Last week I was catching up with a friend who I haven’t seen or heard from in a while and she told me something alarming. She said “Vani – I haven’t changed my diet, or my exercise routine, but I’ve gained 15 pounds in the last 2 months! I gained it all because of stress!” She’s currently working on a big project and was worried about her sudden weight gain. When she went to the doctor, the doctor checked her cortisol levels. She found out, “they were through the roof!”
Did you know cortisol levels can increase from elevated stress and cause sudden weight gain? Fat accumulates near the stomach because the cells in the stomach are more sensitive to cortisol, and very effective at storing energy. I don’t know about you – but knowing that fact alone makes me want to drop everything and check into the spa.
Hearing her story was a huge wake up call to myself, I’m a workaholic and if I don’t watch it, the balance in my life can totally take a free fall. Her story also got me motivated to share a superfood ingredient that can help your body handle stress better and reduce cortisol levels (and help you in the nooky department too, which I know also reduces stress!).
Benefits of Maca Superfood
Superfoods are nutrient dense foods that pack a powerful punch when it comes to antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. Basically SUPERFOOD = SUPERMAN!…or WOMEN! Eating superfoods has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic disease and prolong life.
Way up high in the Peruvian Andes grows the prized superfood called Maca. It’s the highest altitude crop on earth. With a growing altitude of 13,000 feet, this plant is not for your home garden (unless your garden happens to be on the top of the Andes).
Over its 3,000 year cultivation maca has earned itself a pretty long list of benefits, some of which include… get ready…
* Increased energy
* Reduced stress
* Improved sexual function (improved libido)
* Improved physical and emotional well being
* Improved mental clarity
* Improved hair growth
* Improved thyroid health
* Ability to balance hormones
* Ability to protect skin against ultraviolet radiation
* Ability to treat PMS
* Improved skin tone
* Ability to raise sperm count
* Helps prevent osteoporosis
* Ability to treat depression
In an extensive study of the maca plant, Dr. Gustavo F Gonzales found that maca can enhance the ability for an individual to “adapt” to a stressful environment by “improving homeostasis” in the body. This can positively effect energy, endurance and oxygen in the blood (which makes maca a great cure for altitude sickness…it’s no coincidence that it is grown in high altitudes). Maca can also affect the happy chemicals in your body that control libido, balance the endocrine system, adrenals, hormones, thyroid, and one’s mood! That is a lot for just one scoop of powder a day.
Throughout its history, the consumption of maca has been used by Peruvian natives for having strong effects on fertility and energy in both humans and animals. It is said that during the Incan empire, warriors were give maca to give them strength and stamina in battle but were then denied maca when they returned home in order to protect the women from their strong sexual desires. Whoa. This stuff is like nature’s viagra. Check out this article where my friend Dr. Mercola lists maca as one of the top natural supplemental ways to enhance sexual function.
Maca Nutrition
Dried maca contains 59% carbohydrates, 8.5% fiber, and slightly more than 10.2% protein. The protein in maca contains seven essential amino acids. Maca is also rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and iron. Add to that the vitamins B1, B2, and C and you can easily understand what makes this a superfood! Some researchers even argue that Maca’s ability to treat a disorder like depression comes simply from the fact that the food is so nutritionally dense and that people become happier because they are getting the nutrients they need!
So, the good news is ever since the reemergence of maca in the 1980 access to this powerfully medicinal food is becoming easier and easier. And now, thanks to the beautiful world wide web you can have maca show up at your door, which is way easier than hiking up the Andes, let me tell you!
How To Use The Maca Powder
Maca is a member of the cruciferous family which includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips and radishes. Maca is grown for its root which resembles that of a radish. Maca root can grow in a variety of different colors and can be consumed in several different ways, of which the most popular is dried and ground into a powder, maca powder.
Maca powder is definitely the easiest way to add maca to your diet. I love throwing 1 tbsp in morning smoothies for extra energy, in homemade hot chocolate (recipe below) and in desserts like brownies or anything with chocolate! It goes really really well with chocolate – yum! Did I say chocolate?
