Not As Nutrient Dense– Gelatinized maca is more condensed, which means it has a stronger gram-for-gram nutrient profile. Some athletes and bodybuilders use maca root as a supplement to increase energy and performance. Some evidence exists to support this.

Maca Team – UK – Select Peruvian Maca The Maca Team – UK – Select Peruvian Maca

Since maca seems to affect sex hormones, those with hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid it. These cancers include ovarian, breast, endometrial, and uterine. In addition, those with fibroids in the uterus should not take it. Jivad, N., & Rabiei, Z. (2014, October). A review study on medicinal plants used in the treatment of learning and memory impairments. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 4(10), 780–789 Follicle-Stimulating Hormone - Gonzales GF, Córdova A, Vega K, Chung A, Villena A, Góñez C Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men J Endocrinol. (2003 Jan)Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals, which can damage cells in the body. Some people believe antioxidants can help prevent some health conditions, including heart disease and cancer. 9. Reducing menopause symptoms Maca root has been used as food and medicine in the Andes for thousands of years, according to the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. But currently, there isn't a ton of scientific research on maca root and maca powder benefits, says registered dietitian Kerry Clifford, M.S., R.D., L.D.N. Experts are still learning about its purported effects, but here's what they've found out about maca benefits thus far.

Maca Side Effects: Brace Yourself, This Needs Your Attention Maca Side Effects: Brace Yourself, This Needs Your Attention

But here's the thing... it is absolutely and utterly disgusting. It smells horrible and tastes even worse. I am not one of those people who turns their nose up at supplements because of flavor or smell; I push through for the benefit and recognize natural products are not necessairly going to be pleasant. However, this one is giving me pause. I have tried using it in my morning BSN Syntha Vanilla protein shake (best protein powder ever, like melted ice cream), which is mixed with unsweetened flax or almond milk and frozen blueberries. This maca destroys the whole delicious shake and all I can taste is maca. I tried adding yogurt into it too, but again, only maca flavor. A 2016 review found some evidence that maca root may increase semen quality in both fertile and infertile men. However, more research is needed. 5. Improving mood Lepidium peruvianum or maca is a root belonging to the radish family and is found only in areas atop the continental mountain range of Andes (these herbs are grown at an altitude of 14,000 – 15,000 feet), only in the Peruvian and Bolivian sections. Called maca-maca by the Spanish, this root was also used as a form of currency during Spanish colonization in Peru. Maca was and is hailed for its powers to infuse strength and energy in people and its various other health benefits are still in the process of identification. However, ongoing researches have unearthed a few conditions under which certain maca herb side effects can be observed in an individual. Since it is of utmost importance that one finds out about all possible side effects of herbs before adopting them, here are some possible maca side effects that may affect you adversely if you are less vigilant. In pancakes. Not in a baking mood? Toss some maca powder into batter for whole grain pancakes, says Clifford — or try these maca chia cocoa protein pancakes from the blog Cali Girl Cooking. http://www.angiosperms.org/jsp/maca/publication/Beneficial%20effects%20of%20Lepidium%20meyenii%20(Maca)%20on%20psychological%20symptoms%20and%20measures%20of%20sexual%20dysfunction%20in%20postmenopausal%20women%20are%20not%20related%20to%20estrogen%20or%20androgen%20content.pdfHowever, some other trials have shown that the benefits of maca on bone health are experienced after around 4 months of supplementation. Side Effects of Maca Supplements According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), here's the nutritional profile for one teaspoon (about 5 grams) of maca powder: Even though it is not proven, maca can interfere with medicines administered to thyroid patients.This is due to the fact that maca is composed of a variety of minerals, such as calcium and iron, which prevent the optimal absorption of thyroid medications. Also, 1500 mg of dried maca has a high iodine content of 78µg. This can aggravate thyroid side effectsin an individual. Maca is also believed to hinder the course of antibiotic medicines inside the body. Gelatinization is a heat-based extrusion process that turns raw maca into what is essentially a predigested form of the root—gelatinized maca. Progesterone - Tsuyoshi Takewaka, Kiyoshi Hara Clinical Effect of Oral Administration of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Extract on Japanese Peri-Menopausal Women Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Int J Biomed Sci. ()