We’ve taken the most commonly asked questions about Maca and our Maca products and answered them on this Maca Faq page. Shown here are summaries of each answer. Click on the arrow next to the question to reveal the answer. Then, if available, click on the links to get more detailed answers for each question. Also, if you have a question that isn’t answered here, please search this site using the search bar above. And of course, please contact us if you still have doubts. We're happy to help!
The answer to this questions depends on several factors such as the purppose for which you are taking maca, the type of maca you are taking, lifestyle factors and more. Learn more ...
Discover the differences between maca capsules and maca powder and learn which one is more effective. Find out which one is the right choice for you. Read more...
If you’re here to learn about the differences in color, taste and texture between the distinct types of maca, you’re in the right place. Have a look at the images in this article and learn more here.
There are no contraindications for using Maca during pregnancy or nursing. Still we recommend that pregnant and nursing women use extra care and take small dosages of Maca and that they consult their doctor for complete approval.
While maca is not high in calories or fat, there are nonetheless several ways in which it can support weight gain. Learn more here.
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. Learn more here.
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 does not promote weight gain. However, Maca is anabolic and does help build muscle. It also balances hormones and may increase appetite. In this way it can support weight gain.
The short answer to this question is "no." Neither Raw nor Gelatinized Maca contains significant levels of resistant starch. Read our full article and see the results of lab tests here.
Maca is a food and not a drug and has no known side effects. Our products contain only 100% pure Maca powders and no other ingredients, so there is no chance of other ingredients affecting you. That said here are some things to watch out for:
Yes, it can. There are 7 main ways that maca supports weight loss. Read more on Maca for weight loss
Yes, many research studies on Maca have been completed. Over 400 studies of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) are indexed on PubMed, the National Library of Medicine alone. Other Maca research has also been published – in particular in Peru where Maca is from. We have listed the most relevant ones on our Maca Research page.
The people in Peru use it regularly throughout their lives. We do recommend that you take 1 day off per week or 1 week off every two months. This is simply for the same reason that we would take a break from eating any fresh fruit or vegetable once in a while. It’s just nice to give the body a break.
The use of Maca by humans stretches back over 2000 years and more recently has been studied scientifically. Both scientific studies as well as folklore validate that Maca works very well to promote many of the benefits listed above. If you’re new to Maca, you may want to read our testimonial page to hear from some happy users of Maca. Read more…
Nutritionally, Maca is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, fatty acids, vitamin and minerals. According to nutritional research published in the Journal “Food Chemistry” in 1994 and 2001 Maca contains the following:
This array of nutrients makes Maca a true nutritional powerhouse and amazing daily supplement. See Maca’s Full Nutritional Values
Maca is a food and good maca capsules should contain only 100% pure maca. There are several factors that determine how many capsules you should take daily. Read more about maca capsule serving size.
Keep in mind that Maca is a food and not a pharmaceutical medicine. It’s not like taking an aspirin and watching your headache melt away. Maca takes time and consistent use to show effects. Most people who take Maca daily report seeing some benefits within 10-14 days of starting. Others, often those taking Maca therapeutically, report seeing benefits after about 30 days. Our recommendation is to stay consistent with your Maca routine and make sure that you give it enough time to work. We sell Maca in 1 kg (2.2 lb.) bags at low prices for just that reason. If you take our standard recommended dosage of Maca, 1 bag will last you about 80 days. Within that time you will absolutely know if Maca is for you or not.
We recommend that most people start with 1-3 teaspoons (4-12 capsules) per day, depending on your body size and the kind of Maca that you purchase. We suggest that you read our complete Maca servings page for more. Get your personalized Maca serving recommendations here...
Discover the proper serving sizes for maca powders, chips, capsules and extracts. Learn some important tips when taking maca. How Much Maca Root Should I Take?...
The most effective way to take Maca powder is to mix it into water or a simple fruit juice and take it on an empty stomach 10-15 minutes before you eat breakfast. Taking Maca on an empty stomach allows it to absorb a bit faster and more thoroughly. It’s also fine to mix Maca powder in smoothies and other drinks as well as in some kinds of food. Read More….
