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About best maca extract

Types of maca extract

Several types of maca extract are based on their color and composition. Each variety has unique properties and benefits.

  • Yellow Maca

    This is the most common variety of maca root. It accounts for about 70% of all maca production. It is often used as a general all-around enhancer of health and is known to help with energy levels, fertility, and hormone balance.

  • Red Maca

    This type of maca accounts for about 10% of production. Studies have shown it to have bone-strengthening properties and may help reduce prostate size in aging men. In addition, it contains high concentrations of phytochemicals that may help inhibit cancer cell growth.

  • Black Maca

    Black maca is relatively rare, accounting for about 10% of production. It is known for its potential benefits in improving memory and boosting stamina. It is also thought to enhance sperm production and has been traditionally used by soldiers to improve strength and endurance.

  • Purple Maca

    Purple maca is often overlooked as it is grown in small quantities. However, it is prized for its potential to help reduce the risk of genetic mutations and improve cardiovascular health. It also contains high levels of antioxidants.

  • Gelatinized Maca

    This extract has been gelatinized through a cooking process that removes its starch content. This process makes it easier to digest and increases its potency. It is often used in supplements for individuals seeking the concentrated hormone-balancing and energy-boosting effects of maca.

  • Raw Maca Powder

    This is the most unprocessed form of maca available on the market. The roots are simply dried and ground into a powder. This powder contains all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in unaltered forms. However, it is sometimes difficult to digest and has a lower nutritional value compared to gelatinized maca.

  • Black Maca Powder

    This is an increasing popular form of maca as it is easy to add to smoothies and other foods. It is also available in capsule form for convenient supplementation. This is the most potent form of maca for boosting fertility and energy.

  • Liquid Maca Extract

    The liquid extract is a more concentrated form of maca, often soaked in alcohol or glycerin to extract its active compounds. This form is usually taken in drops and is favored by those looking for quick therapeutic effects. The glycerin extraction method also makes it suitable for individuals looking for alcohol-free options.

How to use maca extract

Maca root has a long history as a staple food. It has also been used as a powerful medicinal herb for boosting sex drive, energy, hormones, and overall health.

  • Hormone Balancing

    Maca is often referred to as nature’s hormone balancer due to its ability to help regulate hormonal levels in both men and women. Women experiencing symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and mood swings can benefit from red maca. It may also help restore hormone balance in women with irregular menstrual cycles.

  • Fertility and Sexual Health

    Yellow maca has been used for centuries in Peru to boost fertility in both men and women. Modern studies have confirmed its ability to enhance sperm production and motility in men while helping women improve their ovarian function. This makes it a favorable natural remedy for couples trying to conceive.

  • Energy and Stamina

    Both ancient and modern soldiers used black maca to help boost their strength, stamina, and endurance in battles. Athletes today use it to enhance physical performance and reduce fatigue during intense workouts. Yellow maca also boosts energy levels without the caffeine jitters associated with coffee.

  • Bone Health

    Red maca is particularly noted for its potential benefits in promoting bone health. It is rich in essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium that support bone density and strength. This makes it especially beneficial for aging adults at risk of osteoporosis.

  • Anticancer Properties

    Some studies suggest that red and purple maca may have anticancer properties. This is mainly due to their high concentration of glucosinolates. These compounds are known for their ability to help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and improve overall oxidative stress in the body.

  • Improved Mental Function

    Black maca has been linked to improved cognitive functions like memory and focus. Some studies have even suggested that it can help mitigate age-related cognitive decline. This makes it a potential natural remedy for improving brain health in seniors.

  • Bone Health

    This maca variety helps promote bone health due to its rich iron and calcium content. These minerals are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Maca also supports increased bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

  • Antioxidant Effects

    All maca varieties, particularly purple maca, are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body. This not only protects cells from damage but also boosts the body’s immune system and slows down the aging process.

  • Ancient Incan Superfood

    Maca was first cultivated in the harsh climates of the Andes Mountains by the Inca civilization. They prized the root for its nutritional density and resilience-boosting properties. This allowed them to endure the extreme conditions of the high-altitude terrain.

  • Adaptogenic Properties

    Macas ability to help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance was highly valued by the Inca. It was used to increase energy, reduce fatigue, and enhance mental clarity. All of which were essential for surviving the demanding conditions of the Andes.

How to store maca extract

When properly stored, maca extract can retain its potency, effectiveness, and freshness for several years.

  • Store in a Cool, Dry Place

    Both raw and gelatinized maca powder should ideally be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This is usually in a cupboard or pantry. Heat and moisture can degrade the quality of maca powder over time.

