Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant native to the high, cold, and windy Andes regions of Peru, and thus, is sometimes called the Peruvian ginseng. It belongs to the brassica or cruciferous family of vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflowers, cabbages, and mustard. However, maca is a root plant like the turnip, which is also a part of the same family. Both have their roots as the edible part, with the maca’s coming in different varieties and colors: cream (most common), red (sweetest), and black (rarest).
Maca is known to have several nutritional and medicinal properties and has been traditionally used by the Peruvian natives as food supplements, usually in dried powder form. Maca powder’s taste is earthy or nutty, and some people may find it difficult to take as is, so these are added to various meals and treats.
Maca powder is reported to have a high carbohydrate content, full of nutrients (iron, copper, and Vitamin C), and contains substantial bioactive herbal compounds.
The most notable and popular benefits of maca are its perceived ability to increase fertility in men and boost libido in both sexes. Other benefits include helping to reduce menstrual symptoms (women) and prostate size (men); boost energy, memory, and learning abilities; and protect skin from harmful UV rays. Of course, continuous studies are being done to verify these benefits.
Due to all these features, several health supplements are being offered by different brands to take advantage of the recent resurgence of maca’s popularity. In this guide, we will present our choices of the best maca powder supplements and the criteria by which we judged them.
Best Maca Powder Supplement Ranked:
- Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Maca – Buy here Editor’s Choice
- HealthWorks Maca Root Powder – Buy here
- The Maca Team Organic Red Maca Root Powder – Buy here
- Gaia Herbs Gelatinized Maca Powder – Buy here
- Gaia Herbs Maca Root Capsules – Buy here
- Solaray Maca – Buy here
- Halison Health Maca Marvel – Buy here
- Pure Mountain Botanicals Maca – Buy here
- Imlak’esh Organics Maca Powder – Buy here
- Pure Encapsulations Maca-3 – Buy here
Editor’s Choice Product: Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Maca
Our editing team has unanimously agreed that Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Maca is the best maca powder supplement brand for the following reasons:
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- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- Free of gluten and other allergens
- Kosher certified
- Easy to digest and absorb
- Optional raw powder or gelatinized forms
Navitas Naturals offers their maca powder supplement in raw form or gelatinized. Both variants are easy to digest and absorb, with the latter being more gentle to the stomach, as it contains significantly less plant starches. The brand supplement claims to maintain balanced stress levels and boost natural energy.
Pros
- Rich in nutrients
- Kosher certified
- Vegan
- Allergen (gluten) free
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Has a sweet but pungent taste
Ingredients
- 100% powdered maca root (cream or yellow)
Rating
4.6 of 5
Who Produces It?
Navitas (‘energy’ in Latin) is a leading health-focused producer of top-quality dietary supplements founded in 2003. They are famous for their endorsement of traditional farming methods, maintainable agriculture, and equal-trade practices.
The gelatinized variant is slightly more expensive than its raw counterpart, but both are still affordable. Just don’t be surprised with the slightly curious taste.
2. HealthWorks Maca Root Powder
Based on ground yellow organic maca roots, HealthWorks powdered maca is an excellent supplement for people trying out maca for the first time, and those somewhat overwhelmed by the other maca variants’ (black and red) stronger taste. This 100% organic raw superfood has antioxidant properties, and may naturally boost energy.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
- Certified organic
- Nutrient-packed superfood
- Affordable
Cons
- May contain lead
- Made in facilities processing products with allergens
Ingredients
- 100% powder maca root (raw)
Rating
4.5 of 5
Who Produces It?
An Arizona-based manufacturer of premium dietary supplements, HealthWorks has been a dedicated proponent of sustainable agriculture. They use only top-quality ingredients from small local farmers worldwide, particularly in Asia and South America. They make sure all their products are certified organic, minimally processed, and sustainably cultivated.
Furthermore, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, with no questions asked.
3. The Maca Team Organic Red Maca Root Powder
The Maca Team Organic Red Maca Root Powder contains red maca, which has the most phytonutrients, as well as antitumoral and antioxidant compounds among the different maca variants. Furthermore, red maca has a more pleasant and milder sweet taste that makes it an excellent additional flavor in several food treats and beverages. The product is sustainably and traditionally cultivated in Junin, Peru, where the raw roots are sun-dried, processed with care, and packaged promptly.