If you are new to maca, you might be wondering, “what are the best ways to eat it?” Do you just eat the whole maca roots? Do you use maca in a salad? Do you drink maca like coffee or tea? These are all excellent questions and we’ll give you the answers here. Learn how to eat maca.
If you’ve done some research into the potential benefits of adding maca root to your diet, you’ve likely come across articles arguing something like, “no one should ever eat raw maca” or “raw maca is dangerous.” But, is that really true? Read more about raw maca safety
This is a great question and well answer it fully in this article: "black maca vs. yellow maca."
This is a great question and well answer it fully in this article: "Is gelatinized maca suitable for vegans."
Yes, indeed it is. And not only that, it's the only one that is also a superfood. Read more on adaptogens
Research indicates that maca is not toxic to the liver. One study has questioned that, but concludes that more research is necessary. Read more about maca and liver health...
Everybody knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether or not you’ve managed to make yourself a healthy, delicious smoothie every day like you promised, there’s one part of your routine that you swore you would take care of - that caffeine problem. Did you promise to cut down to just three cups a day, or did you find that perfect coffee substitute you were on the lookout for? If your goal for 2023 was to find a coffee or energy drink substitute, we’re happy to let you know that your search is at its end. We call our maca coffee the morning motivator, and there are lots of reasons why introducing it into your daily routine could signal good news for your personal health. Learn more here.
Yes, Maca is absolutely gluten free. Read more...
While Maca does contain some sugars, it is low on the glycemic index and considered safe for diabetics. What's more, some evidence is showing that compounds in the maca root can help keep blood sugar controlled in type 2 diabetics. Blood sugar is often lowered with the secretion of the hormone insulin, and most research suggests that maca may help with the distribution of this hormone. If you have any health concerns please consult your doctor. Also you may want to try one of our Maca Extracts as all sugars are removed during the extraction process.
Maca root is an unique type of food that can support energy levels but does so in a much different way than coffee, tea or other types of stimulants. Discover why maca root is actually a healthier way to get going!
Yes, children can take Maca. Just keep the serving size much smaller than for adults (1/8-1/4 tsp to start). If you have any doubts please consult your physician.
Maca is a food that has an extensive use by humans and with animals. There have been no findings that Maca is harmful in any way. That said, it is important to use Maca with respect. It is a superfood and there is such a thing as overdoing it. See our Maca serving guidelines for more details.
If you’ve done a little bit of research you probably already know that Maca root originates in the high Andes mountains and is today primarily grown in Peru and Bolivia. What you probably don’t know is that over the past several years, China has also started growing and exporting Maca root products. This article explains the difference between the two and why you should insist on Peruvian Maca. Read more...
Many people enjoy the taste of Maca - especially our Red Maca, which is sweeter than the others. However, some people simply don't enjoy it. One way to entirely avoid the taste of Maca is to take Maca capsules. Another simple way is to enjoy our Maca extracts (which taste somewhat sweet). Beyond that there are several things you can do to help disguise the taste. Read more...
As maca root has gained in popularity over the past decade, more and more people have learned of its potential to improve quality of life in various ways. But who should avoid taking maca, if anyone? Learn more here.
Continued, and persistent use of high quality Maca promotes improvement in the hormonal, physical and emotional states of regular people everyday. Here are the most commonly reported benefits:
Maca also:
Read more in our extensive Maca Benefits section.
You can mix Maca Powder in with most foods and drinks. But if you have digestive difficulties we recommend that you use Maca separately from fruit as the mixture of the two can potentially disturb digestion. Gelatinized Maca is also the best choice for people with digestive sensitivity, since the process that makes it removes all starch content from the powder. Also since cooking destroys some of the vital nutrients of Raw Maca Powders, we recommend only using Maca recipes that involve heat below about 120 F/ 45 C. Get our top Maca recipes here….
