Maca for Weight Loss: Does it Work?

If you’ve made any effort to change your health habits in the past decade, you’ve probably encountered all kinds of fad diets - low-carb, no-carb, keto, intermittent fasting, all of it touted as the latest and greatest way to “lose fat FAST!” And of course, there are the “miracle foods” that are supposed to turn it all around. Hopefully you’ve learned that extreme dieting is no healthy way to get into better shape, and taken the time to discuss your fitness goals with a medical professional. If so, you’re doing better than that one uncle who swore by eating nothing but canned tuna and boiled potatoes for two weeks.

Nutrition plays a significant role in your physical fitness - even seasoned bodybuilders will tell you that “abs are made in the kitchen.” You’ve no doubt heard someone or other sing the praises of some superfood or other, like kale or cauliflower. But have you heard of maca?

What is Maca?

We’ll get into the particulars of what maca can and can’t do for you later. Let’s start with the basics: maca, also known as Lepidium meyenii, is a cruciferous vegetable like broccoli or cauliflower. When you purchase maca powder, what you’re getting is the dried and finely-ground root of the plant. One of the many things that makes maca so special is where it’s grown. Maca has been grown for human consumption in the Andes Mountains, particularly in some of the highest regions of Peru. Though it’s now grown in some other parts of the world, it’s worth noting that maca harvested outside of its home terrain will differ in quality. For that reason, among others, it’s essential to source your maca from reliable sellers who can guarantee a Peruvian-grown product free of fillers or additives.

The Maca Team’s organic maca is grown by a co-op of local farmers in the Junin Plateau region of the Andes, where it’s sustainably harvested and is certified Fair Trade and non-GMO. The maca roots, which come in three colors - red, black, and yellow - are then either sundried or dried in low-temperature dehydrators before being ground and sent to us in small batches, ensuring that the maca you purchase is as fresh as possible.

Why Should I Add Maca to My Diet?

Maca is a superfood like kale and cauliflower, which means that it can provide your body with a healthy dose of some essential nutrients. And the list of its associated benefits is seemingly endless. In Peru, it’s known largely for its energizing and libido-boosting properties. Both men and women consume maca in order to boost fertility and to improve their stamina. Maca is an adaptogen, which means that it helps even out your hormonal health. It also contains glucosinolates, anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that can help your body fight cancer cells. And it’s known to help stave off signs of depression and anxiety. So why wouldn’t you want to add maca to your diet?

Can Maca Help me Lose Weight?

As Harvard University’s Director of the Department of Nutrition writes, “no single food - not even a superfood - can offer all the nutrition, health benefits, and energy we need to nourish ourselves.” This means that while maca can certainly help you work towards your wellness goals, it won’t do all the heavy lifting for you. That said, it can help you with heavy lifting!

How can maca help you lose weight? Maca should be part of a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. Taken consistently, you may start to notice that it’s helping you work out longer, and harder. Maca works to increase your energy and improve your overall mood, making it easier for you to keep up with your health regimen. Your serving size will depend on your size and goals - check out our FAQs for some pointers, as well as our Maca Finder tool, which can help you figure out which maca product to try out first.

Questions?

Can you tell that we love talking about our maca? If you have any questions about our organic maca products, don’t hesitate to Contact Us using our web form, or call us toll-free at 888-919-8616!

Enjoy the day