How Long Do Maca Results Last

Introduction

Maca root is a nutrient dense food that originated and is still grown in the high Andes mountains of Peru and Bolivia.   Traditionally revered by natives of the region, maca root has steadily gained in worldwide popularity over the past few decades.   From increased energy and hormonal balance to enhanced fertility and mood, the list of positive outcomes attributed to maca root is impressive. However, a pertinent question remains: Are these effects truly permanent, or do they fade over time? In this article, we will delve into the science and explore whether the results of incorporating maca root into your regimen are, indeed, sustainable.

A Brief Overview of Maca Root

The scientific name of maca root is lepidium meyenii.  It was first classified in the mid 1800s and falls in the cruciferous vegetable family.  By that time, it had already been cultivated as a food and used as a medicine for both animals and livestock for hundreds if not thousands of years.   

Maca root is considered to be an adaptogen, which means that it can help the body adapt to stressors or other imbalances.   It is also exceptionally rich in nutrients including nearly all amino acids, several vitamin and minerals as well as the unique nutrients called macaenes and macamides.  

How Maca Works

Research has often attributed the benefits of maca root to its unique blend of nutrients, including amino acids, fatty acids, and plant sterols.  Although the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, it is clear that adding maca root to your diet can have a positive impact on the endocrine system.   Maca is thought to influence overall hormone levels, which may lead to improvements in overall regulation of the hormones.   And since hormones are crucially important to various aspect of wellness, the benefits people see from taking maca can indeed be wide ranging.  

Short Term vs. Long Term Gains

One of the common misconceptions about maca root is that it is a supplement or an herb.  That’s not that case.  Maca is a food, albeit a powerful food, and takes time to work in the system.  Typically, it can take 2-6 weeks of consistent use for people to start seeing initial results from adding maca to their diets.   This range varies depending upon the state of an individual’s overall hormonal health.   Deeper benefits often come with extended use over a longer period of time.   

Beyond that, studies examining the long-term effects of maca root are relatively limited, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about its sustained impact. While some individuals may experience lasting benefits, others might find that the effects diminish over time.

Are Maca Results Long Lasting?

Since maca root works with the endocrine system, which is constantly changing as we age, the benefits seen from maca also change during different times of life.   For example, maca may have an excellent result for a teenager with hormone related acne.  Later in life maca may help that same individual with fertility and still later maca may help to alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause and promote bone health.     In that way, the results of maca are not necessarily permanent, but rather seem to evolve as you progress through life.

Managing Expectations

In the realm of functional foods, it's good to approach each product with realistic expectations. Maca root undoubtedly offers a range of potential benefits, but it's crucial to understand that the results are individual.   Incorporating maca into a comprehensive wellness plan that considers various lifestyle factors can maximize its potential benefits.

Additionally, it’s important to understand that maca does not work immediately.   It’s therefore important to give it time to begin to impact overall well-being and to stay consistent in taking it.   

The sustainability of maca root's effects is a complex interplay between biology, individual variability, and environmental factors.  And improvements in energy levels and mood may be more sustainable if maca root is integrated into a holistic wellness routine that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Hormonal effects, such as enhanced fertility, might be influenced by factors beyond maca consumption, such as age, overall health, and lifestyle choices.

How To Get The Most Out Of Maca

There are several things you can do to make sure you have the best chance of succeeding with maca.    

• Buy only certified organic maca
• Buy maca products exclusively made from maca roots grown in Peru
• Make sure to get the freshest maca possible
• Once opened store maca in a sealed container to preserve freshness
• Take the recommended serving size
• Be consistent with taking maca – we recommend taking it daily for at least 30 days before taking a break
• Add a liquid maca extract to your routine in addition to maca powder or maca capsules.

Which Maca Is Best For You?

Over the years we’ve matched thousands of people with the right maca for their specific purposes and stage of life.    We have an excellent page and product finder tool that can help you do the same.   Click here the discover the best maca for you.   

If you have any questions or doubts please let us know.  We’re always happy to help.

Enjoy the day!