Maca FAQs
We’ve taken the most commonly asked questions about maca and our maca products and answered them on this page. Below you’ll find short summaries of each answer. If you’d like more detail, use the links provided to read the full article. If your question is not answered here, please use the search bar above or contact us. We’re happy to help.
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General Questions About Maca
What Is Maca?
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 thousands of years and used by indigenous people 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...
What Is Maca Used For?
Maca has a long history of traditional use in Peru as a food. Today, people use maca in a variety of ways as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle, and it is often discussed in relation to vitality, nourishment, and general wellness.
Where Is Maca From?
As maca has grown in popularity, we’ve received more questions about where it comes from, how it grows, and why you can’t simply grow it anywhere. In this article, we do our best to answer those questions. Here is where maca comes from.
What Is The Origin Of Maca Root?
Discover the fascinating history of maca root, a traditional Peruvian food with ancient Andean origins. Read more...
Have Any Studies on Maca Been Done?
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, especially in Peru where maca is from. We have listed many of the most relevant ones on our Maca Research page.
How Does Maca Work?
Maca has a long history of traditional use and has also been studied scientifically. Nutritionally, maca contains amino acids, phytonutrients, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
According to nutritional research published in the journal Food Chemistry in 1994 and 2001, maca contains the following:
- Composition: 59% carbohydrates, 10.2% protein, 8.5% fiber, 2.2% lipids
- Essential amino acids: nearly all, including Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Serine, Histidine, Glycine, Threonine, Alanine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, HO-Proline, Proline, and Sarcosine
- Free fatty acids: 20 have been found, of which the most abundant are linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid
- Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, C, D
- Minerals: iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium
- Macaenes and macamides: novel polyunsaturated acids and their amides
- Sterols: campesterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol
- Alkaloids: aromatic glucosinolates including benzyl glucosinolate and p-methoxybenzyl glucosinolate
- Isothiocyanates: benzyl isothiocyanate and p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate
- Glucosinolates: fructose, glucose, benzyl isothiocyanate
- 4 unique alkaloids: Macaina 1, 2, 3, 4
Maca is a nutrient-dense root with a wide range of naturally occurring compounds. See maca’s full nutritional values.
How to Take Maca
How Should I Take Maca?
Maca powder is commonly mixed into water, juice, smoothies, or foods. Many people prefer taking it before breakfast, while others use it at different times of day. Read more...
How Much Maca Should I Take?
Serving size depends on body size, product type, and personal preference. Many people begin with a small daily amount and adjust gradually. Get more serving guidance here...
How Much Maca Root Should I Take?
Discover the proper serving sizes for maca powders, chips, capsules, and extracts. Learn important tips for using maca. How much maca root should I take?
How Many Maca Capsules Should I Take Per Day?
Maca is a food, and good maca capsules should contain only 100% pure maca. Several factors determine how many capsules you may wish to take daily. Read more about maca capsule serving size.
When Should I Take Maca?
Many people prefer to take maca in the morning, while others spread their serving throughout the day. Because maca can feel energizing to some people, earlier use is often preferred.
How Long Can I Take Maca?
People in Peru have traditionally used maca regularly. Some people prefer to take occasional breaks depending on personal routine and preference.
How Many Days Before I Feel The Effects of Maca?
Because maca is a food rather than a drug, people often describe noticing changes only after consistent daily use over time. Individual experiences can vary.
How Long Does It Take For Maca Pills To Work?
Discover more about the timeline people often discuss when using maca pills. Read more about maca pills timeline to work.
How Long Do Maca Results Last?
Experiences can vary depending on the product used, consistency, and lifestyle factors. Read more...
Are Maca Root Results Permanent?
The answer to this question depends on several factors such as the purpose for which you are taking maca, the type of maca you are taking, and lifestyle factors. Learn more.
Safety, Side Effects and Contraindications
Is Maca Safe?
Maca is a traditional food with extensive historical use. As with many foods and supplements, moderation and appropriate serving size matter. See our maca serving guidelines for more details.
Does Maca Have Any Side Effects?
Some people report digestive discomfort, feeling overly energized, difficulty sleeping, skin changes, or heartburn, though experiences vary by person and product type. Here are some things to watch out for:
- A few people report feeling “jittery” or overly energized when taking maca. If this happens, reducing serving size may help.
