“What is gelatinized maca powder, and how does it compare to other kinds of maca?” This is one of the most common questions we receive, and we’re happy to answer it and tell you about the differences and benefits of raw and gelatinized maca powder.
Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is the world’s highest-growing agricultural plant, thriving at elevations above four thousand meters (fourteen thousand feet) in the Peruvian Andes. It is typically grown as a biennial (planted one year and harvested the next), but left to its own devices (and depending on the climate, since maca cannot grow in warm climates), it is likely a perennial plant—that is, returning every year.The maca plant is part of the Brassicaceae family, so it’s botanically related to broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower (among many other well-loved vegetables). The leaves have a slightly spicy flavor, and the root is a turnip-like tuber that tastes (depending on whom you ask) creamy with hints of butterscotch, faintly nutty, or a touch bitter. However, while all parts of the maca plant are edible, it’s the root that is the superfood. And just how super is this food? Read on!Andean natives have been growing, preparing, and eating maca for thousands of years, and it might not be an overstatement to say that maca’s nutritional density and energy-enhancing properties have made life possible in the extreme elevations and challenging weather of the Andes mountains. Maca is a truly functional food in that it supports endurance and adaptability. Incan warriors used to consume maca before battle, and Peruvian children are fed maca porridge several times a week to support brain growth and build muscle.
While people from the area where maca grows can consume up to fifty grams of maca daily, we recommend a much smaller daily intake. Here are our maca serving guidelines.
Maca is nutritionally fairly dense, with a nutrient profile (in its raw, tuberous form) similar to that of a potato, the only other crop that grows easily at such a high altitude. However, in the United States, we rarely find the whole roots (either fresh or dried) because there is a ban on the export of whole maca root from Peru. Instead, maca is widely available in several forms: chips (small bits of dried root), powder, liquid extract, and dietary supplements.
Drying the roots naturally concentrates the various vitamins, minerals, starches, fatty acids, flavonoids, phytonutrients, and essential amino acids found in organic maca. Maca is an adaptogen—a plant that supports our ability to adapt to adverse circumstances, absorb stress, and thrive. It offers an energy boost so noticeable that many people have traded their morning coffee for morning maca, enjoying alertness without jitters or increased anxiety.
The high amino acid content of maca plants (which includes arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, and valine) is likely responsible for many of the profound health benefits offered by our organic maca powders. These essential amino acids are responsible for several crucial human biological processes, including the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline, both of which support not only mood stability but also sexual health.
Maca roots come in a wide range of colors, though similar colors tend to be grouped under the general descriptions of yellow maca, red maca, and black maca. The different color families are associated with slightly different health benefits, but all maca, regardless of color, is thought to protect against oxidative stress (due to its high levels of antioxidants), balance hormone levels, increase energy, support healthy neural functioning, and boost libido in both men and women.Yellow maca is the most commonly grown, accounting for about 60 percent of the yearly harvest. Most maca powder generally available is produced from yellow maca roots. Maca dietary supplements—capsules and tinctures—are typically made from yellow maca powder, although we offer capsules (in addition to our powders and chips) made from all three colors of maca.
Red maca accounts for a quarter of the region’s maca production. Red maca is supposed to be especially good at boosting energy, easing menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes), protecting bone density, and supporting prostate health.Black maca forms only about 15 percent of exported maca. Studies have shown that it can improve male fertility, support memory, and increase stamina. It maybe also improve cognitive function, elevate energy levels, and promote bone health.Please check out our maca health benefits page for more detailed information on the various ways that organic maca—in whatever color or form—can support and strengthen your health.
Maca roots are processed for consumption in a few different ways. Understanding the extrusion processes helps explain the difference between raw vs gelatinized maca.
The main difference between raw maca powder and gelatinized maca powder, then, is that the latter has been cooked and has had the starch removed. This can be helpful for a variety of reasons, which we enumerate below.
The reason some people have a hard time digesting raw maca is because of the quantity and type of starches in the tuber. By weight, raw maca root is approximately 70 percent carbohydrate, and half of that is starch, specifically amylose and amylopectin. Some people find that these difficult-to-digest starches cause gas, bloating, and discomfort. After gelatinization, very little starch remains. It’s worth noting that maca (whether raw or gelatinized) is not particularly high in resistant starch, as we explain here. Those who have trouble digesting raw maca in capsule form or as a powder mixed into drinks like smoothies might find it easier to consume when it’s sprinkled onto cereal or mixed into energy bars. That’s because starch digestion begins in the mouth: saliva contains amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starches such as amylose and amylopectin. So if you’d like to stick with raw maca but are finding it hard to digest, try shaking up the ways in which you enjoy maca, and see whether that resolves things.