When I was in Peru recently, Maca caramels were everywhere, I’d love to try to make those at home one day. You can also check out more recipes and the subtle differences between red, black and cream maca from my partner The Maca Team here.
- 2 and ½ cups nut milk (coconut or almond)
- 4 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon of maca powder
- 2 dates pitted
- Pinch of salt
- Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth
- Place ingredients in a small sauce pan and slowly warm to temperature desired
Organic Maca Powders
The Maca Team is a small family owned operation and supplies maca straight from small Peruvian organic co-op farmers. I feel really good about supporting and partnering with a company that offers the highest quality organic maca straight from the source.
The Maca Team is awesome – visit them here and get your Maca ordered!
I hope you take time to look into this amazing superfood and see what it can do for you. Please share this with your family and friends that might be in the need of a little stress reduction or a boost in the nooky department. I would love to hear your stories about how maca is affecting you (well…..most of your stories…. haha!)
Peace, Love, and Maca,
Vani
Help…I’m so confused…I thought Maca interferes with thyroid medication..and you say that it helps!
Lisa – Always check with your health care provider before supplementing, different medications have different interactions.
When it comes to supplements, the standard cover your a$$ disclaimer of “consult your health care professional before taking this supplement” is an empty one. The majority of general physicians have no background in supplements like Maca, Spirulina, Beet Root etc. and are unable to give you any relevant advice other than, “don’t take it.” It’s sad that the default is always to treat with medicine and surgery rather than looking at more holistic options.
Tony, there are a variety of health care providers. We don’t know if Lisa uses an alternative doctor, nutritionist, or some other professional to guide her in this process.
Hi Lisa:
What I’ve read is that Maca is goitrogenic, and if you read above you’ll see that it’s in the same class as broccoli, kale, etc., foods that you shouldn’t eat raw if you’re hypothyroid. There are varying opinions as to whether the goitrogens can be cooked out of these types of food.
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, nor do I play on on TV. I’m just a Hashimoto’s sufferer who does a lot of research.
Hi Kathy, you might have heard of Andrea Nakayama, but if you haven’t, you should really check out her Girl’s Guide to Hashimotos. She’s a brilliant holistic nutritionist in Portland and I’m a student of hers (I’m a health coach myself), but really a fan of her work and her home study products are great for the masses. Best of luck in your research! http://replenishpdx.com/hashimotos/
I am not a doctor but when I was eating a lot of maca my hair started falling out…. a likely sign of blocking thyroid absorption…. when I stopped eating the maca my hair stopped shedding…. it is a plant from the Brassica family, like cabbage, and all of that family interferes with the thyroid.
I know! You should not be giving false knowledge you don’t even have a nutrition background!!!! Maca is a goiteragen and you should be careful before you really hurt some people and put them in the hospital!!!!!
It happened to me that I took Dr Oz’ s advice about maca. It made me feel like someone squeezeing my neck. I have stopped eating maca and also I eat less of green leafy veggies. I began to take iodine supplement and I have more energy.
Just wondering if each color of maca powder has a different flavor? And which do you think is most palatable?
Cream is probably the most bland…then red, then black… but it’s very subtle!
Can someone tell me what it tastes like?? I am hesitant to buy it if I won’t be able to tolerate the flavor, I struggle a bit with that..
I got Maca powder for my mom to help her with the effects of menopause. She has been using it for a few weeks with great success. It has even made her hot flashes practically disappear. I can’t wait to try it, but I’m pregnant and I have yet to figure out if its ok for pregnancy and breast-feeding. If anyone knows the answer to that I would really appreciate it if you shared! 🙂
That’s amazing, thanks for sharing that – I hope other women can find relief through maca too 🙂
It is NOT ok to use maca while pregnant .
Miranda Kerr used it throughout her entire pregnancy in protein shakes in the morning….thoughts on what the negative affects would be?
Yes, Maca is great for fertility and balancing hormones, but is contraindicated during pregnancy. So, in agreement with Kate, it is not okay to use maca while pregnant.
