Over the past couple of decades maca root, a traditional plant from the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia, has gained a good amount of attention for its unique health benefits. Maca is thought to work on the endocrine system to support optimal hormonal health. And since hormones are related to a wide variety of physiological functions, maca root’s benefits are wide ranging. One of the benefits often associated with maca root is its ability to increase testosterone levels. Testosterone plays key roles in various aspects of health such as muscle mass, vitality and mood regulation. And there are now all sorts of testosterone “therapies” for men who find their levels to be low. But does maca root truly have an impact on testosterone levels? Some say “yes” and others say “no.” In this article we’ll have a full look at this question and hopefully separate the hyperbole from fact regarding this important topic.
Before exploring the potential effects of maca root on testosterone, it's essential to understand the role testosterone plays in the body. Testosterone is a hormone primarily associated with male characteristics, but it is present in both males and females. It contributes to muscle growth, bone density, sexual function, mood regulation, and overall well-being. It is produced mainly in the testes but also about 5% in the adrenal glands.
Various sources on the internet have claimed that maca root increases testosterone and therefore leads to various associated health benefits. These types of claims became particularly common in the early 2000s. In fact, as a company, The Maca Team fielded thousands of calls regarding this aspect of maca root during that time period. People simply wondered if there was any truth to this claim. Let’s have a look at what science says.
Over the past 20 years there have been various studies on maca’s ability to increase testosterone. While some studies suggested a positive association between maca root consumption and increased testosterone levels, others failed to establish a direct correlation. In fact, a majority of studies conclude that “serum testosterone levels are not affected by treatment with Maca.” But there are others, such as a study published in Andrologia in 2016 that reach the opposite conclusion: “feeding hydroalcoholic extract powder of Lepidium meyenii (maca) increases serum testosterone concentration…” Obviously, more research, and especially on humans is called for in order to make any definitive statements.
It’s important to understand that maca does not contain testosterone or any other hormone. Instead it stimulates the body to produce and regulate hormones in order to achieve a healthy hormone balance. In much of the research as cited above, maca has NOT been shown to boost overall serum testosterone levels. However, the energizing effects noted by males taking maca suggest that it is otherwise having a positive effect on the endocrine system. Researchers speculate that maca affects the levels of free testosterone, rather than serum levels Free testosterone accounts for less than 5% of an individuals t-levels. But it is an important percentage. Free testosterone is unbound to other proteins and can connect with any cell in the body. That means it is free to combine with any molecule and help regulate important cellular functions. In particular it helps in cell replication and bone and muscle strength. The best ways to improve free testosterone levels are to:
We regularly receive messages from customers regarding their experiences with maca. When it comes to T-levels here are a few of the most encouraging ones:
I have a pituitary issue where my LSH/FSH are low which causes lower T than I would like. My Endo suggested Maca Root. I have been taking it for a couple months now and my total T went from low 300s to mid 600s. I have tests done every 3 months so I'm able to monitor the change. It really works for me and is much safer than T replacement. Jeremy
"This product helped the health of my husband greatly by naturally increasing his T levels & therefore helping the sperm numbers & quality. Of course, I combined this with other plant powders including the same company red maca but this item was the biggest ingredient & it’s really really pure & was very effective on my husband. This is truly a great product. I know this bc I have been researching & using different products but this one feels really really pure. The way they process it doesn’t kill the plants wonderful health effects. Thank you for providing this for those who need it. & also thank you for doing it the right way." - Rebecca
While there is no guarantee that maca root will serve to increase your testosterone levels, based on the research we’ve seen and the feedback we’ve gotten, it seems worthwhile to give it a try. Maca root comes in a variety of colors and we’ve found that black maca is typically the best overall maca for men. We recommend going for maca powder over capsules and taking between 1 and 3 tsp per day. It’s very important to note that maca is a food and takes time to work. In order to see results it’s best to stay consistent with maca for at least six weeks. For some people results come sooner than that. Maca root has been used for 1000s of years as a food and natural medicine. It has no known contraindications and is generally considered safe. If you have any concerns about taking it, please consult with a competent health care professional for specific advice. This is particularly important for individuals who have hormone-sensitive conditions and/or who take blood pressure or blood thinning medications.
The question of whether maca root truly increases testosterone levels is one that remains open. While some studies suggest a potential positive association, more research is needed to establish definitive conclusions. Maca root offers other health benefits, such as improved energy levels, muscle building and enhanced sexual function, but its direct impact on testosterone levels remains uncertain. For these reasons alone, it seems worth a try for most people. We hope this article sheds some light on a confusing topic. We will certainly adjust it as more research is published. In the meantime, please let us know if you have any further 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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