Yellow maca root uses and benefits

Yellow maca root powder is the most effective for energy boost, stamina boost, muscle building, endurance & mental focus. Maca root is a rich source of macamides, Macaenes, essential proteins & fibers. It also contains vitamin C & minerals like copper & iron.

YELLOW MACA

The yellow maca type has a tangy taste and the powder made from it has a light brown color. This variety comes with its own unique set of benefits, including the ability to increase fertility in women and relieve menopause symptoms, doing a great job at balancing hormones in a woman’s body. It is also known for its mood-boosting ability in both men and women.

Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients

Maca is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids (20 different kinds — that’s just about all of them!), and antioxidants. Glucosinates are just one of those antioxidants — the same substances that make broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables so good for you.

Sexual function, libido, and fertility

Maca has long been used to promote sexual function of both men and women. It’s thought to boost libido and increase endurance. It has also been used to balance the hormones and increase fertility.

Menstrual issues and menopause

Maca has been used to relieve menstrual issues and the side effects of going through menopause. Some women have used it to alleviate cramps and hot flashes, much as it has been used by indigenous South American cultures for millennia.

Physical and mental energy

Many regular users of maca experience an increase in energy level within days of beginning its use. It’s also known for increasing stamina and endurance, which is why some athletes take maca for peak performance. When used in conjunction with a good workout regime, supplementing with maca may help to preserve muscle mass. Maca is also used by those seeking to sharpen and expand mental activity and memory.

Maca has been used as a remedy for ongoing fatigue. If you find yourself tired much of the time, experiment with maca to see if it helps. Just a small amount could be exactly what you need for a boost! An increase in mental energy and focus has been reported as well.

General health and disease prevention

As an adaptogen and tonic, maca may boost your overall health in a number of ways. It supplies iron and helps restore red blood cells, which aids in avoiding anemia and cardiovascular diseases. Maca is also believed to promote prostate health.

Skin health

Maca has been used for skin issues. For some users, it helps to clear acne and blemishes. Another benefit that some users have experienced is that it decreases skin sensitivity. In hot or cold weather, maca may help skin withstand extreme temperatures.

Mood and hormone balance

For those struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or mood swings, maca may help alleviate these symptoms.

Hormone balance is key to regulating sexual function, mood regulation, disease prevention, and much more. Maca’s ability to balance hormones is often credited to its stimulation of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. It may be the phytonutrients contained in maca that work to balance the endocrine system.

Peruvian maca, also known as Lepidium meyenii, is a plant with a variety of uses including:
Sexual health: Maca is traditionally used to improve sexual performance, and some clinical trials have shown that it can increase sperm count and motility. However, other systematic reviews have concluded that the evidence is limited and more rigorous studies are needed.
Menopause: Maca may help reduce discomfort related to hormone levels in postmenopausal women.
Energy: Maca is often consumed to increase energy, endurance, and mental clarity.
Skin protection: Maca may protect skin against ultraviolet radiation.
Other uses: Maca may also help with osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, memory and learning, and inflammatory conditions.
Maca can be consumed in a variety of ways, including:
As a powder added to smoothies, juices, or shakes
As an ingredient in coffee or chocolate
As a pill or capsule
As a flour for baking

increase libido.
Improving mood.
Increasing fertility.
Fighting free radicals.
Reducing sun damage.
Reducing blood pressure.
Reducing erectile dysfunction.
Boosting energy and endurance.

The Chemical Composition of Maca
Maca is composed of the following in order of greatest to least. Note that some of these values will vary slightly from different harvests and batches of maca. Because of that other sources may cite different nutritional values for maca.

61% Carbohydratescomposition-of-maca-root.png
20% Sugars
9.8% Fiber
4.9% Ash (mineral content)
3.2% Fatty Acids
1% Glucosinolates
.1% Sterols
Calories in Maca
32.5 in a 10 gram serving
77% from Carbohydrates
18% from Protein
5% from Fats
Protein Content In Maca
Maca contains 1.6 g of protein in a 10g serving size. The protein in maca is bio-available plant protein that is easy for the body to assimilate.

Maca Nutritional Values – Based on one 10 g serving
Essential Amino Acids

Maca contains nearly all of them. These drive many cellular functions in the body including sexual and fertility functions. Based on one 10 g serving.