Has anyone here had a bad experience with Maca? I recently bought some Maca powder from my local health food store and brought it home, putting 1 tbsp or so into my green smoothie that I take every day. About 10 minutes after ingesting, I started to feel sick to my stomach, incredibly nauseated. The feeling stuck with me for a couple of hours! I keep reading about all of the benefits of this amazing food but am terrified to try it again!
Anyone ever heard of or experienced a sensitivity or allergy to maca root before???
Yes, I cannot have Maca root either. It sets off my Sphincter of Oddi and lead to one of my Chronic Pancreatitis attacks as well. I didn’t take much either- half a teaspoon. Some people just don’t handle it well and I read raw versions can be really hard on digestion for some people.
Trish – Oh no. Just an FYI – they have a gelatinized version that is easier to digest for people who have sensitivities.
YES!! That happens to me every time I try the popular brand at Whole Foods. The same happens to my friends husband. It’s awful and make me feel like that all day! My natural health care expert told me I was either allergic to Maca or the their is some sort of contaminant in the brand I tried. I haven’t had the nerve to try another brand but after this post I might.
Can you use maca while nursing?
I know there have been no major studies conducted on this and is considered safe, but I’d always check with your health care provider first just to be sure.
You cannot use Maca while pregnant, so NO, you cannot use it while nursing.
This is a very powerful herb!
No, I have never tried it, I did my research.
Thanks!
“You cannot use Maca while pregnant, so NO, you cannot use it while nursing. ”
Lemme guess–you got that from some medical site.
This advice is nothing short of extreme fear-mongering from the medical establishment.
Maca is a food that has been used by indigenous people for thousands of years safely by women and men in all phases of life, including pregnancy and nursing.
If you had “done your research” you’d find that not only is maca safe, it also increases breastmilk, improves low-birthweight for babies, and lots of other great stuff.
To Lukepedia,
I’m typing this to someone who starts out with Lemme. LOL.
Yes, I did do my research. First off, maca may be a food but it is also a powerful herb. Herbs can interfere with medications to start with. I hope someone does not take your advice especially when it comes to a pregnant woman or a mother who is nursing. This is very dangerous advice.
According to The Maca Team’s website, they say there is no contraindication for use during pregnancy, but they do recommend decreasing the dosage.
I have viewed a few threads of women who have used maca to become pregnant, and then continued the use during pregnancy with no problems whatsoever. There was even a lady who was considered to have a very high risk pregnancy with twins who astounded her doctor that she was 34 weeks and showed no signs of any of the complications he was expecting with her pregnancy. She did say she is not attributing this ALL to the maca, but she seems to think it is helping.
I also saw this site: http://natural-fertility-info.com/what-about-continuing-maca-and-flax-oil-during-pregnancy.html
In it is written:
“The thing with maca is it is used to balance hormones by reducing estrogen. If someone was progesterone deficient or overloaded with estrogen and the maca was helping to balance that and it’s taken away, we may have a slight issue, especially when pregnant.
Maca does not actually contain hormones but it also has not been tested during pregnancy so we can not know if it is completely safe for use during pregnancy. It is said the Peruvians consume maca during pregnancy with no problems; but to be safe we suggest to not use maca during pregnancy. […]
So it does come down to gathering information and making the best decision for yourself and your body.”
Mamie, you say you have done your research. I believe you and ask that you please site your research so that I can look at what you have seen, as I am pregnant, and would like to make and informed decision for myself. Otherwise, you are asking us to do exactly what you are condemning us for: taking someone’s word for fact without any research.
Oh, and I found this study: http://www.totalityofbeing.com/FramelessPages/Articles/IncFertility.htm
Where is says:
“Currently Maca is being used throughout South America to prevent miscarriage and help women carry to term. It also has shown itself to provide a further benefit of increasing the birth weight of children. The average weight of babies born in Denver is lower than of babies born at sea level and Denver is only 5000 feet high. What happens at triple that in the Andes? Nothing, because the Maca increases progesterone production and this adds valuable mass to the child. The higher the birth weight the greater the chance of survival!”
