Table of Contents
What Is Maca Root?
Maca, Lepidium meyenii, is a plant native to the Andes mountains in Peru. For centuries, indigenous people have used maca for medicinal and nutritional purposes. It is often referred to as Peruvian ginseng due to its energy-boosting and adaptogenic properties.
Maca is known for its ability to boost stamina and endurance. It might also help increase libido and reduce menopausal symptoms. Maca root has numerous health benefits because it is rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and unique compounds like glucosinolates.
You can find maca in different forms, including powders, capsules, and extracts. While many people use maca to improve energy and sex drive, scientific research is still ongoing, and individual results may vary.
In this article, we highlight the benefit of maca root for women. We also review our picks of the best maca root supplements and answer frequently asked questions about maca root pills.
Our Best Pick of the Maca Root Supplements
- Best Overall: Double Wood Maca Root Supplement
- Best for Libido: Nutricost Organic Maca Root Powder
- Best for Men: Anthony’s Organic Maca Root Powder
- Best Organic: Zen Spirit Maca Root Powder
TOTAL SCORE : 6.0 TOTAL RATING : 18- Suitable for vegetarians
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Long-lasting supply with 150 servings per bottle
- Might not be ideal for those who struggle to swallow pills
- Serving size too small for maximum benefits
TOTAL SCORE : 5.0 TOTAL RATING : 15- Gluten-free
- Powdered form
- Contains iron, calcium and potassium
- One heaping teaspoon (8.5 g) is higher than the maca dose used in research studies.
- Earthy flavors may not suit all tastes.
TOTAL SCORE : 5.0 TOTAL RATING : 15- 100% organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Powdered form
- Versatile use in various ways
- Serving size too small for optimal benefits
- Bitter, earthy flavour
TOTAL SCORE : 5.0 TOTAL RATING : 15- Gelatinised for easier digestion
- Powdered form
- USDA-certified organic and suitable for vegans
- Expensive
- No third-party testing
How We Choose
We employ a rigorous evaluation procedure to guarantee quality and safety when selecting our top maca root supplements. Our approach includes reviewing expert opinions to assess effectiveness. We prioritise high-quality organic ingredients and products manufactured in GMP-certified facilities. Third-party testing is also a key criterion for ensuring potency and safety.
By combining these factors, we aim to provide reliable recommendations that support your health and wellness goals.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team has carefully reviewed every supplement featured in this list because we understand how critical it is to choose the right products for your health. We ensure that each supplement recommended goes through rigorous quality checks and meets established standards for effectiveness and safety.
Before incorporating any new supplement into your routine, consult a healthcare professional. They can help guide you on the appropriate dosage and ensure the supplement fits your health needs.
Benefits of Maca Root
Maca root offers several potential health benefits, backed by traditional use and growing research:
- Boosts Energy and Stamina: Maca is widely used as a natural energy enhancer, improving physical endurance and reducing fatigue. This makes it popular among athletes and individuals seeking a natural energy boost.
- Enhances Libido and Sexual Health: One of the most well-known benefits of maca root is its ability to improve sexual desire in both men and women. Studies have shown that maca may help increase libido and support sexual function.
- Balances Hormones: Maca has adaptogenic properties, which can help the body balance hormone levels. This makes it particularly beneficial for women dealing with menopause or hormonal imbalances.
- Supports Fertility: Maca is often used to improve fertility in both men and women. It has been shown to improve sperm quality and motility in men and support reproductive health in women.
How to Use Maca
Maca root can be incorporated into your daily routine in various forms depending on your preferences. The most common and versatile form is maca powder. You can easily add it to smoothies, oatmeal, or yoghurt or even incorporate it into baked goods like cake, cookies, and bread.
For those seeking more convenience, maca capsules or tablets are an option. These provide pre-measured doses, typically ranging from 1,500 mg to 3,000 mg per day. Maca can be consumed quickly and easily with capsules, as they don’t require the same preparation as powders. This form is handy for busy people who may not enjoy maca’s earthy taste.
What Happens if I Take Maca Everyday?
Daily use of maca may provide benefits like increased energy levels, improved libido, and better hormonal balance. It has been associated with helping the body adapt to stress and improving mental clarity.
The use of maca root may cause adverse effects such as digestive discomfort, headaches, insomnia, or allergic reactions in some individuals. Additionally, exceeding the recommended dosage could result in overstimulation or other side effects.
While maca is generally safe when taken in moderation, it is necessary to abide by suggested dosages and seek the opinion of a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Who Shouldn't Consume Maca?
While maca root is considered safe for most people, certain groups should exercise caution. Maca may alter hormone levels. Thus, anyone with endometriosis, fibroids, breast cancer, or other hormone-sensitive disorders should avoid it. It is also advised that women who are pregnant or nursing avoid maca, as there is little research on its safety during these periods.
Additionally, individuals with thyroid disorders should be careful, as maca in its raw form contains goitrogen, which can interfere with thyroid function. Consult your healthcare provider before adding maca to your diet, especially if you have certain health conditions or are on other medications.
How Long Should I Take Maca?
How long you should take maca depends on your goals and your body’s response. It’s common to take maca for 6 to 12 weeks for general energy and hormonal balance. Some people choose to cycle their intake by using it for three weeks followed by a 1-week break. For more specific needs, like menopause relief or fertility support, you may need to take it for 3 to 6 months. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice, especially for long-term use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Red maca is often considered the best for menopause. It is known to help balance hormones and ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. Red maca may also support bone health, vital for postmenopausal women at risk of osteoporosis. Its specific nutrients make it a preferred choice for managing menopause.
For menopause, the typical recommended daily dosage of maca is between 1,500 mg and 3,000 mg. This can be taken in powder or capsule form. It’s best to start with a smaller amount, around 1.5 grams, and gradually increase based on how your body responds.
Speak with a healthcare provider before starting maca, especially when using it to address menopause symptoms.
For you to make an informed decision, we have reviewed some of the best picks for maca supplements so you can confidently select based on our recommendations. Whether you’re looking for an organic option like Zen Spirit Maca Root Powder or a supplement like Double Wood Maca Root Supplement for general well-being, our review covers various brands to suit different needs. Feel free to explore these choices and pick the one that aligns best with your goals.
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[…] Maca root, a humble Peruvian plant, has gained international attention as a powerful natural remedy for hormonal balance. Known for its adaptogenic properties, Maca has been traditionally used for centuries in the Andes to boost energy, fertility, and stamina. […]