Maca Side Effects
By Mark A Ament
Before outlining the potential side effects that can come from using Maca powder, it's important to note that this simple food is not in any way similar to a pharmaceutical drug, which, as we know, often do have side effects. Maca is a nutritionally rich food that has been used for thousands of years in the Andes with no reported problems. Interestingly, farmers who grow the plant are known to eat up to 1 Kg of Maca or 100 gms of powdered root daily.
Maca Side Effects and Scientific Research
In the most comprehensive scientific study done on Maca to date, Gustavo E. Gonzales reviews all of the major research recently done on Maca. Near the end of his paper he concludes that Maca is 100% safe for human consumption has no toxicity or no notable side effects. He cites on study in particular that followed over 600 consumers of Maca from Peru that showed that their health status was generally improved while the subjects reported no Maca side effects at all.
Reported Side Effects From Maca
Although science has turned up no real side effects from Maca, I have had reports from several of customers about a few experiences they have had while taking Maca (especially for the first time).
- Feeling "jittery:" Some people report that they feel like they have had too much coffee after taking Maca powder. I've heard it described as feeling "jittery" or "wired." Although Maca does provide a nice energy boost, it should not make you feel "too energized." Usually this happens with people just starting with Maca who take too much at a time. The solution is simple: reduce your dosage.
- Insomnia: A small number of people report feeling insomnia when first starting to take Maca. To alleviate this possibility I recommend to take Maca before 2pm and/or to reduce your dosage. Another interesting note is that Maca actually has helped many women in perimenopause or menopause to overcome insomnia.
- Digestive Issues: About 5% of customers report upset stomach, slight cramping or gas after taking Raw Maca. If this happens, know that it's due to the starch content in Raw Maca.I recommend Gelatnized Maca for people with sensitive digestive systems.
- Acne: Some customers have reported an increase in acne after starting with Maca. This is a temporary symptom. As your body balances its hormones the acne will lessen and likely disappear.
- Heart Burn - It's very rare, but if it affects you the most important thing is to avoid taking the root with any kind of fruit. Try a small dose mixed only in water. If that doesn't work consider trying Gelatinized Maca.
Factors Contributing To Maca Side Effects
What I've learned in over 10 years of taking and sourcing Maca is that not all of the products on the market are of top quality. Lower quality products may contribute to experiencing the effects listed above.
Questions to consider when purchasing and product:
- Is it organic? - To avoid chemicals and pesticides buy only certified organic Maca products
- How fresh is it? - The fresher the better. Maca is usually harvested in May/June and has a shelf life of about 2 years.
- What type of Maca is this? - There are some important differences between Raw and Gelatinized powders as well as between the different colors of Maca that everyone taking Maca should know about.
And now I invite you to compare all Macas: Red, Black, Cream, Gelatinized Maca and more back on my website here: http://www.raworganicmaca.info/maca-comparison/
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