I had the opposite problem from stress. I hadn’t changed anything yet I lost 10lbs. It was ridiculous at one point I could see the weight going down every morning when I got on the scale.
Yeah – the adrenals can work backwards too. Hope you find relief from stress soon!
Can you explain more what you mean by work backwards so I can read about it.
Would I get the same benefits from the capsules instead of the powder? And is it something that is safe to take everyday? And one more, what’s the difference between red, cream, black maca etc..
Thank you!
Yes, yes (start slowly 1 tsp-1tbsp at a time), and it’s a subtle difference between the colors (just like red cabbage and green cabbage).
Gotcha. Thanks so much!
So many many to choose from. Which one would you suggest starting with?
Red is the most popular.
How much is recommended per day?
1 tbsp
Maca is in Shakeology,along with over 70 superfoods! I love it!
That’s my favorite way to get it too.
I thought Maca also had potential effects on estrogen and should be avoided by women with increased risk for breast cancer. Have you heard this too?
Not a fan of picking some unknown roots that some Andean mountain dwellers eat for their daily sustenance. Would be happy to see some local foods being used instead. Would sweet potatoes take the place of Maca? There has to be one other local superfood.
I’ve been using a teaspoon a day for about 5 years.
and what differences do you notice with and without taking it?
Sounds almost too good to be true, but I do trust your recommendations. I worry about the effect of us “1st-worlders” finding out about it and clamoring for more. I’m sure you’ve heard about how quinoa is getting to be too expensive in its native countries, because Americans and Europeans are hopping onto the bandwagon, creating shortages. At least some of us can try to grow our own quinoa – not maca, apparently!
Is maca fine for someone with high blood pressure?
Maca should not be taken by someone who has high blood pressure. I was using Maca in smoothies post endurance training for about 6 months. On the advice from my general health care physician I started researching Maca’s effect on blood pressure and studies showed that it does raise blood pressure and should not be taken by people who are being treated for HBP. I really liked the results that Maca was providing, but have had to eliminate it from my morning green smoothies.
Thank you, Tony. It was sounding like something that would mess with my bp. What a shame. Well, what can you do?
I had skyrocketing cortisol levels throughout the night (done by a saliva cortisol text 4x throughout the day).
I also was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
I looked into Maca and tried some raw maca and boy did it mess with my treatment.
I realized it is the RAW MACA (after research) that is what the problem is… the way that the Mayans or Aztecs used it is after it was cooked. So… please avoid this if you have thyroid issues.
I am big on natural supplements that can help you, but you HAVE to do your own research. I made that mistake and it cost me a few months of my journey to healing. Good luck.
Adrenal fatigue (too little cortisol) causes weight gain as well. It has been a beast to fight to get my levels back to normal.
How did you get your levels back?
My 9-year-old son has a flat line Cortisol level (very low all day). He takes a multi with higher B5 and Vitamin C. I haven’t had him retested in the year + since we changed his multi but I haven’t observed a huge difference. Still on the sluggish side (could just be laziness) and low stamina.
Hypothyroid sufferers are told to avoid cruciferous veggies. …not sure if macca would be advisable.
I agree stress can make your body go haywire. I experienced it a year and a half ago. Weight gain, hormonal issues, and other nasty things suddenly popped up. I started using maca powder after hearing about it from a friend, and after my own research I gave it a try. What a lifesaver it was for me! The biggest things to remember are 1) start out with small amounts and gradually increase and 2) take an occasional break from it since your body builds up an immunity to it. No one else seems to mind the taste but I have the cream color and think it tastes awful no matter what I do with it, but it’s benefits far outweighs the taste!
Vani, what are your thoughts on the cinnamon honey weight loss drink?
It’s not Vani’s opinion but I found this Helpful: http://almostexactlyblog.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/honey-cinnamon-cleanse-facts-to-back-it-up/
I tried a Maca from wholefoods and it increased my hot flashes so of course I stopped using it.
Now I wonder if I was using raw when I should have tried cooked…or maybe for those of us with low thyroid, Maca is not a good choice?