Pros
- Milder sweet taste
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
- Certified organic
Cons
- Has no FDA-proven therapeutic benefits
Ingredients
- 100% raw powdered red maca roots
Rating
4.5 of 5
Who Produces It?
The Maca Team focuses on, and are experts in everything about maca. They use only the best source of red maca that is grown sustainably, harvested carefully, and stringently tested for quality before packaging. The company backs their products with excellent customer service; practices fair-trade at all times to satisfy customers while caring for the workers and farmers handling the products. The Maca Team also continuously searches for new maca applications and considers their customers as partners in innovation.
4. Gaia Herbs Gelatinized Maca Powder
Gaia Herbs Maca Powder features a blend of different maca variations, and the gelatinized product is gentler to the digestive system compared to the raw kind. This top-quality maca supplement from Gaia can help in balancing hormone levels, boosting energy, and supporting an active libido.
Pros
- Caffeine-free
- Gluten-free
- Certified organic
- Non-GMO
- Vegetarian
Cons
- A bit more expensive
Ingredients
- All organic maca root in powder
form
Rating
4.4 of 5
Who Produces It?
As a company, Gaia Herbs is all about integrity and purity. The Gaia team is proud about treating all the company employees as members of a big family and being dedicated to providing premium products that may aid people in maintaining their wellbeing.
5. Gaia Herbs Maca Root Capsules
Another quality product from Gaia Herbs, their Maca Root Capsules supplement contains a blend of black, red, and yellow maca roots ground to a powder consistency. The powder mixture is then gelatinized, making it more potent while allowing for quicker digestion and absorption by the body. Primarily considered as a valued aphrodisiac
it is also known to provide essential phytonutrients to boost energy.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Gelatinized, easy to digest and absorb
- Free from gluten and other allergens
- Vegan
- Affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for pregnant women
Ingredients
- Organic gelatinized maca, 500mg – maca powder heated to break starch content down for quick body absorption
- Pullulan – a starch-based edible polymer used for vegan capsules
Rating
4.4 of 5
Who Produces It?
Gaia Herbs dedicates itself to the promotion of integrity and purity. The company’s success stems from considering all their employees as family and committing to provide high-quality products to enhance the overall wellbeing of consumers.
Gaia Herbs offers capsulized supplements as a viable option for the raw maca product. It is perfect for people having digestion problems with raw maca or those who simply prefer taking capsules for convenience.
6. Solaray Maca
Solaray Maca Root is an organic maca supplement contained in 100% vegetarian capsules. This product is excipient-free and contains no fillers or additional ingredients.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Comes in convenient vegan capsules
- No additives included
- Contains no gluten and allergens
- Affordable
Cons
- Less potent
Ingredients
- Raw powdered maca root, 500mg
Rating
4.2 of 5
Who Produces It?
Solaray has been a leading dietary supplement manufacturer since its establishment in 1973 in Utah. They adhere to GMP guidelines and apply stringent quality control procedures, which guarantee their use of pure ingredients to produce potent supplements. Solaray also employs organic farming as a means to protect the personal health of their farmworkers and consumers.
7. Halison Health Maca Marvel
Halison Health’s Maca Marvel Tri-color Blend combines equal proportions of the traditional maca root variants (yellow, red, and black) to produce a potent gelatinized maca supplement. It is purported to increase sexual drive and boost overall energy to promote wellbeing.
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Pros
- Vegan capsules
- Trademarked Tri-Color Blend
- Allergen-free
- Non-GMO
- No additives and heavy metals
Cons
- Maybe less potent
Ingredients
- Each capsule contains pure maca root (gelatinized) 750mg
Rating
4.3 of 5
Who Produces It?
The Maca Marvel is made by Halison Health, a natural product manufacturer that supports people’s health and wellbeing. They offer premium products at reasonable prices, guaranteed potent and safe by rigorously testing all components and products.
The Maca Marvel Tri-Color Blend comes in a gelatinized form to help in easy digestion and absorption of the supplement.
8. Pure Mountain Botanicals Maca
Pure Mountain Botanicals Maca comes in a 4:1 blend of gelatinized and raw yellow maca root. The product is known to support fertility enhancement and has anti-stress properties.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Kosher
- Organic
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Has no FDA approved therapeutic claims
Ingredients
- Each serving contains yellow maca root, 500mg
Rating
4.3 of 5
Who Produces It?