  • Keep in an Airtight Container

    Using an airtight container for liquid and powdered extracts prevents exposure to air. This reduces the risk of oxidation and contamination. Contaminated maca extract can lose its potency and nutritional benefits.

  • Storage Conditions for Liquid Extracts

    Maca extracts in glycerin or alcohol must be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent degradation. Alcohol extracts should be stored in glass bottles and kept away from heat and light. Glycerin extracts should also be stored in airtight containers to prevent moisture from getting into the extract and contaminating it.

  • Protection from Humidity

    Maca powder can be affected by high humidity levels as it creates a moist environment that promotes mold and bacteria growth. Therefore, keep the maca powder in a dry environment and ensure the container is completely sealed in case of sudden humidity spikes.

  • Storage Duration

    When stored properly, raw maca powder can last up to 3 years without significant loss of nutrients. Gelatinized maca powder has a shelf life of about 2 years due to its processed nature. Liquid extracts, depending on the base used (alcohol or glycerin), can last between 1 to 3 years. Alcohol-based extracts typically have a longer shelf life.

  • Refrigeration for Extended Freshness

    To extend the shelf life of maca extracts, especially in humid or warm climates, refrigeration is a practical solution. The cool, stable environment of a refrigerator helps preserve both liquid and powdered extracts for a longer period. Refrigerate liquid extracts made with alcohol or glycerin to help improve their shelf lives by up to a year.

Benefits of maca extract

Maca root is renowned for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body balance and respond to stress. It is a nutrient-dense superfood that offers many health benefits across different age groups and lifestyles.

  • Hormonal Balance

    The best maca extract is especially popular among women for its ability to ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Maca root helps women naturally restore hormonal balance. This reduces the need for synthetic hormone replacement therapies that often cause unwanted side effects.

  • Boosting Libido

    One of maca’s most famous benefits is its ability to boost sex drive in both men and women. Numerous studies show that maca root helps increase sexual desire and arousal in men. This is achieved by improving blood flow and hormone levels. It also increases sensitivity and sexual response in women, making it a popular remedy for individuals and couples seeking revitalized intimacy.

  • Energy and Stamina

    Maca root has been used for centuries by Peruvian farmers to boost energy and endurance when working in harsh farming conditions. The energizing effects of maca help reduce fatigue and give users the stamina to last an entire day. Athletes take yellow maca root to improve their performance and speed up post-workout recovery.

  • Cognitive Function

    Maca aids in supporting brain function by improving memory and concentration. This is particularly beneficial for aging individuals looking to maintain cognitive sharpness into their golden years. Maca's nutrient-rich profile, combined with its antioxidant properties, helps protect brain cells from damage and decline.

  • Bone Health

    This maca’s rich mineral content supports strong bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, especially in aging adults. Maca is packed with essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus that promote bone density and strength.

  • Rich Nutrient Profile

    Maca root is renowned for its high nutrient density. It is packed with vitamins like B, C, and E, essential amino acids, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. These elements are critical for maintaining energy levels, supporting immune functionality, and promoting overall well-being.

  • Antioxidant Properties

    Maca contains powerful antioxidants like polyphenols and glucosinolates. These help to combat oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals in the body. By neutralizing free radicals, maca supports skin health, slows the aging process, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.

  • Improved Mood

    Maca's mood-enhancing effects are particularly beneficial for women experiencing hormonal fluctuations during PMS or menopause. Maca helps to alleviate irritability, anxiety, and depression by stabilizing mood and reducing emotional swings.

  • Increased Fertility

    Traditionally, maca has been used to boost fertility in both men and women for generations. Maca helps to improve sperm quality and motility in men while enhancing ovarian function in women. This makes it a popular natural remedy for couples trying to conceive.

Q and A

Q1: What is maca extract good for?

A1: The best maca extract is known for many benefits to health. They include balancing hormones, boosting energy and stamina, enhancing libido, and improving bone density and fertility. In addition, it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall well-being.

Q2: How fast does maca extract work?

A2: The effects of maca extract can be felt within a few days to a week of consistent use. However, for more long-term benefits like hormone balance and energy support, it is recommended to take maca extract for several weeks or months. This allows it to build up in the system and produce more sustained effects.

Q3: Who should take maca daily?

A3: People looking to improve their energy levels, support hormone balance, and boost fertility and sexual health can take maca daily. It is also for those looking to enhance athletic performance or maintain overall general health and well-being. Maca is safe for daily use and has a rich nutrient profile that supports diverse needs.

Q4: Does maca root cause weight gain?

A4: Maca root does not cause weight gain on its own. However, it may support muscle gain or help regulate metabolism, which could potentially contribute to weight changes depending on the individual’s overall lifestyle and diet. Maca root balances hormones and boosts metabolism, which helps maintain a healthy weight.