What Is Red Maca?
Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii or Lepidium peruvianum) is the rarest of all varieties of maca. It is sometimes called pink or purple maca, but is most generally referred to as “red maca.” It grows in the same regions and under similar conditions as other more common types of maca and yet has some unique properites that are quickly making it the maca of choice. Over the past few years it has gained quite a bit of popularity and quite honestly, after we tried it 2 years ago, it has become our favorite variety not only because of the increased potency, but also because of the taste.
How Is Red Maca Different?
If you were to visit a maca farm, before the roots are made into a powder, you’d quickly and easily be able to tell the difference between red maca, yellow/cream maca and black maca. As you can see from the photos here, each of the roots are of a different color – and in this way they are named.
Yellow Maca Roots
Black Maca Roots
Red Maca Root
Although all organically grown high quality maca powders share a nearly identical nutritional profile, red maca has been shown, under phytonutrient analysis, to be higher in certain compounds that support the body in antioxidant and antitumoral activity. It has also been showm among all macas to contain somewhat higher levels of other pythonutrients including alkaloids, tannins, saponis and steroids.
Another significant difference of red maca and yellow/cream and black macas is the taste. Most people find the taste to be more gentle and mild. We’ve found that to be true as well and would describe the taste as similar to a subtle caramel. One customer recently wrote us to let us know that her kids love red maca on their oatmeal instead of sugar because it tastes so sweet!
What Studies Have Been Done on Red Maca?
Interest in maca among medical professionals is growing as are research studies. In terms of studies on Red Maca in particular, there are three major notable ones.
1. The most important study done on red maca was published in the Journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2005; 3:5. In it 8 medical researchers report that over the course of 42 days: “Red Maca but neither Yellow/Cream nor Black Maca reduced significantly ventral prostate size in rats.“ The study also goes on to report that in under pyhtochemical analysis for 7 functional nutrient groups, “Highest peak values were observed for Red Maca, intermediate values for Yellow/Cream Maca and low values for Black Maca.”
2. In 2010 researchers from the Universidad Peruana, Lima published a study on the effects of maca on bone structure in rats that had had their ovaries removed. The conclusion was that both “Red and black maca have protective effects on bone architecture in OVX rats without showing estrogenic effects on uterine weight.”
3. Finally another study from the same University in 2009 found that black maca to increase sperm production more than yellow or red maca. The study concluded that while red maca, like other macas, had a favorable effect on energy, mood and sexula desire, it did little to increase the volume of sperm produced in comparasion to black or yellow/cream maca.
How Can Red Maca Support Vibrant Health?
Red Maca, like the yellow/cream and black maca can do all of the following:
- Boost overall energy and vitality
- Balance hormones for both men and women – this can support with menopause, acne, fertility, thyroid and other health problems related to the endocrine system.
- Support a healhy libido and sex drive
In addition Red Maca in particular seems to be the best of all macas for:
- Prostate protection – most important for men and in particular men over 40
- Bone density – most important for women and children
Complete Nutritional Breakdown of Red Maca
Sample Size 100g:
Carbohydrates 62.6g, Fat 0.82g, Fiber 5.3g, Protein 17.9g
Protein Components (%): Albumins & Globulins 74, Glutelins 15.3, Prolamins 10.6, True Protein 42.1
Vitamin & Minerals (mg %): Ascorbic Acid 3.52, Boron 12, Calcium 490, Iron 80, Magnesium 70, Niacin 43, Phosphorous 320, Potassium 113, Riboflavin 0.61, Sodium 20, Thiamine 0.42, Zinc 32 Amino Acids: Alanine 63.1, Arginine 99.4, Asparatic Acid 91.7, Glutamatic Acid 156, Glycine 68.3, HO-Proline 26, Hystidine 21.9, Isoleucine 47.4, Leucine 91, Lysine 54.5 Methionine 28, Phenylalanine 55.3 Proline 0.5, Sarcosine 0.7, Serine 50.4, Threonine 33.1, Tyrosine 30.6, Valine 79.3
Final Thoughts On Red Maca
We love all kinds of maca and have enjoyed the benefits of them for years. We like to use a variety of maca colors for ourselves and usually have yellow, red and black maca on hand. That said, our favorite tasting maca is Red Maca. We highly recommend it as it provides nearly all of the advantages of the other kinds of maca with the exception of increasing sperm count (according to the study listed above).