Since its establishment in 2013, Pure Mountain Botanicals has been committed to provide pure, natural, and nominally-processed health supplements to promote consumer health. Their maca pills are highly potent while being gentle on your stomach and digestion.
9. Imlak’esh Organics Maca Powder
Imlak’esh Organics Maca Powder has a lighter color compared to other brands, which indicates minimal processing. That retains the potency of maca’s adaptogenic qualities in reducing stress, balancing hormones, and increasing stamina, energy, and libido.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Nutrient-rich superfood
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- Certified organic
Cons
- Has no FDA approved therapeutic benefits
Ingredients
-
- 100% pure powdered maca root
- Ascorbic acid
Rating
4.2 of 5
Who Produces It?
As a company, Imlak’esh Organics endeavors to provide a bridge between sustainable local farms and the worldwide market. They use only ingredients of the highest quality to provide consumers with health-enhancing superfoods. In that way, the company takes care of their customers and their farmers while promoting general wellbeing.
10. Pure Encapsulations Maca-3
Pure Encapsulations Maca-3 contains a blend of maca extracts that is regulated to acquire high amounts of potent substances. The product supports a healthy sexual drive and boosts energy levels while being gentle on the digestive system.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Highly potent
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
Ingredients
- Each capsule has regulated maca extract, 550mg
- Cellulose – hypoallergenic plant fibers as capsule component
- Ascorbyl palmitate – a variant of ascorbic acid that is soluble in fats
Rating
4.0 of 5
Who Produces It?
Based in Massachusetts, Pure Encapsulations is devoted to manufacturing research-backed health supplements that pass through rigorous quality controls to obtain the proper results as expected. They utilize only top-quality ingredients and process them following GMP guidelines in their advanced facility. The result is a highly potent maca supplement that’s a little pricey.
How we ranked
The market is flooded with several maca root powder products
with each pledging to be the best brand. We know that choosing the best maca powder supplement for your needs can be very challenging, so, we give you a list of the criteria we used to evaluate each product.
Brand promise
Is the brand promising to significantly increase your sexual drive and libido in just a few days, merely by taking a few grams of powder or vegan capsules? Be alert of brands making outrageous claims. Remember that wellness and overall healthy body function is not an overnight success, but a slow and demanding effort.
Brand character
Are you familiar with this company or brand? Are they known in the health and wellness industry? Maybe you know an acquaintance or a friend who is familiar with them? You can check them out in Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot to make sure there is nothing doubtful about the brand before making any decisions.
Product format
Several maca powder supplements come in vegan capsules, while others come in powder form. The type or form doesn’t influence the product’s effectiveness so that you can make any choice according to your preference.
Quantities and amounts
Always be mindful of the number of capsules or pills per serving, as well as per container. This step also applies to products in powder form. All those features affect the overall product value.
Value for your money
At times, the price can be an indication of quality or, in the case of supplements, potency; if it is very low compared to other brands, the dosages may not be enough or include unproven components. On the other hand, if it is too expensive, it should have the correct amounts of essential ingredients.
GMO-free
A critical factor, the maca powder supplement must not contain any genetically modified organism.
Presence of metallic compounds and allergens
Maca herbs are naturally grown or cultivated. As such, there should be no heavy metals present. Another vital indication is the absence of allergens like gluten, dairy, egg, fish, soy, and others. Although most maca powder supplements are gelatinized for better intestinal absorption, they do not pose as a hazardous allergen. The same is true with the vegan capsules, as these components are anti-allergenic as well.
FDA/cGMP certifications and approvals
It is critical to verify that a product contains safe and high-quality ingredients. One perfect way to find out is by checking if the products are made in cGMP/FDA approved or certified facilities and processes. There are other third-party certifications and seals for other essential matters about ingredients and components. Some of these are laboratories that certify purity and potency. Known examples are FDA, GMP, Kosher, GMO-Cert, and others.
User comments
In case you do not have acquaintances that have tried the product before, you can check out websites like iherb.com or Amazon, as well as other online sites associated with health and wellness campaigns.
How to Choose the Best Maca Powder Product?
As we have mentioned previously, maca comes in three distinct variants: yellow (or cream), red, and black. Each maca root color possesses slightly distinct properties.