Alanine – 6.3 mg
Arginine – 9.9 mg
Aspartic Acid – 9.2 mg
Glutamic Acid – 15.7 mg
Glycine 6.8 mg
Histidine – 4.2 mg
HO-Proline – 2.6 mg
Isoleucine – 4.78 mg
Leucine – 9.1 mg
Lysine – 5.5 mg
Methionine – 2.8 mg
Phenylalanine – 5.5 mg
Proline – .05 mg
Sarcosine – .07 mg
Serine — 5.0 mg
Threonine – 3.3 mg
Tryptophan – .5 mg
Tyrosine – 3.0 mg
Valine- 7.3 mg

Free Fatty Acids

20 have been found in Maca. These also work to support cellular function. Saturated acids account for 40% and non-saturated about 55%. The most abundant fatty acids adding to maca’s nutritional value are linolenic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid and steric acid. Based on one 10 g serving. (mcg = microgram or 1/1000th of a milligram)

C12-0 -lauric – .18 mcg
C13-1-7 trideconoic – .07 mcg
C13-0 tridecoanoic – .02 mcg
C14-0 myrstic – .31 mcg
C15-1-7 pentadecanoic – .11 mcg
C16-1-9 palmtoleic – .59 mcg
C16-0 palmitic – 5.24 mcg
C17-1-9 heptadecenoic – .33 mcg
C17-0 heptadecanoic – .41 mcg
C18-2-9-12 linoleic – 7.17 mcg
C18-1-9 oleic – 2.44 mcg
C18-0 steric – 1.47 mcg
C19-1-11 nonadecenoic – .28 mcg
C19-0 – nonadecanoic – .08 mcg
C20-1-15 eisosenoic – .51 mcg
C22-0 behanic .44 mcg
C24-1-15 nervonic – .09 mcg
C-24-0 lignocenic – .09 mcg
Vitamins In Maca

Thamin (B1) – 1 mcg – helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy. Essential for good heart, muscle and nervous system function
Riboflavin (B2) – .7.6 mcg – important for body growth and red blood cell production
Ascorbic Acid (C) – – 30 mcg – supports anti-oxidant activity
Niacin 350 mcg – supports healthy circulation

Major Minerals In Maca

Calcium – 4.5 mg – Maca contains a higher level of calcium than does milk. Calcium is crucial in bone development as well as for nerve and circulatory system health.
Phosphorus – 2.2 mg – Phosphorus is important for the hemostasis of calcium as well as for transmitting electrical stimuli for brain and muscle action.
Magnesium – 1.04 mg – Magnesium is essential for the synthesis of protein and for muscle and nerve activity. Crucial for heart health.
Potassium – 15 mg – Potassium works within the cells to help maintain healthy osmosis.
Sodium .25 mg – Along with potassium can support positive circulation
Minor Minerals In Maca

Iodine – 5 mcg – Supports thyroid health
Copper – .5 mcg – Supports enzyme health
Zinc – 12 mcg – Helps in clarity of thought and mental function
Manganese – 8 mcg – Supports healthy growth
Iron – 25 mcg – Vital component of hemoglobin. Supports healthy muscle growth
Selenium – 20 mcg – Protects cells against free radicals
Boron – 5 mcg – Supports proper metabolism.

Sterols In Maca

With regular use, sterols may have a positive impact on lowering blood cholesterol. This is the breakdown of sterols found within maca root.

Brassicasterol – 9.1%
Ergosterol – 13.6%
Campesterol – 27.3%
Ergostadienol – 4.5%
Sitoserol – 46.5%

Sugars In MacaMaca Extract Liquid

Raw Maca contains 2g sugar per 10g and Gelatinized Maca contains 4g per 10g. These sugars are naturally occurring fruit sugars. However diabetics should consume with caution. Our liquid Maca extracts are suitable for diabetics.

Glucosinolates

Maca contains the following aromatic glucosinolates:

benzyl glucosinolate
p-methoxybenzyl glucosinolate
fructose
glucose
benzyl isothiocyanate
In food-bearing plants, glucosinolates act as natural pesticides and are stored in the plant’s cells, ready to be released upon tissue damage. Similarly, when consumed by humans, the action of chewing releases the glucosinolates into the body, where they are transformed into bioactive compounds believed to have anticancer properties.

Macaenes and macamides: (Macaina 1, 2, 3, 4)

These are polyunsaturated acids and their amides which are absolutely unique to Maca.

Maca for Women
Maca Benefits for WomenIf you’re wondering what maca root can do specifically for women, you’re in the right place. Over the past 2+ decades we’ve shared the benefits of maca root with thousands of women. And in that time, we’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. In this article we share the major benefits women report when adding maca to their diets, which maca to use, how to use it and more.

Introduction to Maca Root
People in the high Andes have consumed maca for 1000s of years as a food and as a medicine. More recently maca root has gained popularity as a nutrient dense superfood.