==>> Buy Certified Organic Raw Red Maca Powder Here
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Is therea typo in this passage? Did red Maca do little compared to black and yellow or black compared to red and yellow? I’ll order some soon… Thanks for the notice
“3. Finally another study from the same University in 2009 found that black maca to increase sperm production more than yellow or red maca. The study concluded that while red maca, like other macas, had a favorable effect on energy, mood and sexula desire, it did little to increase the volume of sperm produced in comparasion to red or yellow “
Hi Tim,
Thanks for your question.
Red Maca in general is considered to be the most potent and effective of all Maca colors. However, you did read it right that one particular study in Peru found that Red Maca didn’t raise Sperm Count like Standard Yellow/Cream Colored and Black Macas. It was just one study, so it’s not written in stone, but nonetheless is interesting.
If you’re using Maca for fertility you might consider going with Standard or Black. For anything else I’d recommend getting the Red.
Hope that helps.
Anything else we can do just let us know!
Mark
I wish you guys sold smaller quantities , maybe a half lb. Pack or something.I think it would boost sales with people like me that are on the fence! I can buy a pound from Nuts on line and try it but how do I know their Maca is equal to yours . Help me here Sincerely. Bob
Hello,
Thank you for all the wonderful information on Maca. I am a bit confused, though, on some conflicting information. In the Maca for Fertility article (http://www.raworganicmaca.info/maca-for-fertility/) you recommend we consider using Red Maca for fertility. However, you cite a study in this article that indicates Red may not be the best by comparison for sperm motility, and you advised a previous poster in this thread to use Standard or Black for fertility. I would appreciate any more specific details you could provide as to why one might be better than another for fertility.
Thanks,
Stacy
Hi Stacy,
The one thing that Black Maca has tested superior for is increasing sperm count in men. It was just one study that found that. And all the Macas were seen to have about the same effect in increasing fertility for women. We’ve heard from customers using all of our varieties of Maca about increased libido as well as conception. I do recommend going with a raw maca, though, rather than gelatinized. I feel that it’s simply more potent. Either the Red or the Cream should work well. One thing about getting the cream colored maca is that it’s a bit less expensive, so you might end up taking more. For fertility issues you eventually want to work up to 2-3 teaspoons a day each.
I also want to tell you about a great resource that has helped a few of my friends finally have babies (one in her early 40s). It’s the most complete natural pregnancy program I’ve ever seen. Comes with a 60 day guarantee I believe. So, it’ might just be worth a look. Here’s the link where you can read about it:
http://healingvibes.com/miracle.html
Hope that helps. If you have any further questions, let us know!!
Love the Maca team, In an earlier comment I said I was on the fence about where to buy Maca .Not any more .You shouldn’t be either. Mark has answered any questions I’ve had promptly .I feel like I’m dealing with friends,not some company far away out for my money only.the Maca is fresh,prices are good, the people are nice.If you’re on the fence,don’t be, you wont be sorry. Sincerely Bob
Hi, I am going through menopause and I have started taking a teaspoon of red maca mixed into my yogurt in the morning. I have been doing this now for the past 4 days . Am I taking enough (I am very petite) and when should I start feeling the benefit from taking it? I also find I am tired and anxious all the time, being VERY sensitive to caffeine, I can only drink green tea now and again. PLEASE HELP!! MUCH APPRECIATED.
Thanks for your question. For a detailed explanation of our take on Maca dosage please see this page:
http://www.raworganicmaca.info/maca-dosage/
That should answer most of your questions. You can up the dosage of one teaspoon as long as you are feeling fine (no jitters or insomnia, etc.). It can go up to 2-3 teaspoons a day, but please go slowly.
Please keep in mind that Maca takes time to work – it’s not like an aspirin. Usually effects will be felt within 2-4 weeks. That’s pretty much the norm.
Hope that helps. If we can do anything else let us know.
Enjoy your day!
