca’s effects on women during pregnancy and breast-feeding. By ‘definitive’ we mean double-blind, placebo controlled, or at least studies done with animals.
However, we could say the same for any number of foods which have been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world with no adverse effects. It is important to understand Maca in its native context.
I did a quick search a came for “Peruvian Women Maca Pregnancy” and found the following helpful articles:
http://natural-fertility-info.com/maca-fertility-qa.html (Good Perspective; explains why many sources say to avoid it outright during Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding and how this is unrelated to the food itself)
http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2008/10/maca-diaries-week-one-and-story-behind.html (Also good perspective, though not on lactation)
http://www.medicinehunter.com/mediahit/medicine-hunter-maca (While we wouldn’t recommend eating it “by the pound,” he makes a good point about its complete lack of toxicity; this has been studied. However, he is inaccurate in his assertions about Gelatinized Maca and Maca Color; the former we know from traditional usage, Maca was always consumed cooked by indigenous Peruvians. The latter, there are many studies indicating specific benefits for Red Maca for Prostate, Black Maca for bone density, etc. See our Research Studies page for more details: http://www.themacateam.com/maca-studies-and-research
In the end, it is a matter of personal choice. Drugs.com actually says it best: http://www.drugs.com/npc/maca.html. Objectively, data is lacking.
Finally, we want to re-affirm that the members of The Maca Team are not medical doctors, and that our Health Disclaimer applies in this situation as it does in all questions about Maca’s effects on the body: http://www.themacateam.com/health-disclaimer.
Ultimately, whether it is a new food in one’s diet, a new exercise plan, or even a new living environment, we recommend pregnant / breast-feeding women discuss their intentions and goals with their healthcare provider.
I got the powder and really don’t like the taste. Any suggestions for disguising it in smoothies or otherwise?
I did not like the taste either. I mix in a little peanut butter and vanilla and eat it as a paste and found I like it that way. I did not like it in smoothies but others do.
Any concerns over the ‘foil’ part of the bags?
Since I have been estrogen dominate for so many years and ended up with breast issues because of it, is maca safe for me? I have since seen a natural health practitioner and the estrogen dominance is no longer an issue but I am avoiding anything that would boost my estrogen levels at the age of 55. I sure could use some more energy!
Is this good for men?
I have read at numerous sources the dangers of ingesting raw maca (e.g. here is one example: http://www.simplecleanliving.com/is-maca-root-really-healthy/) yet you are recommending it over heated and cooked Maca. I really like and trust your blog so would like your thoughts on this. Thanks!
I believe maca helped me get pregnant at ages 39 and 41 after I had 2 previous miscarriages. It’s supposed to improve fertility, libido, and egg quality. I truly believe this wonderful superfood improved my egg quality so I could go on to conceive and deliver 2 beautiful sons with no complications. Now it’s time for me to start using it again for my perimenopausal symptoms 😉 Thanks for reminding me of this wonderful superfood God has provided for us!
How about maca for someone experiencing adrenal fatigue?
I haven’t read all the comments, so sorry if this has already been asked. I was wondering when should a female start taking maca? Because we have shifts in our normal hormones – menstruating, pre-ovulation and ovulation, and then normal time – when would be a good time to start without it messing up our normal cycle? We use NFP and I know my cycle really well, but I’m 43 years old and already have six children (ages 19-8) and really don’t want to start another family, if possible. Should I start when I’m in my normal hormone stage – the 1.5 weeks before my menstruation or should I start day 1 of my period?
I’ve tried to read over the comments to see if anyone had this issue before I asked and didn’t notice it…I had tried Maca several years ago, I don’t remember the brand, but I experienced heart palpitations while on it and I gained weight in my mid section. I did some research then and found an obscure article that mentioned about the heart palpitations. It wasn’t as popular then, so there wasn’t much info about it. Has anyone else heard of or had those symptoms? (Specifically the palpitations…the weight gain could have been something else)
Does Wardee or anybody else on here know if Maca could help women suffering with PCOS? I’ve seen it once or twice bounced around the internet when researching natural cures. Thanks!
Marie — I’m not a healthcare practitioner and can’t give medical advice. Having said that, I have seen it mentioned as helpful (or at the least OK) with PCOS. Here is an article from a site I trust:
http://naturalfertilityandwellness.com/macas-fertility-benefits/
God bless you!
Thanks Wardee for your reply.
God bless you too!
One more question, are there any bad side effects by chance?
Hi Marie,
One that we know of is because of the amount of iodine, it can worsen thyroid conditions. One would want to research that and/or consult with a doctor for more information or to decide what to do.
Millie
Traditional Cooking School