Maca root is unique in that it supports hormone balance in both men and women. What’s interesting is that maca does not contain hormones. Rather it stimulates the body to produce or reduce hormones as needed. Healthy hormone balance is related to 100s of bodily functions. And that’s how maca can have such broad ranging individual benefits for both males and females. For further reading: What is Maca Powder good for?

Maca Root For Women
In general terms maca can be helpful for increasing skin health, fertility, and mental clarity, and has long been associated with aiding women in keeping a regular cycle and with certain thyroid issues. In each section below, we look at specific benefits and when possible link to more complete articles on the subject.

Maca For Women’s Fertility
Women have been using maca root to increase their chances of conceiving a child for over 2,000 years. Scientific studies have shown that maca balances hormones which results in regular ovulation. Also, maca is a nutritional powerhouse that supports the optimal health needed to boost fertility. Red Maca has been shown to be the best maca to help increase female fertility. Read more on maca for women’s fertility…

Maca for Regularity of Cycle
Maca root can work very well to support a healthy, regular menstrual cycle. Here’s an example of one happy customer:

“After two weeks of taking red maca I naturally had a normal regular period. I was in awe. I feel so much better knowing I can live the rest of my life not on birth control. I am so pleased with this product and I have turned so many of my girlfriends onto it as well.” – Kaitlyn

Maca For PCOS
Maca has been seen to be beneficial for women suffering with PCOS. Here’s a comment from one of our customers:

“I take the red maca capsules to regulate my hormones because I have pcos and I have not any cysts and my menstrual cycles have finally regulated. I couldn’t be more happy with th product.” -Ashley Gonzalez

Maca During Pregnancy
Maca is considered generally safe to take during pregnancy. In fact, due to its high nutrient and mineral content, it may support healthy development. A 2-teaspoon dose of Maca has 3 times more calcium than a glass of milk. Also, black maca and red maca have been seen to increase bone density and strength. That said, if you have any concerns about taking maca while pregnant please consult a competent medical professional.

Maca for Healthy SkinMaca For Healthy Glowing Skin
Due to maca’s ability to help balance hormones, it often has a positive effect on skin tone and elasticity. This can include reducing hormone related acne as well as improving skin elasticity. All Maca powders, including tri-colored colored maca, works well for this benefit. Read more on maca for skin health. Learn more about maca for acne.

Maca For Increased Libido
One of the biggest effects reported by women taking proper dosages of maca powder daily is a marked increase in sexual desire. Red maca is the type of Maca that is highest in phytonutrients and, not surprisingly, is the maca of choice to improve female libido.

“Love the taste. Gives me energy I need. It does help post-menopausal libido issues ladies. Give it a try today.” – Melanie Jones

Maca To Reduce Hot Flashes and Other Menopause Symptoms
Maca works very well to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause and perimenopause including insomnia, mood swings and in particular hot flashes. This treatment comes from maca’s amazing ability to support healthy hormone balance. Maca does not contain hormones, but merely stimulates the body to balance the endocrine system. Red maca is the best for a woman passing through this life transition. Learn more about maca for menopause. Discover how maca helps hot flashes.

Maca For Hair Growth, Luster and Body
Due to maca root’s excellent hormone balancing properties in combination with its dense nutritional content, it is often used by women to stimulate hair growth, body and luster. Read more on maca for hair.

Maca to Reduce / Prevent Osteoporosis
Studies have shown that red and black maca were found to be the best at improving and protecting bone structure especially in mice who had their ovaries removed. Maca studies have shown that this food product increases bone strength and density.

Maca For Thyroid Health
Due to Maca’s powerful hormone balancing properties, it has been reported to have a positive effect on the health of the thyroid. Maca does contain iodine which affects the thyroid. If you have an iodine allergy you should avoid Maca. More on Maca and iodine…

Maca For CurvesMaca For Enhanced Female Curves
One of the more interesting effects of maca is that it can support the enhancement of female body shape. Maca works to balance estrogen levels, which can increase the size and shape of breasts. Also, since maca is extremely anabolic (muscle building) it can increase the size of the buttocks, which is of course the body’s largest muscle. In order to get the most benefit for the latter, we recommend using black maca and also getting plenty of exercise aimed at increasing the glutes. Read more about the “Maca butt” here.

Maca For Increased Energy Athletic Performance
Maca root is great for athletes. It builds muscle, it increases stamina, it boosts energy and it enhances recovery time. Black Maca is our Maca of choice for athletes.

Maca for Reducing Depression
One of the lesser known health benefits of maca for women is for reducing depression. Maca works as a mood lifter due to its high nutrient content combined with its energizing properties. We’ve had several reports of positive emotional health resulting from continued use of Red Maca. More on maca for depression.