Was just curious if you’d found a brand of coconut milk that didn’t contain carrageenan. I know most almond milk and coconut milk brands contain it and it is a possible carcinogen. I buy 365 brand almond milk which doesn’t contain it but haven’t found coconut milk products without it. Thanks!!
Yes, Natural Value, Native Forest and Thai Kitchen all have it without carrageenan. You can also make it at home like this : https://foodbabe.com/2012/05/31/sweet-banana-in-coconut-milk-elephant-camp-dinner-at-four-seasons-tented-camp/
I use the organic low heat coconut flour in my smoothies 1/2-1 tablespoon. The liquid they sell in the store under coconut milk has too much calcium carbonate in it and can make your heart flutter.
You email gives me hope . I’m under an enormous amount of stress and my weight gain feels like it happened overnight. I’m also suffering headaches pretty feriously. I am in Australia and hope I can find this super stuff you talk about. We are always a couple years behind the u.s with this stuff.
I LOVE maca powder. I use one tablespoon each morning in my morning oats. It definitely helps with my muscle recovery after hitting the gym each day!
Any ideas if maca interferes with synthetic hormones/birth control? For those of us gals who are on such horrid things…
I WOULD BE VERY CAREFUL WITH MACA! A while back I took it because of all the hoopla about it, but it made me bleed even when I was not in my cycle!
I looked at it before, but I was scared to take it because I have enough trouble keeping my hormones balanced. I thought it might negatively affect them, but I have got to give it a try! I have so much stress, and my natural stress relief pills give me a terrible headache if I forget to take them. Thanks for the tip!
Foodbabe, do you know if you can mix maca with spirulina? Or is that just overkill?
This post was just what I needed. I keep a pretty lean and green diet and exercise daily. I have changed nothing in my regime, but the scale is creeping up. I make a green smoothie every morning and often don’t use maca because I don’t love the taste. But I’m throwing some in this morning and will try your hot cocoa recipe this evening. Thanks, Food Babe. Xoxo
I too have had reactions to Maca, splitting headaches, nauseous etc. I know there is a “cooked” one out there too, which i’ve heard is easier to digest, but because I live in Australia, I haven’t found it yet. Plus, I would prefer to buy a sampler of it, just to see if i react to that or not, instead of spending lots of money on a full container of it!
THANK YOU! Dealing with my significant others deployment has been stressful beyond belief and I have been gaining weight for no apparent reason. Going to give this a shot and see if it helps.
Ya, me too. I can’t take maca. it makes me feel funny. My wife doesn’t have the same reaction as me. Some people can eat it and some are sensitive to it.
It makes me feel anxious/nervous. Even the next day I still feel the effects.
I suggest trying it and see. One thing I have found that is good for stress is holy basil. Also valerian by Oregon Wild Harvest vege caps.
I don’t think it’s really very acceptable to just refer back to healthcare providers. If they are science based practitioners then they will refer back to scientific papers when assessing the advisability of taking Maca. For example pregnant women -no research done = don’t take it. What do you THINK your doctor would say without any scientific evidence? Maca sounds much like an unrefined drug with unknown levels of the active ingredient(s). I will avoid it, especially given the number of people responding here with reports of side effects!
The same side effects are reported with wheatgrass juice, and wheatgrass is amazing for health – it’s all about starting slow and seeing what your body can tolerate. Also, the reason I ask people to check with their health care provider, is simple – if they are taking prescription drugs, natural supplements can interact. Grapefruit juice, for example, can react very badly with numerous drugs. But inherently by itself, grapefruit is amazing for you. See?
That is the best way I’ve heard it explained! Thank you Food Babe! Now, I have an accurate, concise explanation and example to share with people whenever they are confused.
Do you take aspirin by seeing what your body can tolerate? Is this medicine or food we are talking about? Now I’m just confused.
When it comes to supplements, the standard cover your a$$ disclaimer of “consult your health care professional before taking this supplement” is an empty statement. The majority of general physicians have no background in supplements like Maca, Spirulina, Beet Root etc. and are unable to give you any advice other than don’t take it. It’s sad that the default is always to treat with medicine and surgery rather than looking at more holistic options.