- Some people report upset stomach after taking raw maca. If this happens, gelatinized maca or our maca extracts may be worth exploring.
- Some people report difficulty sleeping after taking maca. Earlier use in the day is often preferred if this is a concern.
- Some customers report skin changes after starting maca. Read about maca and acne here.
- Maca and heartburn: while uncommon, some people do ask about this. Read more...
What If Maca Gives Me An Upset Stomach?
Some people do report digestive discomfort with maca. If this happens to you, here are four things that may help.
What Are Contraindications for Taking Maca Root?
As maca root has grown in popularity, more people have questions about when extra caution may be appropriate. This article explores general considerations for people researching this topic. Learn more here.
What Medications Can I Take Maca With?
Anyone taking medications should consult a qualified healthcare professional before adding maca or any dietary supplement to their routine.
Can I Use Maca During Pregnancy?
Pregnant or nursing women should use extra caution and consult a qualified healthcare professional before using maca.
Is Maca Root Safe During Pregnancy?
This article explores general information about maca root and considerations during pregnancy. Read more...
Can I Use Maca With Antidepressants?
If you are considering using maca alongside antidepressants, it’s important to review the topic carefully and consult a qualified healthcare professional. Read more.
Is Maca Safe For Children?
Some families choose to use small amounts of maca for children. Serving size should be much smaller than for adults, and if you have any doubts, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Is Maca Powder Safe For Diabetics?
People with diabetes or blood sugar concerns should review product details carefully and consult a qualified healthcare professional before using maca. You may also want to compare different product options, including our maca extracts.
Is Maca Bad For The Liver?
This article reviews available discussion and research regarding maca and liver-related questions. Read more about maca and liver health...
What Effect Does Maca Have on Blood Pressure?
People with blood pressure concerns or those taking medication should monitor changes carefully and consult a qualified healthcare professional before using maca.
Will Maca Raise Blood Pressure?
This article reviews common questions and general discussion around maca and blood pressure. Read more about effects on blood pressure.
Maca for Men and Women
What Are The Benefits of Maca?
Maca is a traditional Peruvian food that is commonly used as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle. It is valued by many people for its nutrient density and long history of traditional use.
- Traditionally used as a nourishing whole food
- Contains naturally occurring amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other plant compounds
- Often included in wellness routines and active lifestyles
Read more in our extensive Maca Benefits section.
Maca is a food and dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Which Maca Is Best For Female Fertility?
Some people explore maca as part of their overall wellness routine when trying to conceive. In this article, we look at different maca varieties and how they are traditionally used. Learn more...
Which Maca Is Best For Male Fertility?
Maca has a long history of traditional use in Peru as a nutrient-dense food. This article reviews different maca types and general considerations for those researching this topic. Learn more...
Which Maca Is Best For Vitality?
Maca is a traditional Peruvian food that has been used for generations. In this article, we explore different maca varieties and how they are commonly chosen. Learn more...
Is Red Maca Good For Male Health?
This article explores red maca and provides general information about this variety and its traditional uses. Read more...
Does Maca Root Increase Testosterone Levels?
There is ongoing discussion around maca and hormones. In this article, we review available research and perspectives. Learn more...
Who Should Take Maca?
Maca is used by a wide range of people as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle. This article explores general considerations for use. Read more...
Will Maca Help Me Become More Curvy?
Maca is often included as part of an active lifestyle and balanced diet. Individual experiences can vary. This article explores common questions around maca and physical appearance. Read more...
Weight, Energy and Performance
Can Maca Help With Weight Gain?
This article explores common questions about maca and weight gain. Learn more here.
Can Maca Root Cause Weight Gain?
This is one question we’ve been receiving more and more over the past few years. Some people hope that maca won’t make them gain weight, while others hope that it will. This article explores the question from both angles. Learn more here.
Does Maca Cause Weight Gain?
Maca is relatively low in calories and fat. This article explores common questions about maca, appetite, body composition, and weight change.
Does Maca Help You Lose Weight?
This article explores common questions about maca and weight loss. Read more...
Will Maca Make Me Fat?
This article reviews common concerns about whether maca can contribute to weight gain. Here’s why maca won’t make you fat.
Is Maca Root Stimulating?
Maca root is often discussed differently from coffee, tea, and other common stimulants. Discover more about this topic.
Does Maca Increase Dopamine?
This article explores discussion and research around maca and neurotransmitter-related questions. Read more...
