Is It Best To Take Maca With Or Without Food

Introduction

Maca root is a popular superfood that has gained popularity over the past several decades.   Originally consumed as whole vegetable (like a potato or a beet), maca is currently sold in several forms, ranging from maca root powder, to maca capsules, to maca extracts.   No matter how it is taken, maca is associated with a variety of benefits including increased energy, enhanced focus, balanced hormones and more.   

In terms of getting the most out of adding maca to your diet, the question often arises if it’s best to take maca with or without food.  In this article we’ll answer that question in depth and explore other factors that influence whether or not you enjoy your maca with or without food.  

Maca Is A Food

The first thing to understand about maca root is that it is in and of itself a food.   For centuries it has been eaten as a staple food in the high Andes regions of Peru and Bolivia.   The edible part of the plant is the root, which resembles a beet root in size.    Maca roots grow in a range of colors that are typically divided into three general groups of yellow maca, red maca and black maca.   When maca powder is imported into the U.S. it is imported as a “flour,” which of course is a food.  When the powder is put in capsules or made into an extract it is officially designated as a “supplement.”  However, at least in the case of maca capsules from The Maca Team, the only ingredient is maca powder and for that reason we still consider them to be more of a food than a supplement.  

Reasons To Take Maca With Food

Consuming your maca powder or maca capsules is the most convenient when it is done at the same time as eating other foods.  We typically recommend eating maca in the morning and many choose to do so with their breakfast.   The advantages of consuming maca with other foods include:

1. Enhanced nutrient absorption: Some nutrients in maca root are fat-soluble, which means they are better absorbed when consumed with dietary fats. Taking maca root with a meal that includes healthy fats can enhance nutrient absorption.
2. Blood sugar regulation: Consuming maca root with a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates, protein, and fats can help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing rapid spikes and crashes.
3. Sustained energy: Taking maca root with a meal can provide a steady release of energy throughout the day, which can be beneficial for those seeking enhanced stamina and endurance.
4. Personal tolerance: Some individuals may find that taking maca root with food helps them tolerate it better, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.

Reasons To Take Maca Without Other Foods

On the other hand, there are also a few reasons why you might choose to take maca without food.   People who go for this option typically enjoy their maca powder or capsules at least ½ an hour before or ½ an hour after eating other foods.   The advantages of this approach include:

1. Faster absorption: When taken on an empty stomach, maca root may be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream, potentially leading to faster onset of its effects.
2. Flexibility: Taking maca root without food allows for greater flexibility, as it can be consumed at any time, even if a meal is not immediately available.
3. Preference: Some individuals simply prefer the convenience of taking maca root without the need for a meal.

Be Careful About Taking Maca With Fruit

If you do choose to take maca capsules or powder with other foods we recommend starting slowly with fruits or fruit juice.   The reason for that is we’ve found that some individuals report upset stomach symptoms when eating maca with fruit or fruit juice.   The reason for this is that fruit passes through the digestive system more quickly than other types of foods and carries the maca with it too quickly than is ideal for optimum digestion.   If this happens to you when you consume maca simply stop taking it at the same time as fruit or fruit juice.    Note that this only affects about 10% of people.   If you are like the other 90% of people, you may find that your system responds well to having maca with fruit. 

The Liquid Maca Extract Exception

When it comes to our liquid maca extracts we recommend taking them between meal times.   That’s simply to provide faster absorption of the nutrients in the extract.   To take one of our extracts you simply hold ¼ teaspoon of the liquid under your tongue for about 1 minute before swallowing.  This allows many of the nutrients in the extract to enter the bloodstream directly.

Other Considerations

When deciding whether to take maca root with or without food, it’s a good idea to consider the following factors:

1. Personal preferance: If you experience digestive discomfort when taking maca root on an empty stomach, it may be better to consume it with food (but not with fruit)
2. Desired effects: The timing of your maca root consumption may depend on the specific benefits you seek.  If you want a quick energy boost, taking it without food may be better. If you're aiming for sustained energy or improved digestion, taking it with food is more desirable.
3. Maca serving size: Be mindful of the recommended serving for maca root, as taking more than that is not necessarily helpful, regardless of whether it's taken with or without food.
4. Seeking advice: If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, it's advisable to consult a competent and knowledgeable healthcare professional before adding maca root to your daily routine. They should be able to provide personalized guidance on the best way to take it based on your individual needs.

Conclusion

Maca root is a versatile superfood that can be incorporated into your daily routine with or without food, depending on your preferences and goals. Some people may find that taking maca root with food enhances their digestive comfort, while others may prefer the convenience of taking it on an empty stomach for faster absorption.

We hope that this article has helped answer the question about taking maca with or without food.   If you have any further doubts or questions please let us know.  Our customer service team is always happy to help.

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Enjoy the day!