If you’re thinking of buying maca powder, you’ve probably heard conflicting reports about the quality of the product. Some people swear by it while others say that they didn’t get any benefits from using it.
This is a huge problem because even though there are many good brands out there, there isn’t one brand that offers the best quality in every single variety of maca powder. The good news is that some of these brands offer different packages and varieties to cater to those who want something with more nutrients or something with fewer ingredients.
The only way to know which brand of Maca Pulver is right for you is to try all of them yourself.
Here is what we know so far about maca powder:
What Is Maca Powder?
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an herb native to Peru, South America.
It has long been used as part of traditional medicines. It was believed to have medicinal properties that promoted fertility and sexual function but also had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the body.
Because its healthfulness has made maca an increasingly popular health supplement, manufacturers began to market maca powder as a dietary supplement. Today, it’s sold in over 500 retail stores across the United States alone.
In addition, maca is now commonly found in energy bars, protein powders, shakes, and other types of supplements.
There are two main types of maca powder—raw maca and processed maca.
Raw maca, which is considered to be the most potent type of maca, comes from dried leaves and roots that have not been processed into a powdered form. Raw maca is usually ground up into a fine powder before being mixed into supplements.
Processed maca, which is less potent than raw maca, comes from whole plant parts that haven’t undergone the same grinding process.
You can find both raw and processed maca in supplement companies. However, if you buy products labeled “organic” or “natural,” they usually contain processed maca.
In this article, we’ll focus mainly on raw maca powder.
Can I take maca before going to bed?
According to herbalist Agatha Noveille, author of The Complete Guide to Adaptogens: From Ashwagandha to Rhodiola, “maca is clearly on the list of adaptogens not to take before sleep.” According to Noveille, the plant can be as as stimulating as a cup of coffee in addition to promoting sexual well-being.
How To Choose A Good Maca Powder
Before choosing between the different types of maca powder available in the U.S., you need to choose between raw and processed maca.
While both types of maca are beneficial to your overall health, processed maca has a few benefits over raw maca. Here are some of the differences between them:
- Raw maca contains a higher amount of antioxidants.
- Processed maca is easier to digest.
- Raw maca is easier to absorb.
- Processed maca contains less fiber.
When selecting a maca product, look for these four key features:
1. Quality
Look for products that have been tested for their potency and effectiveness. You should purchase a product that has passed third party testing, not just lab testing. Third party testing involves having the product undergo an independent analysis by someone who doesn’t work for the manufacturer.
Third party testing ensures that the product meets industry standards in terms of purity, consistency, and safety.
2. Ingredients
Make sure the product lists the exact ingredients that make up the maca powder. When purchasing maca powder online, read reviews to see whether customers complain about certain ingredients. If you notice any complaints, avoid that particular brand.
Some common ingredients that you should stay away from include:
- Dried fruits such as raisins, figs, dates, and apricots.
- Sugar substitutes like agave syrup, honey, and molasses.
- GMO-based sweeteners.
- Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose.
- Preservatives such as sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, propionic acid, potassium sorbate, or calcium disodium EDTA.
To find brands that don’t use artificial sweeteners, sugar substitute, GMOs, or preservatives, read reviews and do your own research. For example, here are six organic maca powders that aren’t loaded with preservatives.
3. Price
Price is another factor to consider when deciding between raw and processed maca powder. Prices vary depending on the ingredients, manufacturing methods, and packaging options of each brand. Because some processed brands may contain preservatives, sugars, and other additives, they tend to cost more per ounce compared to raw maca.
However, if you’d rather spend more money on a product with fewer additives, choose a raw maca powder instead. This will save you time and money in the long run.
4. Packaging Options
If you’re interested in maca powder, you might be wondering how much packaging makes sense. Many manufacturers offer several variations within each package. Each variation may have a different purpose. For example, some maca powders come in small packets and others come in larger bags.
As far as maca powder goes, the best choice depends on your individual needs. If you’re looking for the lowest price, you should opt for a large bag. But if you’re looking for a product that has fewer additives and no preservatives, you should go for a smaller packet.
For example, here are three organic maca powders with different packaging options:
Organic Maca Powders With Different Packaging Options
Now that you understand why raw and processed maca have their advantages and disadvantages, it’s time to figure out which option is right for you.