Learn whether it is better to take maca with or without food, how digestion and timing can affect your experience, and why liquid maca extracts are a little different.
Maca root is a popular superfood that has gained popularity over the past several decades.
Originally consumed as a whole vegetable, similar to a potato or beet, maca is currently sold in several forms ranging from maca root powder, to maca capsules, to maca extracts.
No matter how it is taken, maca is associated with a variety of benefits including increased energy, enhanced focus, balanced hormones, and more.
In terms of getting the most out of adding maca to your diet, the question often arises whether it’s best to take maca with or without food.
In this article we’ll answer that question in depth and explore other factors that influence whether you enjoy your maca with or without food.
Maca can be taken either with food or without food.
Many people prefer taking maca with breakfast because it is convenient and may feel easier on digestion.
Others prefer taking maca about 30 minutes before or after a meal because they like taking it on its own.
The best approach depends on your digestion, routine, product form, and personal preference.
The first thing to understand about maca root is that it is, in and of itself, a food.
For centuries it has been eaten as a staple food in the high Andes regions of Peru and Bolivia.
The edible part of the plant is the root, which resembles a beet root in size.
Maca roots grow in a range of colors that are typically divided into three general groups: Yellow Maca, Red Maca, and Black Maca.
When maca powder is imported into the U.S., it is imported as a “flour,” which of course is a food.
When the powder is put in capsules or made into an extract, it is officially designated as a “supplement.”
However, at least in the case of maca capsules from The Maca Team, the only ingredient is maca powder, and for that reason we still consider them to be more of a food than a supplement.
| Approach | Potential Advantages | May Be Best For |
|---|---|---|
| With food | Convenient, may feel gentler on digestion, can be taken with a balanced meal | People with sensitive digestion or anyone who prefers adding maca to breakfast or meals |
| Without food | Convenient between meals and may feel quicker for some people | People who tolerate maca well on its own and prefer taking it separately |
| Liquid extract | Designed for use between meals and held under the tongue before swallowing | People using The Maca Team liquid extracts |
Consuming your maca powder or maca capsules is often most convenient when it is done at the same time as eating other foods.
We typically recommend eating maca in the morning, and many people choose to do so with breakfast.
The advantages of consuming maca with other foods include:
On the other hand, there are also a few reasons why you might choose to take maca without food.
People who go for this option typically enjoy their maca powder or capsules at least half an hour before or half an hour after eating other foods.
The advantages of this approach include:
If you do choose to take maca capsules or powder with other foods, we recommend starting slowly with fruits or fruit juice.
The reason for that is we’ve found that some individuals report upset-stomach symptoms when eating maca with fruit or fruit juice.
The reason for this is that fruit passes through the digestive system more quickly than other types of foods and can carry the maca with it more quickly than is ideal for optimum digestion.
If this happens to you when you consume maca, simply stop taking it at the same time as fruit or fruit juice.
Note that this only affects about 10% of people.
If you are like the other 90% of people, you may find that your system responds well to having maca with fruit.
If taking maca on an empty stomach feels comfortable, there is no need to add food just because you think you have to.
If maca feels heavy or causes digestive discomfort, try taking it with breakfast or another meal.
And if fruit seems to trigger stomach discomfort when combined with maca, separate the two and see whether that improves your experience.
When it comes to our liquid maca extracts, we recommend taking them between meal times.
That’s simply to provide faster absorption of the nutrients in the extract.
To take one of our extracts, simply hold 1/4 teaspoon of the liquid under your tongue for about 1 minute before swallowing.
This allows many of the nutrients in the extract to enter the bloodstream directly.
When deciding whether to take maca root with or without food, it’s a good idea to consider the following factors:
Maca root is a versatile superfood that can be incorporated into your daily routine with or without food, depending on your preferences and goals.
Some people may find that taking maca root with food enhances their digestive comfort, while others may prefer the convenience of taking it on an empty stomach for faster absorption.
There is no single approach that works best for everyone.
Experiment with timing, pay attention to your digestion, and choose the method that feels most comfortable and practical for your routine.
We hope that this article has helped answer the question about taking maca with or without food.
If you have any further doubts or questions, please let us know. Our customer service team is always happy to help.
Enjoy the day!
There is no single best approach for everyone. Many people prefer maca with breakfast because it is convenient and may be gentler on digestion, while others take it comfortably between meals.
Yes. Some people prefer taking maca about 30 minutes before or after eating. If taking it on an empty stomach causes digestive discomfort, try taking it with food instead.
Yes. Breakfast is one of the most common times to use maca. It can be mixed into oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt, warm drinks, or other foods.
Many people can. However, some customers report digestive discomfort when taking maca with fruit or fruit juice. If that happens, try separating maca and fruit and see whether your digestion improves.
Maca capsules can be taken either with or without food. If they feel uncomfortable on an empty stomach, taking them with a meal may be a better fit.
We generally recommend taking our liquid maca extracts between meals. Hold about 1/4 teaspoon under the tongue for approximately one minute before swallowing.
Yes. Serving size matters regardless of when you take maca. Start with an appropriate amount and adjust gradually based on your comfort and routine.
Compare maca colors, forms, and preparations, or learn practical ways to fit maca into your daily routine.