I have tried Maca before and I get severe stomach pain from it. It causes severe gas in me. Sad 🙁
FoodBabe, please keep doing what you are doing. I won’t listen to the na-sayers because there are always exceptions to everything. Every body’s body is different so it’s doubtful that any one food/nutrient could be positive for every person. I have a thyroid issue but have learned to adjust my diet and I still do not use any drugs and this is at age 58. Maybe those warning of using Maca with a thyroid issue is because it interferes with their pharmaceuticals. I take none but continue to alter my diet to become healthier. As far as those complained of gas and nauseated, they might have been deficient of eating enough fiber thus this root acted to clean out their colon. The health benefits of Maca is amazing. This wonderful powder is highly recommended by other health gurus such as Mike Adams. I will be trying Maca and I’ll be getting back with you on the results.
Charlee – Thank you for this post!!! People need to understand that one bad experience doesn’t necessarily mean it was due to the Maca. Maybe! Maybe not! Could have been a stomach flu, something they ate, reaction to something else ingested, bad day, etc… everyone reacts differently to things ingested – peanuts, shellfish, berries, seeds, milk, prescriptions, dietary supplements, and the same goes for all natural remedies, vitamins & powders. Thank you FOOD BABE, for all your hard work & research.
Thanks Charlee! I love your positive energy and your comments are really appreciated. Please let us know your results!
Stress definitely can affect weight, and I’ve seen it in myself. As a nurse and health coach, from my own experience, the very FIRST thing I would recommend to anyone trying to manage stress is to do what you can to get good quality sleep. This is more important than diet or exercise as a first step (although we also, of course, know that diet and exercise can affect sleep quality). Changing nothing else, I dropped several pounds recently when I was able to start sleeping more (and in fact it was during a week when I had had much bigger lunches than normal). Your body repairs itself during sleep, and no food or exercise is a substitute for that.
Let’s not forget a product like Holy Basil Force from New Chapter. It also helps stimulate and balance cortisol production, while creating a very calming effect. It’s also a powerful anti inflammatory. You should do some research on supplements and see who’s testing, how traditional herbs are extracted, and what makes companies like New Chapter so unique? Supercritical co2 extraction vs solvent and high heat. Thanks for all you do!
Matt- those are very interesting points that I will be sure to tell Vani to look into. Thanks for the ideas!
Normally I love your postings, but I can’t get on board with this one. There is no such thing as a miracle herb and I fear that people will think that all they need to do is take this supplement. Rest, relaxation techniques, proper exercise and eating habits are best. I do use some herbs for supplements but there is a cycle for certain herbs, vitamins, and other supplements. In addition, many herbs and supplements can interact and should nit be taken together. Unless you have a holistic doctor it do extensive research on your own, you most likely won’t know what those interactions are (and God knows regular doctors won’t know…unless it is produced by a pharmaceutical company) . Certainly, if it grows on our planet naturally, then it must be of some benefit… But not to all. I suppose that’s why it only grows in a certain location. I would hesitate to support any company, other than the local farmers, like the one you mentioned, for fear of exploitation. I feel that those who are in a position to influence others , such as yourself, should be more inclined to give a more in depth analysis, to include possible health risks or warnings.
I’m a huge fan of maca! I was recently diagnosed hypothyroid while also having low progesterone levels. Incorporating the maca powder into my daily diet balanced my hormones and my thyroid gland hasn’t suffered. But also in addition, I’ve been taking Ghia Thyroid Support, so that may be why it all seems to work well together!( I love my Naturopath). Best of luck to you all!
Hi Kait,
Thanks for your testimonial. Could you pl confirm whether you took maca root powder at the same you were on hypothyroidism (aka high TSH) medication I.e. something similar to levothyroxin.
