Maca root is a nutritionally dense food native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. It has been cultivated for 1000s of years and consumed regularly as a staple food source for both people and livestock. Legend has it that maca was discovered by farmers who noticed that their stock animals became more fertile when grazing on the roots and the greens of the roots. Over the past 40 years, maca root products have gained in popularity outside of the Andes. Maca root is currently considered to be one of the top functional foods worldwide. Maca works to balance hormones and because our hormones are related to various aspects of our overall health, it can have broad ranging benefits. Over the years, we’ve seen people report everything from increased energy to the end of menopause symptoms, to natural muscle building gains, to boosted fertility and more. All of these gains are related to a healthy endocrine system.
This is one question we’ve been receiving more and more over the past few years. Interestingly, people asking fall into two categories. One are the people who hope that it won’t make them gain weight. And two are the people who are hoping that it will. We’ll try to answer the question for both of these types of people here.
To answer the question for someone who is worried about gaining weight by taking maca is easy. Simply put, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that maca root consumption directly causes weight gain. Maca is low in calories and fat. 3 teaspoons (9 g) of maca contains just 35 calories and 1 g of fat. So, in and of itself, maca root products do not promote weight gain. Maca root does not contain enough fat and calories to do so. If you maintain a healthy diet with the proper number of calories for maintaining your weight and if get good exercise while taking maca, you don’t need to worry about putting on weight as a result of adding it to your diet. It’s also interesting to note that some recent studies have suggested that maca root may have potential benefits for weight management, such as reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
To answer this question for people who do want to gain weight with maca is a bit more complicated. Maca is anabolic (muscle building) and indeed does help build muscle. It also balances hormones and may increase appetite. In this way it can support weight gain and weight maintenance. Muscle is heavier than fat, so as you move your body more, muscle can replace fat thus causing you to weigh more, even with the same body mass. In addition, we know that maintaining and gaining weight is directly related to calorie intake. If taking maca stimulates your appetite and you are eating more calories than your body uses on a daily basis the result will be that you gain some weight.
As you can see, the research is ongoing and certainly far from definitive. Further studies are needed to confirm any of these results, especially when it comes to human health.
We have many maca reviews submitted on our site from customers sharing how taking maca has affected their overall weight. 80% of them are like this one in sharing joy over how maca has helped reduce weight:
"I have used red maca root for over 3 years. I began with the powder form and would take it as a shot with a heaping tablespoon in 3 oz. of water. I credit red maca for helping me with my fitness regime that allowed me to lose 35 lbs. in 4 months (literally!). I have begun backpacking recently and so needed a different "delivery system" so I began using the capsules recently when I backpacked in WY. These are perfect and convenient while "on the road" I will continue to use them, regularly." - Diana Waterman
The other 20% sound like these:
"I usually have trouble maintaining weight, but I have been able to gain weight after I added this awesome item to my diet." - Brian Tweedy
"This product has really increased my libido, balanced my hormone. I now have a 28-day cycle, it was 25 or 26 before, which might not seem much different, but a big deal for me. My energy level has also increased and I'm maintaining weight now. I used to fluctuate up and down. I'm on the thinner size and always want to be at least 135lbs and maintain it, instead of 125 at one-point then 130 at another. My weight was so unpredictable. I am 140lbs and maintaining that. My butt is now firm. I feel so much sexier. I'm happy with this product. I see a lot of good changes." - Dionne
In the end we hope we have answered a few of questions here, although somewhat vaguely.
“Can maca help you lose weight?” Yes, it can. Maca root can have the effect of helping you feel full and thereby reducing your overall calorie intake. In addition, maca’s unique amino acids, macamides and macenes are anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant and may help improve metabolism. Finally, one benefit of maca is to boost energy and make you feel better, both of which may make you more active and burn more calories. “Can maca make me gain weight?” In and of itself, maca doesn’t have enough calories or fats to make you gain weight. However, as we’ve seen from some of the research and testimonials above, it does seem to have that effect for some people. This is likely due to an individual response to the hormone balancing properties of maca that people experience differently.
In conclusion, it’s important to note that maca root is generally considered safe for most people to take and that there is more evidence to suggest that it helps people lose weight rather than gain weight. However, it's important to keep in mind that maca root is not a magic solution for weight loss. Any changes you notice to your weight or body composition will likely come from a combination of healthy diet, regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle.
Finally, if you have any doubts about taking maca, please consult a competent and knowledgeable healthcare professional first.
