What is Maca Supplement?
Although many people classify maca as a supplement, it’s technically considered a food or a “superfood.” Maca in it’s pure form is simply the powder derived from dried root vegetables. It contains no artificial ingredients, stabilizers or preservatives.
Where Does Maca Come From?
The plant is a cruciferous root vegetable that grows in high elevations (above 12,000 feet) in the Andes mountain range. Specifically, maca supplement usually comes from Peru and Bolivia. The plant itself resembles a small turnip.
What Kinds of Maca Supplement Are There?
The main kinds of plants are simply the standard cream colored root, a darker root sometimes called “black maca,” and a reddish root referred to as “red maca.” From these 3 kinds of roots, various maca supplements are created. The simplest and most common form is a whole powder. The powder, which is dried and ground root, can easily be added into juices and smoothies.
Another way maca supplements are sold is in capsule form. Commonly this means that the powder is simply 
encapsulated in gelatin capsules. The only advantage to this is that you get precise measurements in terms of dosage. However, some capsules don’t break down well in the stomach, which prevents full absorption of the powder and limits the benefits.
A final kind of maca is so-called gelatinized maca which has undergone a heating process in order to remove the starch from the plant material. The heating process also may lessen some of the therapeutic powers of the herb, so unless you have trouble digesting regular raw powder, there is not much need to use the gelatinized form.
What can Maca Do For Health?
The health benefits of regularly taking a maca supplement are many and varied. That’s because the root has adaptogen qualities which means that its effects are appropriate to the age and sex of the person using it. In that way, the plant is similar to Ginseng.
The major uses of maca include: increasing energy and endurance, building muscle, relief of menopausal symptoms and improving fertility.
How Do You Take Maca Supplement?
The simplest way to enjoy maca is to mix it into water or smoothies on a daily basis. There are recipes for many kinds of drinks and dishes that you can make with maca. However, most people find maca to be pretty tasty (kind of a malt flavor) and enjoy it simply in water or juice.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi!
I am wondering is there a difference between gelatinized vs pre-gelatinized maca? I have read some research where they used a pre-gelatinized maca. Is there a difference in efficacy of powedered vs gelatinized and pre-gelatinized?
Thanks,
Cec
This article will break down the differences: http://www.raworganicmaca.info/what-is-the-difference-between-gelatinized-maca-and-whole-food-maca-powder/
I have just started taking maca to help with fertility & I’m wondering if I should stop taking it after ovulation or is it safe to take while pregnant. If it is safe is there a recommended dosage?
Thanks Sarah
Sure, it’s fine to continue with Maca during pregnancy. Just take one day a week off or one week a month off and don’t take it if it ever starts tasting bad (that’s a sign from the body that it’s not the right thing at the moment. You can also get all of our dosage guidelines here: http://www.raworganicmaca.info/maca-dosage/
Enjoy your day!
Hi,
I’m a competitive athlete and I was wondering, will taking maca supplements in capsule form help my performance? Will it give me longer lasting energy, help muscle building? I’m looking for something natural to add to my daily vitamins and supplements.
Thank you!
Lauren
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for your question. We have many athletes who use Maca with great results. Personally, I mountain bike a lot and always feel better and go farther with maca. We’ve written on article on how it works and why. It should answer most of your questions:
http://www.raworganicmaca.info/natural-bodybuilding/
If you have any more, please let us know.
Enjoy your day!
Were can I buy maca? Do I have to special order it or can I go to a store and buy it?
Some high quality health food stores carry Maca. Keep in mind if you purchase from them that you will likely pay a lot more that you will here at our site. We’ve seen Maca being sold for up to $120 per KG. If you would like to purchase from us you can visit:
http://www.raworganicmaca.info/shop
Our Maca is fresh, certified organic and very effective.
Enjoy your day!
can maca help with u t i
Maca isn’t particularly indicated for UTI. I’d look into cranberry juice.
i did some research and saw maca is one herb to help with butt and hip enhancement, but saw none of this info on this web site, is it not true?
Maca is very useful as a muscle builder. This applies to the largest muscle in the body as well. It does, however, require exercise just like any muscle building does. Hope that helps.