Thanks,
Arun
Hi Arun,
Because I see a Naturopath (N.D.) and not a conventional doctor (M.D.), my Naturopath recommended an herbal blend for thyroid support. The first thyroid herbal blend given was by MediHerb and the following months of herbal blends have been by Gaia Herbs Thyroid Support and contain Ashwagandha Root, Bladderwrack, Coleus, Kelp, and Schisandra. I have been taking 1 tbsp. of Maca Root Powder each day in my hemp protein shakes while also taking my herbal thyroid support. My thyroid has responded well to the herbs so I have not taken any conventional medicines such as synthroid or levothyroxin, so I do not know if Maca would interfere or not? I wish I had a clearer answer for you!
Best wishes,
Kait
Thanks for your comments! I’m happy to hear about your success using maca and avoiding conventional meds!
Well, after reading this post, I ran out to buy some Maca powder. I put a bit less than a tablespoon in some freshly made almond milk. It tasted quite nice. But, now, about two hours later–stomach cramps and gas! Yow. I don’t know if this means that I am not tolerating it well, or that I have detox, or what!
Any gas associated with taking Raw Maca is most likely due to the starch content of the Raw powder. You an try a couple things to help. First try taking it without any fruit or fruit juice and wait at least 30 minutes before eating any fruit or fruit juice. Second, try taking it only in water or almond/rice milk.
If that doesn’t help then you should absolutely try Gelatinized Maca. It has been cooked and has had all starch content removed. Everyone who gets gas or bloating with Raw Maca actually does fine on Gelatinized Maca. The company in the link shared by Foodbabe, The Maca Team, actually sells 3 kinds of Gelatinized Maca fyi. Hope that helps!
Cyndi
Thanks for the reply. As I wrote, I did take it with almond milk, not fruit juice! I do think I had some dried mango afterwards though. I am willing to give it a go tomorrow with no fruit aftarwards. I live in Israel, so I can only buy what is available here, and this white maca powder is the only thing I found after going to several local health food stores. (They had capsules available though).
I feel uncomfortable with eating food that is grown so far away. What are the environmental effects of shipping food from Central America to me here in the eastern United States? What are the effects on the cost of that produce to the local people there? I understand, Food Babe, that you are being paid to advocate for this vegetable, but I don’t see that importing it in great quantities is in our best interests.
How do you know that Vani is being paid to advocate for this???
She’s promoting a product and a company. I just assumed. Vani, could you clarify? Are you being paid to promote this product?
Vani, are you being paid by this company to endorse this product?
I understand your concerns about this product being shipped from so far away and the effects on the native people. But I have family members that do similar work as Vani but in other fields. Often times they receive products for free from these companies in hopes that they will try them out and then write about them. But it is not acceptable to promote a product simply for the sake of money. I honestly believe that Vani writes from her heart and honestly wants to do a greater good in society and help others to be as healthy as possible. It’s unfair that you assume that she wrote this article because she is getting paid to promote a product…. I truly don’t think she would be promoting it if she didn’t feel like it would benefit other, paid or not.
As long as the Maca is organic, there should be no concern in regards to pesticide use. Most unorganic, conventional veggies are covered in pesticides here too. I understand that some other countries don’t regulate as well as the US, but there are also other countries that actually regulate even better than the US, and some countries that have even banned particular pesticides that the US still uses. If you are concerned about where the Maca is from, you could always find out where it is grown and research their regulations, but I would highly recommend organic which should lessen concern a bit.
I’m not concerned about pesticides in this situation.
I worry about climate change and how much fossil fuel is used to ship products across the globe.
I worry that local people will not be able to afford a nutritious product if they are selling it to people far away.
And, in reply to someone above (I don’t see that I have the ability to reply), I feel the entire point of Vani’s blog is that we shouldn’t blindly follow the advice of anyone in the food industry. We should research and investigate and question. And so, I’m questioning. Did Vani write this post because she really believes in this product or did she write it because she was paid to do it?
I agree with Mamie that it would have been better for FoodBabe to have mentioned in her blog article that people should check with their physicians before trying the maca supplement or any supplement. It seems to me that was an easy mistake to make in her excitement and enthusiasm of wanting to share the information on maca with us all – well intentioned. I thought it was very nice and professional of her to respond to multiple people’s comments about the article and did tell them to check in with their doctor at that point.
