If you’re here wondering if maca root can somehow help restore energy, support relaxation, improve sleep, enhance mental focus and relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue, you’re in the right place. In this article we will take a deep dive into the following topics:What is Chronic Fatigue?What Recent Research Says About Maca And Chronic FatigueOther Ways Maca Can Help You Recovery Your EnergyDoes Maca Really Work to Relieve Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue?Which Maca Is Best for Chronic Fatigue?How To Take Maca for Chronic FatigueFinal Words
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a systemic disease in which individuals experience a range of symptoms including low energy, sleep impairment and cognitive issues. According to the National Institute of Health, the syndrome affects between 1 and 2.5 million people in the United States and between 17 and 24 million people worldwide. Of those individuals about 25% are severely debilitated, meaning they are house or bed-bound. Although there have been 1000s of studies of chronic fatigue syndrome, there is as yet no definitive cause for it. Some studies suggest that a virus or bacteria may be responsible for the disease, while others suggest that it is rooted in unfavorable environmental conditions. Research is ongoing to determine factors that may be associated with CFS. Even though the cause is not 100% understood, CFS can be treated. Stress reduction techniques, massage, meditation, bio-feedback, dietary changes and nutritional supplements have all been used with varying degrees of success to help people restore at least some of their energy. The American Chronic Fatigue Society lists 5 nutrients that show some promise in supporting recovery from the disease. These include Acetyl-L-Carnitine, antioxidants, CoQ10, essential fatty acids and vitamin B12. Interestingly, maca root products contain most of these at significant levels, and, as we’ll see below, maca also contains another nutrient that is very promising for relieving fatigue.
In 2022, four researchers from Japan published an article in the journal “Functional Foods in Health and Disease” that focused on maca root as a treatment for fatigue. The research team identified one specific nutrient in maca that improves endurance by preventing glycogen depletion: benzyl glucosinolate. The study followed 60 women for 4 weeks. Half of the women consumed maca while the other half consumed a placebo. After the 4 weeks the women who had taken maca expressed significant improvement in day-to-day symptoms of fatigue as compared to the control group. The study concluded that… “intake of maca extract containing benzyl glucosinolate may have anti–fatigue effects in women. So, maca supplements containing benzyl glucosinolate represent a food and drug candidate for reducing fatigue.”The researchers are hopeful that more work will be done to encourage maca root as a potential natural treatment for CFS since, “foods that can improve daily fatigue represent a medically and socially significant need."
Beyond the glucosinolate content in maca root, there are a few additional ways that it works to support healthy energy and activity levels.
Although the study cited above is one of the first to scientifically track the use of maca root for fatigue in humans, we’ve been aware of this potential benefit for years. That’s because we’ve received a significant number of comments from customers like the one ones below. “I have CFS and has been really tired for 10 years or more. I have been taking this for 3 weeks and it has made a difference already. I read The Maca Team Website very carefully to make sure that what I ordered what was right for me, I have been taking 1/2 teaspoon every morning before breakfast and slowly increased the dosage to 1 teaspoon, I can't believe how must it helps. I am feeling more alert, more energy , my skin has cleared and I am sleeping better. I shall keep taking this in future." - Lesley "This maca is great for energy, i don't need coffee anymore. My chronic fatigue symptoms are greatly improved. I take 6 caps at breakfast, then 2 others in the morning, without any digestive issue. I notice an increase in well-being and libido, anxiety is almost gone too, which is great for socialising. Shipping was fast (i live in Europe), thank you !" -N.J. "I bought this to counteract my fatigue issues and it has helped me a whole lot. I've noticed my cravings for coffee have diminished which is a plus. I add the recommended amount to my breakfast smoothies and it fills me up therefore providing healthy appetite control. Great product!" A.A. "I bought Red Maca to alleviate my sluggishness & fatigue symptoms, and it's helping. I started off with 1T (now 3T) into my smoothies: (any nut) milk, yogurt, fruits, and chia seeds). I just ended my 3rd week and will take a week off to allow the maca do its' thing. I've noticed I am more energized, clear headed, alert, and my BIG appetite has lessened. I'm content with this maca, it's obviously a superior product." - Alexa
While all of our maca root products contain glucosinolates, only our premium maca root powders and capsules have a standardized glucosinolate content. All of our premium products all have a minimum of 1% glucosinolate content. The process that produces these products differs from the traditional one in that roots are dried immediately after harvest rather than in the sun. This preserves more nutrients in the final product. Because the recent study cited above looked at glucosinolate content as a key factor for maca helping people overcome fatigue, we recommend our premium products this purpose. That said, we’ve had good feedback from other products as well. It’s important to understand that all of our maca products to contain glucosinolates. It’s just that the premium ones have standardized levels. We offer our premium maca powders and capsules in both raw and gelatinized form. If you have generally strong digestion and are not sensitive to starch, then raw maca is the best. If, on the other hand, you have any digestive issues, we recommend a gelatinized product instead. That’s because, these products have had the starch content dissolved and therefore will not upset digestion for the vast majority of people. When it comes to maca colors, we’d suggest either our red maca or black maca products for help with CFS. If you’d like to get some of both in one package, then please try our tricolor maca products.To summarize, the best maca for chronic fatique syndrome is premium red, black or tricolor maca root in powder or capsule form. Remember to go for the gelatinized over the raw version if you have any concerns about digestions. One final note about premium maca products is that they are significantly spicier and more pungent in taste than standard maca products. Some people appreciate the taste, while others do not. If you’re unsure, we recommend either getting a small bag of powder at first or capsules instead of powder.
The way a person takes maca to support healing from CFS depends on the format in which you take maca: liquid extracts, capsules or powder.When it comes to taking liquid maca extracts all that is needed is to take 1-4 droppersful each day. The best method of taking maca in this form is to hold the liquid under your tongue for 30 seconds to one minute before swallowing it. This helps the body absorb the nutrients into the blood stream quickly and efficiently. In terms of maca capsules we recommend taking 2-8 capsules daily in the morning either with breakfast or about 30 minutes before breakfast. Capsules have the advantage of being easy to take and with them you can be sure that you are getting a precise serving size each time. Maca powders are the most flexible (and least expensive) way to get maca into your diet. The simplest way to take them is to mix 1-3 teaspoons into your smoothie or other beverage daily. But maca powders can also be used in a variety of recipes. We have an extensive maca recipes section on our website for you to enjoy. Here is one of our favorites:Vegan Maca Pancake Recipe:
Ingredients:
Preparation:
We hope that this article has helped and inspired you to give maca a try to support your overall health and wellbeing. Including maca for chronic fatigue in your diet may indeed support your body to heal, especially when combined with other life affirming practices. Keep in mind that this article is meant only for informational purposes and not meant to cure any disease. We are happy to help with any general questions you have about our favorite root vegetable, but if you have any specific doubts about using maca, we recommend that you consult a competent medical professional before starting.
Thanks for reading.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 :) )
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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?!?!!!
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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.
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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!
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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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