Few superfoods have stood the test of time quite like Maca. A hardy Peruvian root that thrives at altitudes above 3,500m, it has been a staple of Andean life for over 2,000 years and remains one of the most popular adaptogenic supplements in the modern wellness world.
šæ What is Maca?
Maca was one of the first products that we started selling, back in 2005. It has consistently remained in our top ten superfood best-sellers. So what's all the fuss about?
Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable, similar to a turnip. It only grows at high altitudes above 3,500m; as such, it is a plant that can withstand great extremes of temperature and so is exceptionally hardy and resilient. When we consume maca, we are consuming that energy of being able to stay strong despite the ups and downs of external circumstances. Maca brings us the fortitude to make it to the top, no matter what!
š A Brief History of Maca
While there are several different perspectives, it seems that the human cultivation of Maca began in JunĆn, Peru, over 2,000 years ago. With the cold climate and mountainous terrain food was hard to produce; Maca however has a high cold tolerance and is a highly adaptable plant. It also has a very rich nutritional profile and thereby came to be an excellent food source for these conditions.
Its later reputation for being reserved for royalty seems likely to be more of a legend than historical fact, but speaks to the power that Maca held in Incan culture ā where it came to be known as a source of strength, vitality and power. It has a long history of being fed to soldiers before battle, and being used in rituals and ceremonies. It was also offered to couples having difficulty conceiving as a fertility treatment.
The story goes that under Spanish colonisation the highlands were turned into sheep pastures and Maca's availability became scarce. With that however, the sheep population, previously known for its virility, also began to dwindle. The Spaniards turned to the local population for assistance, where Maca was suggested. Under its implementation, the sheep numbers again began to soar.
š§¬ What is an Adaptogen?
Maca is classed as an adaptogen; adaptogens have become a bit of a buzzword, and there is a lot of confusion as to what exactly an adaptogenic plant is. Our Western minds are trained to think in a way that is symptom-based; we isolate specific imbalances in the body and treat them individually. By contrast,Ā Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the body as a whole, and particularly what is known as The Five Elements ā that is the different energy systems in the body and how they are out of balance. Adaptogens work in this more general way; they restore homeostasis in the body, by getting to core imbalances, and thus specific symptoms are reduced, or cleared entirely.
āØ Why is Maca So Popular?
Maca is particularly popular among women because of its long association as a natural hormone balancer. For women, balancing their hormonal needs among busy Western lifestyles is one of the top stressors, which is why so many women have come to use a daily intake of Maca.
Maca has a rich nutritional profile, providing a notable range of vitamins and minerals including vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C, as well as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium. It is also a good source of amino acids and dietary fibre, making it a genuinely nourishing whole food as well as a supplement. This broad nutritional base is part of why it has been a dietary staple in the Andes for thousands of years, not just a tonic herb.
Maca also has a long history of traditional use in men's vitality and well-being. It has been valued across cultures for its association withĀ energy, stamina and resilience ā qualities that made it a staple for warriors, farmers and anyone engaged in sustained physical effort.
As a source of natural plant sterols, it's also popular among athletes, yogis, and anyone doing a lot of physical labour, for the energy and stamina it provides, without over-stimulating the adrenals. Today it is popular with athletes, generally active people and those looking for natural support for their overall vitality, without the peaks and crashes of stimulants.
š What's the Difference Between the Different Colours of Maca?
They all share a relatively similar makeup but each variety does have a slightly different nutritional profile. Yellow Maca is the most common variety and contains the highest levels of vitamins B3 and C; it is therefore generally used for vitality treatments. Red Maca has a higher phytonutrient content and is the variety typically associated with female fertility. Finally, Black Maca is thought to help with hormonal rebalancing and is typically used for this purpose.
We only sell yellow Maca as it's the best all-rounder and most popular of the colours!
š« How Do You Use Maca?
There are a host of Maca recipes in Kate's books; with its malty flavour, it is a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. Enjoy it in your breakfast porridge, chia, or yoghurt; add it to a smoothie or mylk; goes great in raw chocolate recipes; and don't be scared to add it to a salad dressing or dip. There's a great recipe for Maca Bliss Balls here and a creamy hot chocolate to complement them.
We have two Raw Living chocolate bars which contain maca available; Woosh is paired with Gingko, and has a distinctive vanilla flavour; whilst Hi-Lovers combines Maca with Shatavari and rose.
If you're looking for a blend to mix into smoothies, breakfast or any other recipe that takes your fancy ourĀ Tonic Power is an excellent option.Ā Anima Mundi is always a good option when it comes to looking for quality tonics and blends, you can find their products that contain Maca here.
Like all the Peruvian superfoods, Maca is a gift from the gods! With our stressful modern lifestyles, we considerĀ Maca an element to potentially maintaining the levels of calm, focused energy that we need to keep our lives running. If it's not already part of your regular intake, check it out here and find out for yourself why our Maca has over 50 5-star reviews.
We recommend starting with one teaspoon, and working up gradually; a good maintenance dose is one tablespoon daily.
ā Maca FAQs
Q: What does maca taste like and how do you use it? A: Maca has a distinctive malty, slightly earthy flavour that works surprisingly well in both sweet and savoury dishes. It blends easily into smoothies, porridge, chia bowls and raw chocolate recipes, and can even be added to salad dressings and dips. Start with one teaspoon and build up gradually as you get used to the flavour and your body adjusts.
Q: Is maca suitable for men as well as women? A: Absolutely ā while maca is particularly popular among women, it is equally well regarded as a tonic for men. It is widely used by athletes, yogis and those doing physical labour for the energy and stamina it supports, without over-stimulating the adrenals. Its adaptogenic properties make it a useful daily supplement for anyone looking to support their overall vitality and resilience.
Q: Is maca safe to take every day? A: Maca has been consumed as a daily food staple in the Peruvian Andes for thousands of years, and is widely considered safe for regular use. We recommend starting with one teaspoon daily and building up to a tablespoon as a good maintenance dose. As with any supplement, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication it is worth checking with a healthcare practitioner first.
Q: Can maca help with energy without caffeine? A: Yes ā maca is a popular choice for those looking for sustained energy without the peaks and crashes associated with caffeine. As an adaptogen, it works by supporting the body's natural stress response and adrenal function rather than artificially stimulating it. It is particularly valued by athletes and active people for the endurance and stamina it supports over time.
Q: What's the best time of day to take maca? A: Most people find maca works best taken in the morning or early afternoon ā added to a breakfast smoothie, porridge or mylk. Because it supports energy and focus, taking it late in the day may interfere with sleep for some people, though it affects everyone differently. Consistency matters more than timing ā a daily teaspoon at whatever point fits your routine is the best approach.
š Ready to Try Maca?
Maca has been part of the Raw Living family since the very beginning ā and after twenty years, it remains one of our most loved and trusted superfoods. Whether you're new to it or looking to stock up, browse our full range of Maca products here and find the variety that works best for you. š±