Also, she did give a research link early on in the article:
‘In an extensive study of the maca plant, Dr. Gustavo F Gonzales found that maca can enhance the ability for an individual to “adapt” to a stressful environment by “improving homeostasis” in the body.’ The ‘extensive study of the maca plant’ is linked to this: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3184420/
which I read and found it to be a well put together meta-analysis of many research studies. At first I thought, ok these are all studies done on rats and mice so they may or may not affect humans in the same way, but then later in the paper it has a whole section on research studies done with human participants. The results are overall impressive even though there are a few results demonstrate that more research is needed to be conclusive for some aspects of its supposed benefits. My one beef with the paper and this article by food babe, is that the evidence for reducing stress was not that strong in my opinion. Anyone, please correct me if I missed it, but I did not see anything in the research paper about maca reducing cortisol levels. It can lower blood pressure. And it reduced anxiety and depression for menopausal women, but I would like to see a study on it’s ability or reduce anxiety, depression, and cortisol levels in people of all ages.
Overall though I thought this was very informative and I am glad that other readers brought to attention the complications maca may have with thyroid health and pregnancy. Personally, I am looking forward to trying the maca powder carefully starting with very small amounts primarily for the positive effects it has on learning and memory and energy, but am excited to reap the other benefits like promoting bone health.
Dear Vani,
Could you please provide your views on whether people with high TSH levels I. e. hypothyroidism and also who are taking medication such as Leothyroxin can incorporate Maca into their diet. As per, the previous comments, it appears that maca root intake interferes with hypothyroidism medication. However, your article suggests that it can actually help in normalizing thyoxine. Thanks for your express opinion in this regard.
PS: My wife, Anu follows ur foodbabe website regularly and is a big fan of your health tips. She introduced me to this article about maca.
C’mon people, it’s common sense that YOU should do your own research for what you put in your body! If that is too difficult for you, then find yourself a good Naturopath to discuss your dietary concerns, supplements, medications, etc.
What is the difference between this and Royal Maca? Royal Maca completely got rid of hot flashes!
My OB/Gyn(she is actually the ARNP in the office) just recommended maca root powder to me. I was complaining of being tired all the time and the heaviest that I’ve ever been. My thyroid levels came back fine from my annual physical. She recommended maca root powder. She said startout slow, put it in a smoothie or juice. I have had no problems with it at all. I’m not as tired but have had no weight loss but I really believe that a combination of continued diet and exercise will help improve that.
I just bought maca complex from gnc today. Gnc brand. Is this an ok way to get it? I also get some from shakeology ! Worried bc I have low thyroid but not on any meds.
Interesting. I have been on thyroid supplementation for 13 years. Not once has my doctor told me not to eat green leafy foods or to stay away from broccoli or cauliflower. I eat lots of them and my thyroid levels are ok , we did just change my medication to Armour thyroid. I have tried Maca and loved it as well took it for 6 months every day 2 years ago made me feel great, took the gelatinized version because of the warnings about digestion . I stopped taking it because of financial issues only . I have been disabled for 20 years from a spine injury so I have had to cut back on some things. Maca to me is very ‘comforting’ in it’s taste it blends well as ‘ Food Babe’ says with chocolate , and with various fruits.
I surely understand Food’s enthusiasm but not in this aspect. You can be enthusiastic and not recommend something like this. It’s dangerous. The comment about checking in with their doctor should have been in the article to start with. If only to help her because this woman is not a professional.
People get desperate and are so vulnerable they could rush out and get this supplement and have a very bad reaction. I’m not saying this would happen, I’m saying it’s possible, especially with the previous posts about what it has done to people.
This is a dangerous post. Good luck with your Maca!
I have been experiencing weight gain for the past 18 months or so and it is frustrating. A little over a month ago I decided to cut out my sugary caffeinated beverages and now find I am overly tired. This is omething I will look into further. I actually just ordered a green coffee bean supplement yesterday as well as a superfood green mix to try and remedy both the fatigue and weight gain. I haven’t clicked the link for the maca but something tells me it is pretty pricey.