The goal of this article is to provide the most comprehensive, up-to-date and complete information on what maca is and how to use it. We are continually adding content to this maca Info page. Where available, click on the links for further information on each topic.
Maca is a plant that originates in the Peruvian Andes and grows at altitudes of 11,000 feet (3500 m) and above. This makes it the highest growing food crop in the world. The maca plant grows in rocky soils, which are commonly inhospitable to most other vegetation. And it thrives in extreme climactic conditions such as freezing cold, intense sunlight and strong winds. The Maca plant produces leaves as well as a small root, about the size of a radish. It is the root that has been treasured for thousands of years due to its medicinal ability to naturally increase energy, endurance and fertility for all people and animals who eat it. No doubt Maca root has made a sustainable work life possible in the very high mountains for generations of indigenous people.
Maca (Lepidium meyenni Walpers) is a Peruvian plant growing at elevations over 4000 m 13,000 ft). The plant belongs to the brassica (mustard) family and the Lepidum genus. It's closest relatives are rapeseed, mustard, turnip and cabbage. Maca is a low growing, rosette-like plant with a large underground organ (root). It grows 10-20 cm in height and its root averages 15 cm in circumference.
The history of the ancient maca plant dates back all the way to the 1500’s. It has been used for centuries in the Andes for nutrition and to enhance the fertility of both humans and animals. Maca was probably domesticated between 1300 and 2000 years ago in San Blas, Junin (present day Peru) by Incan farmers. The first written account of the root comes from Cieza de Leon (1553). In 1653, Spanish priest Cobo referred to the use of the root for fertility and as a stimulant. In the central Andes, maca continues to be used as a daily source of food after it has been dried at greater than 20 grams per day.
Maca has powerful nutritional benefits. Dried maca roots nutritional content consists of 13-16% protein, 8.5% fiber, 19 essential amino acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and D, minerals iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium, several glucosinolates, 20 free fatty acids, and unique compounds called macaenes and macamides. Beyond that, Maca is one of only a handful of foods considered to be an "adaptogen," or a food that raises overall life force energy.
Maca is a nutritional powerhouse that is dense in amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It is also an adaptogen, which means that it supports overall health and strength. Research has revealed that maca works to boost the overall physical functioning of the body as well as to lift mood.
Maca is considered to be very beneficial for hormone balancing, endocrine and thyroid function enhancement and even immune system enhancement. These benefits are most likely related to its high content of amino acids. Hormones are constructed of amino acids and cholesterol.
Maca root, like ginseng, is also an adaptogen. Adaptogens are substances that raise the physical body’s state of resistance to diseases through physiological health and emotional health improvements. These effects make maca a broad-based superfood that in many cases is able to balance and rejuvenate overwhelmed, tired adrenal glands and other aspects of the hormonal system, unlike coffee which stresses the adrenal glands. Over time, use of maca can lead to several benefits including greater energy, stamina, improved mood, and the ability to handle stress.
One of the most common questions received from our customers and readers is about how much maca to take. There is a wide variety of information available and not all of it is accurate. That’s why we wrote this article. So what is the correct maca dosage? Before we answer that question, we first have to look at the different kinds of maca available.
The most effective way to take Maca powder is to mix it into water or a simple fruit juice and take it on an empty stomach 10-15 minutes before you eat breakfast. Taking Maca on an empty stomach allows it to absorb a bit faster and more thoroughly. For most people it's also fine to mix maca powder in smoothies and other drinks as well as in some kinds of food. Find out more about how to use maca.
If you’ve done a little bit of research, you probably already know that Maca root originates in the high Andes mountains and is today primarily grown in Peru and Bolivia. What you probably don’t know is that over the past several years, China has also started growing and exporting Maca root products. This article explains the difference between the Perivian maca and Chinese maca and why you should insist on Peruvian maca.
In our experience, continued, and persistent use of high quality Maca promotes improvement in the hormonal, physical and emotional states of regular people everyday. That said, we've also noticed a significant amount of misleading or hyperbolic information out there in regard to the benefits of taking Maca. That's why we've put together a collection all of our articles that deal with the lepidium meyenii benefits. We provide scientific documentation and examples from our experience and claims whenever possible. Read more...
Many research studies provide evidence of the benefits provided by maca. Over 400 studies of maca (Lepidium meyenii) are indexed on PubMed, the National Library of Medicine alone. Other maca research has also been published – in particular in Peru where maca is from. Please see our Maca Research page for details.
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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