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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 |
uk
I tried it many years ago and felt no benefits at all. Its basically a turnip. And thats how native people eat it. But apparently Maca is the superfood for 2016 so we will hear all about it. Should give us nice break from coconut oil:) I don’t think it will do you any harm adding it into your smoothies but I doubt you will feel any benefit.
Private Member |
ca, usa
I have been using for about a year now everyday in my morning smoothie. Don’t notice any increase in libido unfortunately! Bummer! 🙂
Private Member |
ohio, usa
Cari, try the gelatinized form of maca, it is more bioavailable , so you are getting more benefits from the maca in this form. I started out with the raw maca and it was ok. Then decided to try the gelatinized form, and that’s when I really noticed the benefits of this stuff. I take it 3wks. on/ 1 wk. off. Hope this is helpful for you! 🙂
Private Member |
ca, usa
Thanks Lisa, I will definitely try it. Thanks for taking the time to provide helpful info! Have a great day!
Private Member |
ohio, usa
You’re welcome.
Private Member |
ca, usa
I was just looking at the Maca I have and it says it is gelatinized. I didn’t even know. It is the Navitas brand. Maybe I should try what you suggested and take a week off in between.
Private Member |
ohio, usa
If no change, maybe try a different brand. I use Gaia Herbs maca boost cacao- ginger, with rhodiola. Maybe it’s the blend that’s the key. Also there are 3 different kinds of maca out there for different uses, Gaia herbs has all three in their maca powder.
Private Member |
I notice a differance but I take it with ginger and food grade diatomaceous earth in my coffee. That’s how I like to drink it pre workout. For libido it does work for me 🙂 I do have to not use it the week of my cycle otherwise it interferes.
Private Member |
I tried it in smoothies and didn’t feel an increase in energy unfortunately. I didn’t know about the other benefits though!
Private Member |
ellijay, ga, united states
I used to use it regularly, but it’s been more off and on lately. I didn’t really notice that much of an effect…now and then I notice a little extra energy. But “now and then” could mean anything else might be giving the extra boost! It’s a pretty good taste mixed with cacao, though!
Private Member |
seattle, washington
You know people talk all the time of drink their own pee…
Private Member |
prostejov, czech republic
Hi Zuzka,
Thanks you firstly for a very nice article, my boyfriend has been using the maca powder in form of capsule since last year and before that he felt like tired all day, no energy, but now everything is different and can really tell that I think this one medication is helping him a lot 🙂
And secondly, I am really glad that you wrote down also about the possible natural/harmful occurring levels of lead . Since Im specializing in the human health risk assessment to the toxic compounds in the environment I was interested! 🙂
The think is that every country has set up different levels of safety exposure levels to selected toxic (probably toxic etc.) compounds. And this is mainly caused due to different studies results for toxicological, ecotoxicological,and other effects.
According these several studies, the limits are set up and they should be really safe for general population. However, as you meantioned, the children, elders and so on (so called sensitive population group) should be more cautious.
And that how this whole think only rely on each of us to be cautious about what we are eating and what kind of other exposure routes we could be exposed (not only food but also e.g. dermal exposure) to stay healthy.
P.S.-love your workouts! ZUZ keep going and I wishing you much much love!!
Jana 🙂
Private Member |
I love maca root powder, I will usually take it for 3 weeks on (1 tsp daily) and 1 week off. This is part of a routine with a few other things (particularly lots of healthy fat) that has helped me have a regular menstrual cycle (it’s been pretty absent prior fpr years). Also, I have a few studies saved that say it’s beneficial to supporting your thyroid, as it works to stabilize hormone levels. The interesting thing being is that is can help high and low thyroid levels, sort of like how flax oil does the same for hormones. The only contra-indication I’ve read is for polycystic-ovarian syndrome.
Anyway, good article, yay maca!
Private Member |
I have been taking the pill form for a few weeks and I definitely can tell the difference. I am more alert and more energized not a bad energy I dont get jittery I am just awakevand alert more and dont feel tired during the day. I sleep better and my mood is much better. I just purchased the powder form and will start next Monday along with my fitnesd journey for the new year been sick with a cold for 2 weeks but next weerk ready to workout everyday and get in shape. I had workout for 1 year and fell off the wagon and need to get back in the game. I take maca and I also take Moringa which is another great supplement and you can actually grow moringa the benefits of this plant is amazing. I will be buying at least 3 plants and it grows well in any weather all of the plant is great for you.
Private Member |
This sounded promising until I read on to learn it is bad for those with a thyroid problem. Of course! lol
Private Member |
I have used maca powder occasionally for years and enjoy the flavor. I buy Navitas Naturals brand and use it in maca hot chocolate and smoothies, especially in Clean Green Drinks by Candice Kumai, The Cinnamon-Almond Horchata, which is unsweetened almond milk, frozen banana, cinnamon, maca powder, raw almond butter, and ice, yummy!!! Awesome book for juices and smoothies! I love all her cookbooks too!