Maca for Energy

Using maca to boost energy and vitality is one of the most traditional and common uses for maca root.   In this article we'll take a deep dive into how maca works to achieve these types of results, which ones are best to increase energy, how to take them and more.

• Introduction
• The History of Maca For Energy
• Does Maca Have Caffeine?
• How Does Maca Work To Increase Energy?
• What Research Says About Using Maca To Boost Your Energy
• What People Share About Their Energy Levels While Using Maca
• Which Maca Is Best For Increasing Your Energy Levels?
• How To Use Maca For Energy
• What To Expect When Using Maca For More Energy
• Final Words

Introduction

Maca is a cruciferous root vegetable that is similar to a radish or turnip in appearance but has a much more impressive effect on health.   Maca roots grow in the high Andes mountains, where they have been consumed as a food and as a natural medicine for several thousand years.   Records indicate that the use of maca may date back to the first inhabitants of the region.  In recent times, maca root has found its way to the lives of people all around the world.   This is due mainly to its impressive energizing and hormone balancing properties.   In this article we’ll have a look more specifically about how maca works to provide people with more energy and vitality.  

The History of Maca For Energy

Although the first written reference to maca root comes a chronicle of the Spanish conquest of the Andes from 1553, oral traditions confirm that the root has long been valued as a nutritional supplement, a fertility enhancer and an energizer. Maca traditionally had such value to the inhabitants of high altitudes in the Andes that it was often used as a currency for trade. In addition, warriors, both Incan and Spanish consumed large amounts of maca root before going into battle in order to increase their energy, prowess and to decrease their recovery time.  In more recent times, maca root's energy boosting properties are one of the major reasons it’s become one of Peru’s top agricultural exports.

Does Maca Have Caffeine?

Simply answered, maca does not contain caffeine.  Caffeine is a stimulating substance found in coffee, tea and cacao (in small levels).    Caffeine works by blocking a neurotransmitter in our brains called adenosine, which typically tells the body to relax and stimulates feelings of tiredness.  While it’s estimated that about 80% of adults worldwide drink caffeine daily, there are some unfortunate side effects including anxiety, restlessness, tremors, irregular heartbeat, and trouble sleeping.   Maca, on the other hand, has no known side effects and can be used to boost energy levels with no risk.

How Does Maca Work To Increase Energy?

Maca is very different from other types of energizers on the market.  It contains no caffeine, no processed sugar and no pharmaceutical energy enhancers. What that means is that maca boosts your energy in a balanced and sustained manner and that it never stresses your adrenal glands like other energy enhancers can.  That makes maca attractive as a healthy coffee alternative for many people.   But if maca doesn’t contain caffeine or other stimulants, how does it make someone more energetic?

There are several things Maca does to boost your energy:

• Maca is a nutritional powerhouse. Maca root contains 10.5% protein, 8.5% fiber, 19 essential amino acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and D, minerals iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium, several glucosinolates, 20 free fatty acids, and unique compounds called macaenes and macamides.  Full maca nutrition facts.
• Maca is an adaptogen.  Adaptogens are very rare plants (another example is ginseng) that raise the physical body’s state of resistance to diseases through physiological and emotional health improvements. Adaptogens have a normalizing effect, i.e. counteracting or preventing disturbances to homeostasis brought about by stressors. Moreover, they offer a broad range of therapeutic effects without causing any major side effects.
• Maca balances hormones in men and women. One of the very great things about Peruvian Maca root is that it is not “gender specific” and works equally well for both men and women in terms of achieving hormone balance. Sustained and elevated energy is a result of a positive balance of hormones.

What Research Says About Using Maca To Boost Your Energy

Since the late 1990′s, many of the potential benefits of maca have been analyzed in many medical studies.  A good number of them have been focused on maca’s ability to increase fertility and improve libido naturally. There have just been a few that have focused on maca root for energy, but the results have been impressive.

1. In 2009 5 researchers from Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne published a study performed on athletes. One group of athletes was given maca powder for 14 days while another group was given a placebo. At the end of the two weeks, they all completed a 40 km cycling course. When times were compared to previous bests on the same course, researchers discovered that the group taking maca significantly reduced their times while the placebo group remained the same. The researchers concluded that the promising results suggest the need for longer and more clinical studies on maca for energy.
2. Another study in 2001 found that maca increased the energy and the sexual performance of male rats, making them both more able to reproduce and to sustain physical activity longer and more consistently.
3. A self-perception study performed in 2006 by G.E. Gonzalez showed that maca acted as an energizer compared with placebo in otherwise healthy men.
4. A study from 2004 in Australia revealed that maca powder, at a dosage of 3-5 grams per day, reduces psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lowers measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity.
5. A 2021 study on mice concluded that maca “…could be expected to serve as a functional food supplement for improving exercise performance and alleviating physical fatigue.”

