If you are either new to maca, or new to the different colors of maca, you’re probably wondering something like:
These are great questions because if you are considering adding maca to your diet, you no doubt want to find the best type and color for you. In this article, we hope to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.
Here, we cover potential red maca root powder health benefits you may be interested in, providing both the relevant scientific evidence as well as stories from some of our amazing customers regarding their personal experiences while enjoying this unique root vegetable. You can also read about the general health benefits of maca regardless of color.
A note before we dive in. It’s important to remember that maca is a food and not a drug, supplement or herb. The statements and findings we present here are based on experience and research, but do not necessarily imply similar results. They are not intended as medical advice. If you do have specific health questions regarding the use of maca, please contact a competent and knowledgeable doctor or health care provider.
Over the past 15 years, maca has drawn the attention of several medical researchers and scientists. Their work has produced some very promising and interesting results regarding red maca and its efficacy. The studies we cite are compiled on the U.S. National Institutes of Health PubMed database and you can review all of them at once by clicking here.
Red maca has been associated with maintaining a healthy prostate. A seminal study done on the red phenotype of maca was published in the “Journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. During this study 8 medical research scientists gave different colors of maca to rats with enlarged prostates over the course of 6 weeks. In their conclusions, they report: “Red maca but neither yellow nor black maca reduced significantly ventral prostate size in rats.” [1]
This study prompted several others including one published in “Andrologia” in May 2012 which concluded that “…RM administered from day 1 to day 14 reduced prostate size and zinc levels in rats where prostatic hyperplasia was induced…” [2] and another from Dec 2017 “Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine” which found that “..red maca reduced prostate size in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) by restoring expression of ERβ without affecting androgen receptors and ERα.” [3]
In 2010 researchers from the Universidad Peruana, Lima published a study on the effects of maca extract on bone structure in rats that had had their ovaries removed. The conclusion was that both “Red and black maca have protective effects on bone architecture in OVX rats without showing estrogenic effects on uterine weight.” [4]
Another study from the same Peruvian University in 2006 found black maca to increase sperm production more than yellow or red maca. But the study also concluded that red maca, like other macas, have a favorable effect on energy, mood, sexual desire and improving male sexual dysfunction. [5] Similarly, a comparative study on the various Maca colors from Aug 2016 in the journal “Pharmaceuticals” found that “…effects on mood, energy, and chronic mountain sickness (CMS) score were better with red maca.” This study also indicated that all types of Maca gave people a higher quality of life score. [6]
Another early study (2006) on the different colors of maca roots found that while “…Black Maca appeared to have more beneficial effects on latent learning in OVX mice; meanwhile, all varieties of Maca showed antidepressant activity.” [7] It has also been our experience that all maca colors work to improve mood, with red maca being slightly more effective.
In a December 2017 article published in “High Altitude Medicine and Biology,” research found that “…red maca at high altitude generates a positive effect on wound healing, decreasing the number of neutrophils and increasing the number of macrophages in the wound healing at day 7 post-wounding.” [8]
The aforementioned seminal study on maca from 2005 also goes on to report that in under pyhtochemical analysis for 7 RED-Webfunctional nutrient groups, “Highest peak values were observed for Red Maca, intermediate values for Yellow Maca and low values for Black Maca.” [9] And a study from “International Journal of Biomedical Science” in September 2015 concluded: “The Red Maca phenotype showed the highest concentrations of Glucosinolates as compared to the Black and Yellow Maca.” [10]
A study from 2001 in the “International Journal of Dermatology” found that evidence that maca offers some protection from sunburn. “red maca protected the skin and liver against significant increases in the lipid peroxidation activity observed in the unprotected animals.” [11]
Research published in Peru in 2014 on red maca concluded that “red maca administration increases levels of IFN-γ in ovariectomized rats.” IFN-γ is a type of chemical in our bodies that is thought to help protect us against viral, some bacterial and protozoal infections. [12]
After reading through this type of encouraging research, you might be wondering how red maca is working for regular people every day. We could actually fill several pages regarding red maca benefits based on the feedback we’ve received from happy men and women over the past 15 years. And we’re happy share some of the highlights. These words come from customers who have sent us their experiences with maca. As you read them, please keep in mind that maca is not intended to treat any health condition. It has not been reviewed by the FDA (for whatever that is worth) and still it somehow may help you.
The quotes below come from red maca reviews posted on our site.
Boosting energy and feeling better:
"I LOVE this product. My energy levels are consistently higher, even with a new, more intense workout schedule, I am also getting more out of my workouts while my appetite is under control. My body just feels better EVERYDAY. After several years of perio-menopause I feel like myself again. The red maca has a sweeter taste that I like." - Diana on 4th Nov 2018
Memory
"Hi, I'm a 62 year old woman, purchased to "balance hormones"? if that is at all possible, yet noticed my memory better, especially when trying to recall something eluding me, the answer would just pop up in my mind. I really noticed a difference.” – JP on 19th Sep 2018
Uncomfortable Periods
“...this stuff is what WORKS! I took this for hormonal balance and to help with my period symptoms. I’m AMAZED 3-4 months being on this how it has drastically changed my whole life! My period symptoms went from 100% down to 30% - I feel like my life has changed.” -Bethany on 10th Jun 2018
Hot Flashes
“I have been using the raw, red maca powder to control my menopausal hot flashes for a year and a half. It has been working wonderfully! It took a bit so if you try this be patient. For me it was around the 4th or 5th week of consistently taking my daily dose when suddenly my hot flashes were gone ....” Tamara Anderson on 3rd Jun 2018
Hormonal Acne
"I'm 36yrs old and suffer from hormonal acne. Always seem to have my brain in a fog and depression seemed to have taken hold of me. It took 2 months of taking maca red to see a difference. My face has cleared and I now can focus clearer. I feel happier all the time too.” Anonymous on 13th Mar 2018
Mental Clarity
"I just love my maca! I'm 66, and suffered a mild stroke a year ago...I was suffering from "brain fog" and fatigue. The maca has given me energy and cleared a great deal of my mental sluggishness. I reached out to all my friends and have several family members trying it out too. " Sabina Gogol on 1st Jan 2018
Prostate
"I have had a prostate problem for several years. I would buy prostate supplements that cost around 30.00 a month. The supplements had very little if any effects on my prostate. Within 2 weeks, my prostate showed great improvement, I have used it for 1/12 years and will continue to take Red Maca, and highly recommend it." – Mike
As you can see from reading this far into the article, red maca is a fairly well researched functional food that is producing positive results for people on various levels. But what should you expect from adding it to your diet?
First, we want to stress again that maca is a food and it takes time to work naturally in the body, and may not work the same way for everyone. Still, in our experience over many years, most people do report positive benefits from maca if they do the following:
Everybody is different and responds differently to adding maca to a daily diet. For some people initial benefits show up after several days and for others it takes several weeks. So, if you follow the simple advice above, you are likely to have some positive experiences with red maca over time. If you are taking red maca and not experiencing changes, let us know and we’ll be glad to troubleshoot with you.
If you would like to get the most out of adding red maca to your life, we encourage you to visit our main red maca page. This will help you decide which type of red maca (raw – gelatinized – premium) and which format of it (powder – capsules - chips – liquid extracts) to try.
We hope that this article has helped you learn more about the potential benefits of this simple food. And as always, we are more than happy to answer any further questions you might have. Just let us know.
Next up – Visit our Red Maca Shop
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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