Gelatinized maca, like raw maca, is associated with a wide variety of health benefits that our customers have shared in product reviews and in testimonials, some of which we’ve summarized above.Here are some of the many advantages of gelatinized maca.
There are a few disadvantages to gelatinized maca.
First, let’s clear up something very important and potentially confusing! Gelatinized maca does not contain gelatin! It’s an entirely vegan product. Gelatinization describes the heat-based extrusion process that turns raw maca into what is essentially a predigested form of the root—gelatinized maca.In all our years of enjoying and distributing our organic maca powders and chips, we’ve learned that gelatinized maca works best for those with sensitive stomachs or for anyone who has trouble digesting starches. If you fall into either category, we recommend that you go with gelatinized maca instead of raw maca.There are a few conditions that might not be helped by maca dietary supplements, and if any of these describe you, reach out and discuss your needs with us or consult a natural practitioner for dosage advice. While maca does not contain any hormone-like compounds, it has been shown to boost estrogen—which is why it’s so helpful for women going through menopause. Maca’s estrogen-enhancing mechanism is not fully understood, but its proven benefits in reducing hot flashes and alleviating menopause-related depression suggest that it does have an effect on estrogen levels. It should therefore be used with caution by those with estrogen-feeding cancers or endometriosis.Another group of people who should monitor their maca dosage are those with thyroid issues. Maca contains goitrogens, which are compounds that affect thyroid functioning. This effect can be positive because the thyroid is part of the HPT (hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid) axis, which regulates hormone production, and several studies have shown maca to have a beneficial effect on hormone regulation. If you do have thyroid issues, monitor your reaction to maca carefully, and increase your dosage slowly to be sure that you’re enjoying only the benefits organic maca offers.
Both raw and gelatinized maca powders have gotten good results in several studies. On a more anecdotal level, we receive positive feedback from our customers about both types of maca. Our overall experience is that raw maca powders work slightly better than gelatinized ones. However, if you cannot comfortably digest raw maca, you should not feel as if gelatinized maca powder is somehow second best. In fact, the gelatinized version is actually closer to the traditional preparations of organic maca made by locals. After all, you would not eat a raw turnip (even though you certainly could do so).In fact, the most important variable affecting the potency of the maca you consume is its overall quality. The soil in which it was grown, the climate of the growing season, when it was harvested, how quickly it was dried, how it was processed, and how fresh it is when it gets to you are all more important, in our opinion, than whether the maca is gelatinized or raw.
The certified-organic gelatinized maca powders we sell come to us in small batches from our farming cooperative in Peru. They are encased in air- and light-resistant packaging and arrive in our customers’ hands within three to four months of being produced. This makes them the freshest on the market. All of our maca is 100 percent GMO-free, fair trade, and organic. It is ethically sourced from Peru, where it grows naturally. In fact, maca is so important to the Peruvian economy and so deeply interwoven into centuries of history and culture in the Andes mountains that it has been declared a heritage food. This is why it’s so important to know the source of your maca. In recent years, the growing popularity of maca has meant that other countries—China in particular—are trying to get in on the action. However, the quality of the maca that comes out of China is inconsistent at best. Only maca grown in the Peruvian Andes can be considered true maca.In addition, not all maca grown even in Peru is considered truly organic. Some Peruvian ginseng (that is, maca) farmers can and do use chemical fertilizers and herbicides. We work only with truly organic farmers to ensure that the organic maca powder and chips we sell meet all federal standards for organic certification. In addition, we take our responsibility to support the local economy and ecosystem very seriously, which is why our products are fair-trade certified. Our farmers are paid at or above market value, and their working conditions are carefully monitored. We also work with our farmers to maintain soil health, since maca is a nutrient-hungry plant.We sell several types of organic gelatinized maca powder, including capsules and chips in both sun-dried and premium versions and in all three main colors, as well as a mixture of all three—yellow, red, and black maca. Click here for help in deciding which maca product is right for you.If you have any further questions, please let us know. We are always happy to talk maca!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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