What People Share About Their Energy Levels While Using Maca

There is little doubt that maca works to energize people’s life naturally and healthfully every day. History, research and comments from our customers show it - maca is an energizing food. Here are a few comments on this natural, caffeine-free energy booster.  (For nearly 100 more see our maca testimonials page.)

“After only a few days of taking maca, I had to work two double shifts at work. Usually, after the first I am really tired. I noticed that I sailed right through this without any fatigue. I thought for sure I would be wiped out after the second shift. But I was amazed that after very little sleep in three days I felt great!” – L. W. – Norristown, PA

” I am pleased to report that after 2 and a half weeks taking maca, I ran the most effortless 10k run in 10 years without any training (I use this one run a year as a benchmark for my fitness), took almost a minute and a half off last year’s run and have almost returned to my pace of 10 years ago.” – Rodney, Whangarei, New Zealand

"Your products have brought me more energy, than I had in over 30 years. Sure glad your family have invested in bring the most Maca have to offer, please keep that up.  Thank You"  -Diego L. Chance

 "I have a physical job lifting heavy boxes up to 100lbs. I need help from others but when they are not around I depend on Maca to get me through. If I miss two days I really feel the weakness at work." - R.J

 "Almost immediately I found Maca to give me more energy. I used to take naps all the time and I've only had 1 nap in the last month. I'm in perimenopause and experiencing lots of different symptoms including hot flashes. I have found that my symptoms have greatly reduced. Right now using about 1 teaspoon per day." –Jen Reynolds

 "I bought this maca last month and I've been pretty much addicted to it ever since! I use it at least once a day-- in my smoothie bowls, oatmeal, pancakes, even cookie dough! And I physically fee good. I have more energy and my body feels stronger and heals more quickly." - Danielle B.

Which Maca Is Best For Increasing Your Energy Levels?

In our experience, red maca is great because it’s the highest in phytonutrient content of all maca colors. Black maca is also very good and has been shown to have particularly strong hormone-balancing properties for men and women. Black maca products seem to be best for naturally boosting libido and sperm count in males, which can positively affect energy levels.  We also offer tri-color maca products in which you get the benefits of both black and red maca in addition to the benefits of yellow maca.    

Whichever color of maca you choose, make sure to select a gelatinized maca product instead of a raw one if you have sensitive digestion.   Gelatinized maca has been pre-cooked to remove starch content, which makes it easier on the digestive system.   Beyond that, for maximum potency choose one of our premium maca products.  

We sell our maca in powder, capsules, maca root chips and extracts.   Powders are the most economical, capsules are the most convenient, extracts absorb very quickly into the blood stream and chips are the closest thing to whole maca roots available outside of Peru.

How To Use Maca For Energy

When first starting with maca it’s important to follow proper serving suggestions.  You may want to start on the lower end of the suggestions for the first few days.  This is just to make sure that you have a positive reaction to adding maca to your diet.   Once that’s established you can go ahead and increase the amount if desired.   To get the most out of using maca you also need to be consistent.  Make sure to take it daily for at least the first 30 days.  After that you can either continue with daily use or take 1 day off a week or 4 days off a month.    

To get even more benefit from maca some of our customers take their daily serving of maca powder or maca capsules in the morning and then take a serving of one of our liquid maca extracts sometime later in the day.  This is especially helpful in the afternoon to help keep you motivated or before a workout or other physical activity.   

What To Expect When Using Maca For More Energy

Maca affects the body slower than stimulants like coffee or energy drinks.   It doesn’t give people the “jitters” or make them hyper-active.   Instead most people experience an increased sense of focus, concentration and stamina when taking it.   The great thing is that maca will not lead you to an energy crash after taking it.   Unlike caffeine drinks, maca provides sustained, subtle energy that lasts for many hours and then gently subsides.   It’s fine to take maca every day if you wish.   

Final Words

We hope this article gives you a good understanding of how maca can help your energy levels.   If you have any further questions about this all natural caffeine-free energy booster, please let us know. We're happy to help!

Enjoy the day!