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Maca Root Powder: Facts and Fictions
Health | January 07, 2016
I love a smoothie! I like one after a tough workout or as a snack later in the day. A smoothie is a great post-workout meal because it delivers a fast shot of nutrition in an easily digestible form. It’s also perfect for someone who’s crazy-busy, like me! Just blend it up, pop it in your favorite lidded cup, and you’re all set.
I’ve been hearing about a fascinating smoothie ingredient for a while now. It’s called Maca root powder. I’ve been curious about this root for a long time. After some research, it truly seems like a magic powder. Have you tried it yet?
If you’re not familiar with Maca root, I’ll lay out some basic info for you.
Maca root is a plant native to Peru and grows in extremely cold conditions in the Andes Mountains. The root of the plant can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried. But the most common form of Maca is powder ground from the dried root. You can buy the Maca root powder loose or in capsules.
Maca has been proven in numerous studies to have real and copious health benefits. I recently read a great and well-supported article from Natural News.com that talks about the benefits in depth, but here’s a brief overview.
The most talked-about benefits of regular Maca use are stress-reduction, increased energy, and an increased libido. And studies prove those claim to be true! Maca has also been proven to increase athletic endurance, relieve symptoms of depression, relieve symptoms of menopause, increase memory function, and protect your bones against osteoperosis, among other benefits. Whew!
The negative side effects of Maca root powder seem to be limited to a contraindication for people with thyroid conditions. But when I brought a jar of it home from my local health food store I was disturbed to see that there was a label on the jar which read, “This product contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.”
What the what???
It turns out that’s because of California’s Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. Consumer Reports explains that, “Manufacturers must include the warning if exposure to one or more of those chemicals [chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm] exceeds “safe harbor levels” adopted by the state’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment [OEHHA].”
However, the California OEHHA safe harbor levels are more stringent than those of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consumer Reports goes on to say, “Although the wording certainly gets your attention, it may not mean that the product violates a federal safety standard.” And it seems like the warning is fairly common on all kinds of products.
Although it seems like there are trace amounts of naturally occurring lead in the Maca, I felt comfortable using it because the levels are below the FDA guidelines. I think if I were pregnant, hoping to become so, or breastfeeding, I wouldn’t use it, just in case. And I wouldn’t give it to anyone under 18. And the label on the jar warns you to consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and to keep away from children. I think it’s just a personal decision you’d have to make for yourself. Since the lead is naturally occurring and from the soil, I’d guess the risk is about the same as eating a veggie grown in your own home garden. All things considered, I personally think any risk to my health is very low.
Here are a couple of my favorite smoothie recipes if you want to try incorporating Maca root powder into your daily routine!
What do you think about Maca? I’d love to hear from anyone who uses it regularly. What are some of the benefits you’ve noticed? Do you like the taste?
In good health,
Zuzka
Private Member |
I like the caption “in good health” 😄
I used it before, it is pretty good, they say it can help balance the hormones. It’s a great addition to smoothies though 😊
Private Member |
prague, czech republic
Yaaaay Zuzka, I understood it well, you are trying to baby? 🙂 🙂
Private Member |
astoria, or, usa
I bought a bag nearly 2 years ago and I still have most of it. I couldn’t get past the taste, no matter what I blended it with, long enough to notice any benefits. I never noticed any changes with the few times I did use it either.
Private Member |
I have been using it for a while on and off. It helps with stress, appetite, feeling of wellbeing like maybe depressed, I do get the increased libido and can’t stand the taste of it at all. I put make chocolate out of it or had extra cocoa powder to my protein drink or whatever to cover it.
Private Member |
ohio, usa
Hi Zuzka,
I was wondering which brand or brands of maca you have tried, and if you have a favorite? If so, did you find a particular one that works better for you? TIA. Have a great weekend!
Private Member |
Hi there! i started using Maca three months ago. My sister -in -law suggested i try it out since I was complaining of being tired (more than my normal) and of not having memory function as before. After a 4-5 days I started noticing changes. I’m less tired, I feel more focused, I’m in much better mood, I kill every workout i do 🙂 and, yeah my memory function is much, much better. I highly recommend it! Cheers!
Private Member |
I started taking it at the beginning of the last year to help balance my hormones. I should have done more research but within a month of taking Maca I got pregnant🙂 It wasn’t planned but I am a very proud momma now🙂 I will start taking it again once I am done breastfeeding as I did notice some benefits.
Private Member |
Hi Zuzka!
I recently read about the benefits of Maca powder on hormones. For a while now, I’ve been wanting to ask you personally about hormones/menstrual cycles etc…and if you could write an article, or do a video talk on low body fat, stress, and overall hormonal issues due to excessive exercise and restricted diet. Doctors are telling me to up my carb intake–Please let me know!
Thank you!
PS–do any of you other warriors struggle with the right balance?
Private Member |
I started using Maca today. I mixed it into my steel cut oatmeal with almond milk, a small banana and honey. I couldn’t taste any difference. I bought a large bag from Healthworks on Amazon so it should last a few months.
Private Member |
austin, texas
Just mixed the Maca into my smoothie!!!! Dayum good is all I can say and now will do so every time.. what a great post workout drink.. Now off to take a cold shower!!!