Types of Maca
What Kind of Maca Is Best for Me?
Different maca varieties may be preferred by different people depending on their goals, taste preferences, and product format. We’ve written an extensive article comparing our maca powders and recommend that you check it out before you buy. Get your maca recommendation here...
Are Red, Black and Yellow Maca Powders Similar In Color, Taste and Texture?
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.
Is Black Maca Better Than Yellow Maca?
This is a great question and we answer it fully in this article: black maca vs. yellow maca.
Is Red Maca Better Than Yellow Maca?
Discover the differences between red and yellow maca. Read more...
What Types Of Black Maca Do You Offer?
At The Maca Team, we source and sell a very large selection of high-quality Peruvian-grown black maca. Understand your options here.
Is Peruvian Maca The Best?
If you’ve done a little research you probably already know that maca root originates in the high Andes mountains and is today primarily grown in Peru and Bolivia. This article explains the difference between sources and why many people prefer Peruvian maca. Read more...
Are Maca Capsules As Effective As Maca Powder?
Discover the differences between maca capsules and maca powder and learn which one may be the better choice for you. Read more...
What Are Maca Capsules Used For?
Maca capsules are a modern, convenient way to get maca root into your diet. This article explains why some people prefer capsules as a product format. Learn more here.
What Should I Expect When Taking Premium Maca for The First Time?
We offer several of our maca root products in both premium and standard versions. This article explains what to expect when trying premium maca for the first time. Read more...
Raw vs. Gelatinized, Food and Recipes
What Is The Difference Between Raw Maca and Gelatinized Maca?
Raw maca powder is minimally processed, while gelatinized maca has been heated to remove starch and improve digestibility for some people. Preferences vary depending on digestion, taste, and how the product will be used. Read more...
Does Gelatinized Maca Powder Expire?
Discover the truth about gelatinized maca powder expiration, shelf life, storage tips, and signs of spoilage. Read more...
Does Gelatinized Maca Taste Better Than Raw Maca?
If you’re interested in trying maca root powder for the first time, you might be wondering what flavor it has. In this article we discuss what maca tastes like and specifically what gelatinized maca tastes like when compared to raw maca. Read more...
Is Gelatinized Maca Vegan?
This is a great question and we answer it fully in this article: Is gelatinized maca suitable for vegans?
Is It Safe To Eat Raw Maca?
If you’ve done some research into maca root, you’ve likely come across articles arguing that raw maca is dangerous. But is that really true? Read more about raw maca safety.
Does Maca Contain Resistant Starch?
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.
Does Maca Contain Heavy Metals?
This article explores questions around maca root and heavy metals. Find out now.
How To Eat Maca?
If you are new to maca, you might be wondering what the best ways are to use it. Learn how to eat maca.
What Drinks Or Food Can I Mix Maca With?
You can mix maca powder with many foods and drinks. If you have digestive sensitivity, you may want to experiment with different combinations and product types. Get our top maca recipes here...
Is It Best To Take Maca With Or Without Food?
In this article we explore whether it is better to take maca with or without food. Read more.
Is There Any Way To Hide The Taste Of Maca?
Many people enjoy the taste of maca, especially our red maca, which is sweeter than the others. But some people simply don’t enjoy it. This article covers ways to avoid or disguise the taste. Read more...
Is Maca Coffee an Alternative to Caffeine?
If your goal has been to find a coffee or energy drink substitute, maca coffee may be one option to explore. Learn more here.
What Are The Benefits Of Maca Coffee?
Discover more about maca coffee and its place in a morning routine. Learn more here.
Is Maca Keto-Friendly?
This article explores maca and the keto diet. Read more about maca and the keto diet...
Is Maca Powder Gluten Free?
Yes, maca is absolutely gluten free. Read more...
Is It Ok To Have Maca Every Day?
This article explores common questions around daily maca use. Read more.
Comparisons and Related Questions
Is Maca an Adaptogen?
Maca is often discussed alongside adaptogens. This article explores how people use the term and how maca is commonly described in that context. Read more...
What's The Difference Between Maca and Ginseng?
While maca and ginseng are often discussed together, there are several important differences. Learn about them in our article maca vs. ginseng.
What Is The Best Value In Maca?
Interested in knowing how to get the most out of maca for the dollar? In this article we explain which type of maca root represents the best value. 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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