Is It Ok To Have Maca Everyday

Introduction

Over the past 20 years a simple root vegetable from the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia has become increasingly popular. This vegetable, called maca root, has a rich nutrient profile that includes some very unique amino acids which are thought to improve hormone balance and functioning within the body. Maca is associated with a wide range of benefits and for that reason some people have made it a part of their daily diet. But the question remains, is it ok to have maca everyday? In this article we’ll answer that question and also provide a few suggestions based on many years of work with this simple superfood.

What Is Maca Anyway?

Maca is a vegetable that originated in the Andes mountains. It grows at very high elevations and in rocky, dry soils. In spite of these harsh conditions, the maca plant produces an edible root that is typically the size of a radish or small beet.   This root is incredibly nutrient dense, containing essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, copper, iron, potassium, and various B vitamins. 

Maca was originally discovered when farmers noticed that the livestock that ate the roots were more fertile.   Subsequently people began to eat the root as well. Written and oral records suggest that natives of the high mountains have used this root as a staple food in their diet for 1000s of years. It has also been used as a form of currency (in the Incan empire) and as a form of natural medicine. 

What Forms Does Maca Come In?

Although maca is a root vegetable, you won’t be able to purchase the whole roots unless you are in Peru. That’s because maca root is protected as a heritage product by the Peruvian government which makes the export of whole roots illegal. Outside of Peru maca root products are found in four common presentations:

• Maca powder – this is the most common and is simply maca roots that have been ground into a fine powder. The fineness of this powder makes nutrient absorption somewhat easier.
• Maca capsules – at The Maca Team our capsules contain 100% maca powder. Maca capsules make getting an exact serving size of maca easier. People who don’t appreciate the earthy taste of maca powder typically prefer capsules.
• Maca chips – these are the closest thing to whole maca roots that are available outside of Peru.   These are simply maca roots that have been ground into small chunks instead of being powdered.   They are great for making teas and porridges.
• Maca extracts – liquid maca extracts are a simple way to get the benefits of maca quickly. The important nutrients of maca are extracted in a glycerin or alcohol tincture and the resulting liquid helps transport these nutrients quickly.

Is It OK to Have Maca Every Day?

The simple answer to this question is: “yes, it’s fine to consume maca root products every day.” There are no contraindications or side-effects associated with daily maca consumption.   Moreover, people have traditionally eaten them daily for nearly their entire lifetimes.

More is not necessarily better when it comes to maca.   While it’s fine to eat maca on a daily basis, it’s important to do so in moderation. Following the appropriate maca dosage is key to getting the most out of your experience with maca root.  

If you have any specific health concerns we recommend that you consult with a knowledgeable health care professional for advice on taking maca root products.

Is It Good To Take A Break From Maca Sometimes?

If you’ve seen our website or even our packaging you’ll notice that we typically recommend that a person take a break from maca every so often once they have been using it daily for a month or more. Our general recommendation is to take 1 day off per week or 4 days off in a row per month.   This is an optional practice, but we do recommend it for most people since it gives the body a break from maca and allows the body to adjust.   While this recommendation is not based on research, it does make sense in the same way that any healthful food is best when eaten in moderation.

Final Words

Maca root is truly an amazing functional food that can bring many benefits to those who take it.   Enjoying it daily is fine and taking it over the long term is also fine.   In fact, benefits often become deeper or more noticeable the longer a person takes maca root regularly and at a consistent serving size. 

To get the most out of your experience of maca, make sure that you have a product that is made from organically grown maca roots from Peru, that is as fresh as possible and that is carefully stored and packaged.   At The Maca Team 100% of our focus is on maca products and we take great care to provide the world with the highest quality and best selection of maca anywhere. If you have any questions please let us know. We’re always happy to help.

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