Maca for Women’s Energy
Maca For Enhancing Mental Focus, Memory and Clarity
One final use of maca for women is to boost mental capacities such as memory, clarity and focus. Maca is recommended to take when you have a particularly mental task to perform. The great thing about how it works is that the energy it provides is sustained and balanced. The Premium maca products tend to work best for improving focus, memory and clarity.

Maca root for men is a natural way to increase the production of testosterone, help with building muscle, and for better energy and stamina. It may also be effective for improving mental clarity and relieving depression.

1. MACA CAN BE BENEFICIAL IN IMPROVING LIBIDO
Maca for Men

Among the top reasons men choose to take maca is to restore their libido. Whether maca is an aphrodisiac is debatable, however, maca does work on various levels to support a healthy sex drive. First, its high-nutrient content and several vitamins including iron, potassium and manganese revitalizes the entire body. Second, maca works to support healthy testosterone levels thereby increasing energy, stamina and vitality. Finally, maca contains unique nutrients called macaenes and macamides that are associated with supporting healthy libido. Among our customers, both Red Maca and Black Maca are favorites for this purpose.

2. MACA MAY WORK FOR ED
One of the things that maca does quite well is to increase blood circulation. When combined with a boost in libido, maca has been seen to help men overcome mild erectile dysfunction. A recent study of the effects of maca for erectile dysfunction showed that more than 1/2 of the patient with mild ED reported “significant’ improvements in terms of ED and general sexual well-being. We recommend Black Maca for this purpose.

3. MACA MAY INCREASE FERTILITY IN MEN
Fertility for both men and women is the longest and most common use of maca. We know that people indigenous to the high Andes of Peru have used maca root to boost both human and livestock fertility for 2000 years. Stretching forward to today, maca is still used as a first recourse for couples wanting to conceive in Peru. Recent studies from Switzerland and Peru confirm that Black Maca in particular both raises sperm count and motility and increases sexual desire.

4. MACA CAN HELP TO INCREASE TESTOSTERONE
Maca does not contain testosterone or any other hormone. Instead it stimulates the body to produce and regulate hormones in order to achieve a healthy hormone balance. In research Maca has NOT been shown to boost overall serum testosterone levels. However, the energizing effects noted by males taking maca suggest that it is otherwise having a positive effect on the endocrine system. Researchers speculate that Maca affects the levels of free testosterone, rather than serum levels All Maca colors work well for this purpose.

5. MACA FOR MEN’S PROSTATE HEALTH
An important study published in the “Journal of Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology” 2005; 3:5. concluded that over the course of 42 days: “Red Maca but neither Yellow/Cream nor Black Maca reduced significantly ventral prostate size in rats.“ We’ve also had some very positive reports from customers about this benefit of maca for men. Use Red Maca for this purpose.

6. USE MACA FOR NATURAL MUSCLE BUILDING
Maca to help build muscles

Maca is anabolic (muscle building). It has a high content of bio-available protein and other nutrients that support healthy, natural muscle growth. It is a favorite supplement among natural bodybuilders as well as an ingredient in many muscle building blends. We have several customers who are professional or high-level amateur athletes who swear by maca for increased performance. And, based on their feedback, we recommend Black Maca, either Raw or Gelatinized for muscle building.
7. MACA CAN HELP BOOST ENERGY AND STAMINA
For the people leaving at high elevations in Peru where maca grows (14,000 feet and above) maca is essential to maintaining healthy energy and stamina. Several scientific studies have also confirmed that Maca has a positive effect on endurance and energy levels. In one study, cyclists were able to bring their 40 km times down significantly after just 12 days on maca. Another study showed that regular maca dosage improved stamina among lab mice nearly 20%. Black maca seems to have the most positive effect for this use.

8. MACA CAN BE BENEFICIAL FOR BONE HEALTH
In 2010 a team of 6 researchers reported that red and black maca were found to be the best at improving and protecting bone structure especially in mice who had their ovaries removed. (Effects of different varieties of maca on bone structure, Gonzalez, C et. al.). This is because maca is an excellent source of calcium, nearly 4 times the amount found in milk.

9. MACA CAN HELP IN OVERCOMING DEPRESSION
One of the lesser known benefits of maca for men is for reducing depression. Maca works as a mood up-lifter due to its high nutrient content combined with it’s energizing properties. We’ve had several reports of positive emotional health resulting from continued use of Red Maca.

10. MACA ENHANCES MENTAL FOCUS, CLARITY AND MEMORY
One final maca root powder benefit for men is that it boosts concentration, memory and learning. A recent study from China (2011) found that Black Maca in particular helped mice improve memory by 10% and speed learning by nearly 15%. In addition, many of our customers have reported a boost in focus and clarity when using Maca. We recommend either Red or Black Maca for this purpose.