Maca can actually reduce blood pressure since it improves circulation. Because of this, if you are on blood pressure medication be sure to monitor your blood pressure while taking Maca and to ask your doctor for advice if your blood pressure changes.
We've seen this happen in about 5% of people. If this happens to you, here are four things that may help.
Maca was discovered over 2000 years ago when Incan farmers first grazed their flocks in the high mountains. They noticed that when their animals grazed on Maca they would become much healthier, hardier, and stronger, and also they would tend to copulate more and have a much higher fertility rate. After this discovery, people began using Maca themselves. Maca is now used in humans to promote fertility, build muscle, increase stamina, relieve menopause symptoms, boost energy, support prostate health, increase bone density, alleviate depression, boost libido, balance hormones in both sexes and more.
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. More Maca facts...
Raw Maca powder has never been heated above 118F/43C. That makes it a whole food and leaves all its nutrients intact. Gelatinized Maca has been heated to remove starch content. The process does destroy some nutrients, but makes Maca powder easier to digest. If you have normal digestion we recommend Raw Maca powders over Gelatinized. But if you do have any digestive issue, Gelatinized will be better for you. Read More….
Our best selling and favorite Maca is Red Maca. It’ s the highest in pythonutrient levels. That said, Black Maca is better for certain uses and for certain kinds of people. We’ve written an extensive article comparing all of our Maca powders and recommend that you check it out before you buy. Get Your Maca Recommendation Here...
There are no know contraindications for taking Maca. That said, if you are on high blood pressure medicines, have your doctor monitor your blood pressure while taking Maca as it may reduce your need for the medicine.
While both maca and ginseng are adaptogens, there are several important differences. Learn about them in our article maca vs. ginseng.
At The Maca Team, we source and sell the largest selection of high-quality Peruvian grown black amaca anywhere. Read this article to understand your options for putting black maca in your life
To make things easy most people prefer to take their full dosage of Maca first thing in the morning. Others prefer to spread it out throughout the day. And some people swear by taking it around 2 pm because that is when hormone levels are usually at their lowest. One thing to keep in mind is that Maca can energize you to the point where it’s difficult to fall asleep. This happens for some people and for others not. If you are concerned about this, we recommend not taking Maca after about 2pm.
As it’s gained in popularity we’ve received more questions about where maca comes from, how it grows and why you can’t simply just grow it yourself. In this article, we’ll do our best to answer all of those. Here is Where Maca Comes From
Discover which type of maca is the best for kids in our comprehensive guide. Learn about the benefits, serving size and risks of maca root for children. Read more...
Fertility is one of maca's major benefits In this article we’ll talk specifically about which maca is best for female fertility...
Fertility is indeed still a major benefit of maca. In fact, many doctors in Peru still prescribe it first when a couple is having difficulty conceiving. When a couple is using maca root to help them conceive it’s important that both partners consume maca. We typically recommend red maca for females. In this article we’ll talk specifically about which maca is best for male fertility...
Over the past 30 years, maca root products have extended far beyond the high Peruvian Andes. They can now be found in many parts of the world. At The Maca Team, we’ve sourced and sold high quality Peruvian grown maca for 2 plus decades. And over that time, we’ve heard from thousands of customers, both men and women, who report great benefits when using maca. Discover the best maca for libido...
AThe reason maca benefits people in so many different way is that it supports overall hormone health. Because of this unique property, it can in a few cases encourage weight gain in people who are abnormally thin due to hormone imbalances. However, maca, in and of itself, can’t make you fat. Here’s why maca won't make you fat
A healthy diet, exercise, stress relief and some herbs and supplements are all positive steps to take to reduce your risk of conditions associated with high blood pressure. And taking maca products is indeed one of the herbs that are often associated with .effects on blood pressure
Since Maca works to build muscle and to balance hormones it can have positive effects on physical appearance. Our customers have reported success in building muscles in the glutes as well as slightly increasing breast size after using Maca. Read more…
If we’ve left your question unanswered here, please let us know and we’ll get back to you quickly with an answer.
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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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