Black maca is shown in some studies as having the capacity to treat memory impairment, while red maca may be able to reduce prostate size. Yellow maca was traditionally known to boost energy and mental capacity. However, there are no conclusive scientific studies that compare the three variants in their potential to provide the intended effects.
As a general principle when it comes to similar dietary products, it would be best to make sure that maca supplements are made by reliable companies that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements. You may also want to select the form (powder or capsule) before purchasing.
What Are Maca’s Benefits?
With the recent increase in the public’s interest in maca root applications, a corresponding scientific intention arose to investigate and analyze its promising benefits. Numerous studies were made to assess maca’s effects on brain health, energy, fertility, libido, and others.
Memory: Studies have indicated that the black maca variant could enhance memory impairment, and had a positive effect on mice learning abilities.
Fertility: Researches have indicated that maca could improve motility and sperm production, suggesting enhanced fertility.
Libido: One clinical trial discovered that healthy male subjects who were administered with maca root for twelve weeks developed an increased sexual desire. While similar inferences were arrived at by other studies, some indicated no benefits.
Menopause: Maca can also be helpful in mitigating the psychological and physical menopausal symptoms, as proposed by a few studies. In one clinical trial done in 2015, postmenopausal women suffering from sexual dysfunctions because of antidepressant use experienced benefits from Maca. Further research is required to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of maca on postmenopausal issues.
Osteoarthritis: Another study revealed the effectiveness of a maca-herbal supplement at improving function and pain in patients inflicted with osteoarthritis.
Prostate health: Research on mice observed that the red maca variant can decrease prostate size. That proposes a possible use in non-malignant prostatic hyperplasia, considered as a common problem with older men. More human trials are needed to verify these findings.
Side Effects
No considerable side effects of maca have been disclosed in clinical experiments. The plant’s centuries-long historical usage suggests an excellent safety record. However, there is no appreciable data existing to prove its safety for pregnant and lactating women, so maca should not be administered during those times.
Maca extracts can behave like the estrogen hormone, possibly aggravating a number of estrogen-sensitive disorders like breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and uterine fibroids. Women suffering from these conditions must avoid maca.
Recommended Dosage
There isn’t a solid scientific confirmation on the ideal dosage of maca supplements. However, many sources
suggest a maca dose of ten to forty grams per day of maca root powder and 1.5 to 3.0 grams each day for extracts.
Due to maca powder’s earthy taste, it may be difficult for some people to take it raw. The best way is to mix the powder with different food and drinks like soups, pies, smoothies, and others. Another way is to consume it in gelatinized form, but the most convenient method is taking maca as capsules preferably with food.
FAQs
What is Maca?
Maca or Lepidium meyenii, is a vegetable physically resembling a turnip and belonging to the brassica family with mustard, broccoli, and cauliflower. It is a hardy edible root plant that grows in the Peruvian Andes, surviving at altitudes reaching as high as 13,000 feet.
Why are there different colors of Maca?
Maca comes in three distinct variants each with different colors, features, and properties. The yellow or cream maca is the most common and good for boosting energy. The red maca is the sweetest and helps to reduce prostate size. The black maca, the rarest variant, is known to enhance memory and knowledge.
What are the traditional uses of Maca?
Peruvians have been known to use the fleshy maca root as food and medicinal ingredients for hundreds of years. Maca was traditionally used for making pies, soups, and drinks, or eaten roasted.
What is Maca good for?
Maca contains about 16% protein and high amounts of essential minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals. The maca root was used to boost energy, libido, and fertility.
Recap
We are confident that at this stage you are convinced, or at the very least, interested in the various benefits of maca root plants, despite the lack of concrete evidence of such advantages. With that said, studies and research are continuously conducted to bolster the claims, and the results are very promising.
As a consequence, the ensuing dietary supplements based on this superfood are increasing in numbers and their quality is improving at such impressive rates. On one hand, that is good for the consumers, but on the other, it can bring some challenges in choosing the right one as well.
We have presented our choices of the best maca powder supplement available in the market, as well as the criteria used in coming up with our list. We would suggest paying close attention to the benefits (albeit perceived) and to the ranking categories. They can help you in narrowing down your options and make an informed decision in choosing the brand that meets your needs and preferences.
In closing, we would like to emphasize that it would be best to consult your doctor or health care specialist before making any decision or purchase.
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