Hi I’m very interested in taking maca especially red maca but i also take birth control pills and I’m concerned if that will interfere, with me taking birth control pills and also will maca make me gain weight because I’m also trying to lose weight.
Hi i was just reading on your product and I just want to know which maca is good to take for enhancing your buttocks or will any maca do. An also I’ve been seeing maca sold on the web on numerous other sites and also in stores is it safe to buy maca from there as well?
Hi Deborah,
Maca is low in fat and calories, so it won’t add weight alone. There is no worries about taking it with birth control pills as Maca is simply a food. The only contraindication is with a few high blood pressure medications.
Red Maca is the most potent as well as the best tasting. We recommend you start with that one.
Any other questions, just let us know. Always happy to help.
Red Maca in our experience and research is the most potent, though other Maca colors also give positive results. The most important thing when taking Maca is to make sure that you source high quality, certified organic, 100% pure Maca. Unfortunately there are a lot of not so great products out there. We learned the hard way when we first got into Maca by purchasing some lesser quality ones. We were very happy when we found the organic farming coop we get our supply from now.
About buttocks – Maca does work to build muscle. That’s why natural bodybuilders like to use it. You do have to make sure you exercise, though. Hope that helps.
hi iv been bodybuilding for 4 weeks and i eat lots of pasta and weet foods and oats foods i have seen a great difrences in my bodybuilding but i do want the muscles to build bigger and faster how can i use the maca for this pls help on this
thanks
kind regards
clint
Hi Clint,
Maca is a favorite among natural bodybuilders because it helps the body boost testosterone. It not only makes you more energetic to work out, it also supports quicker muscle recovery. Most athletes take about 1-3 tablespoons a day and take 4-5 days off per month. It’s usually best to take off from Maca on the days you are also resting from bodybuilding. We recommend our Red Maca for athletes. Hope that helps.
“As you can see from the photos here, each of the roots are of a different color – and in this way they are named.” I don’t see any photos. Where are the photos?
I am interested in trying Maca for hormone balancing, but I get coldsores, and am concerned that the Red Maca’s ratio of arginine to lysine is about 2 to 1, which isn’t so good. Are other types/colors of Maca similar in make-up, as far as the amino acids go? Are there any studies or situations where Maca did or didn’t exacerbate cold sores?
HI Dawn,
We’re not aware of studies or reports in regard to Maca and cold sores. Sorry we can’t be of more help in that regard. Yes other colored Maca powders are essentially the in terms of amino acid ratios. Hope that helps!
Hi Rose,
Photos are now visible. Thanks for letting us know.
Hi I’m a young woman who is extremely thin, I would be a lot happier with myself and have more confidence as a curvier woman. After extensive research their have been claims of maca enhancing the buttocks. Is this true? If so, how much will I need to take to see results?
Thanks,
Sarai
Hi Sarai,
We get this question a lot. I guess we should finally just write an article on it.
One of the things Maca is really good for is building muscle – that’s a big reason why athletes love it. The buttocks is the largest muscle group in the body and does respond to Maca use along with exercise. 1-3 teaspoons daily is our recommended dose for most people starting with Maca. We recommend getting a full KG (2.2 lbs) and using that whole bag (about 75 days for one person) to get the full benefits. Hope that helps! Anything else, please do let us know.
Hi I’m with sarai, I’m 23 yr old female. Wants more shape to my body which mecca would u recommend black red or yellow? And Is it better to take it as a pill or in powder form?
In terms of shape it’s true that Maca can support muscle growth – as long as you are active. Also it can help to balance hormones and lead to more curves that way. Red Maca is the best.
hi I read above maca boots testosterone I want to balance my hormones.Its not good for a lady to have to much testosterone i just started taking wont start to look like a man will i?
HI Sunny,
Maca is a food and does NOT contain any hormones. It works only to balance hormones in the body. For women that usually means stimulating the body to produce more or less estrogen and for men it means stimulating the body to produce more or less testosterone. There’s no chance of Maca making your body get too much testosterone. Hope that helps.
Does Maca help with Arthritis?
Maca is not specifically indicated to help with arthritis. However, due to it’s hormone balancing properties and it’s nutrient density it has helped some people with this issue. Hope that helps.
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