And if you’d like to get going with one of our maca products, please visit our “maca finder” page which will give you our top recommendations for the best type of maca powder, capsules, extract or chips for you and your purposes. Or, you can always call our excellent customer service for personalized recommendations.
Let us know if you have any questions. We’re always happy to help.
Enjoy the day!
I shop around a lot for my supplements and health foods, and I have to say you guys at The Maca Team are light years ahead of anyone else selling maca out in the marketplace. Thanks for all you do!
By Jim Price, The Green Marketing Guru
Loving the red maca from themacateam. I can tell the difference from my usual store-bought brands. It really tastes so fresh and sweet compared to others. I really love this product. Thanks for sourcing it for us to enjoy
By Michelle Gebbia
I LOVE Maca Team Maca...this was my first purchase with the Maca Team and I have no need to try any other Maca-producer. The Maca tastes fresh and flavorful, the Kilo bag is a great price, and I feel so much more at ease (Maca is such powerful medicine :) )
By Lizzie Thompson
I take 24 products from five to six times a week to increase my well-being and sensual and sexual delights. ;D The Maca Team’s organic maca is one of them—nine grams in my smoothie, Monday to Saturday. The Maca Team is a small business run by a family who cares about its customers, its Peruvian maca growers, and the environment. It's vital to know the source of everything we put in our mouths. Physical and mental health are precious treasures. :D
By Jerry Montero
By Milt Thompson
This product is amazing! I have used other cheaper brands of white maca with fairly good results, but after trying the Maca Team maca, I noticed within two weeks all of my menopausal symptoms had completely vanished. Others described a bad taste and smell, but I have tried the black and the red and find them both to be mild tasting. I use a tablespoon in my daily smoothly
By Joy
Maca first came to us by our vitamin supplier. Then we ordered from the Maca Team. Comparison? Think fire-fly, then think mid-day sun. At 76 and 73 years respectively, that is a big deal; and at comparable cost too. We never have we had such speedy delivery and the packaging is the strongest, most protective we've seen, ever, at all ... anywhere. Further, the Mrs. no longer takes hormone supplements. And Mr. scans the morning want ads for steady P/T work.
By George & Sherri
I had been using another brand of maca powder and decided to try The Maca Team's. The difference in freshness is night and day, and better tasting . I'm 6 foot 250 lbs. and take 4 teaspoons every day w/ my protein shake. Great energy boost and just feel great all day. I can tell a difference when I do not take it. best price that I have found {36oz}. I will be buying more as needed.
By J.D.
I've tried various maca brands over the last 20 years and The Maca Team brand is very special. There is definitely a difference when it comes to the quality and colors of the maca. This red maca does seem to nourish certain parts of my body while the black maca nourishes something else. I know I've been missing the nutrition these maca provide. I'm 75 years old and bodies wear out, but I'm finding I'm regaining a functioning body. How wonderful is this?!?!!!
By Janis Ihrig
I just wanted to thank you for your excellently constructed website. I am a physician and I recently started learning about Maca. I get a very good sense of it, and I expect I will try it out myself and possibly be recommending it to patients in the future. If so, your website will be the first place to send people. Thanks again.
By Adam Holt
Love the Maca team, In an earlier comment I said I was on the fence about where to buy Maca .Not anymore .You shouldn’t be either. The team 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 won’t be sorry.
By Bob
My Maca came in today and it has all the information on it! I must say this is the best tasting Maca I have tried!! Thank you again for a great product!! I will only order from you in future as well!
By Stormi Evans
First I would like to say I love this product. I was very skeptical about a natural product with so many benefits but this stuff really works. Second, I love this company. From the web site to the way they run their company this a top-notch team. I will be ordering from The Maca Team from now on. Great job guys keep doing what you are doing.
By Darren Rivers Sr.
We love this product. I own a store and work with clients holistically. We have recommended maca for years however, this is the highest quality product we have ever carried. I am proud to offer it in my store.
By Mellissa Gage, Infinity and Beyond
I am really happy that I chose the Maca Team, today you can find many distributors selling Maca powder, however quality of the powder is impossible to compare. Moreover, the results after 2 weeks I could feel. Before I was taking maca powder and I did not feel any changes. But since I started taking Maca from Maca Team the changes are incredible. So, I did a test.:) I gave the powder to my partner ... and after 2 weeks he was impressed and told me that he has more energy, feeling happy... Thank you The Maca Team!!!!
By Olga
I do want to say that I have done quite a bit of research on different companies that offer Maca and The Maca Team definitely is the most reputable. Thank you again for your kindness and professionalism :)
By T.C.
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