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What is the purpose of using Maca?

5 min read time Mar 24, 2025

Description

Description

Before delving into the purpose of using Maca root, it's crucial to grasp its unique nature and nourishing qualities.

Maca, a one-of-a-kind root vegetable, thrives at an altitude of 15,000 feet in the challenging conditions of the Andes mountains. It's a remarkable tonic food with adaptogen-like qualities and some unique nourishing compounds.

For centuries, the Indigenous people of Peru have revered maca as a staple food.

What is the purpose of using Maca?
Maca is often used as a natural addition to smoothies, coffee, or baked goods for its earthy, nutty flavor. Maca is often used to support energy, stamina, and endurance, making it a popular choice among athletes and those with active lifestyles. It's also known for possibly supporting balanced hormones and may help support an improved mood.

Despite its unassuming appearance—resembling a cross between a parsnip and a potato—it proudly belongs to the Brassica (mustard) family, which also includes cabbage, turnip, mustard, and broccoli.

While Maca’s macronutrient profile can vary slightly on harvests and batches, it averages around:

10.2% proteins,
59% carbohydrates,
2.2% lipids, and
8.5% of fiber.

Around one-half of Maca’s carbohydrate content is starch, specifically amylose and amylopectin. However, with its unique long-chained fatty acids (Macaenes and Macamides) only found in Maca's butterscotch toasted nutty flavor profile created through the gelatinizing process, this is a highly versatile food that has been proven to bring unique nourishing qualities to the table.

Maca is loved for its support of mood, stamina, and everyday wellness

Peruvian festivals annually celebrate the nourishing qualities and versatility of foods prepared with Maca.

The Indigenous people of Peru are known to consume various mixtures of porridge containing substantial amounts of Maca daily, a practice that supports their strength and health in the face of the harsh living conditions at high altitudes.

This porridge can be cooked plain, with a touch of sugar, or with quinoa, cacao, and lucuma, all of which are staple foods in Peru.

Maca is a tonic food with powerful adaptogen-like qualities

In simple terms, four primary fundamental aspects define a tonic herb:

Tonic herbs create and support a state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being through balance to attain vibrant health.
Tonic herbs can be used for an unlimited period with no adverse effects
No matter how long an individual uses tonic herbs, they never build up a tolerance.
Proper tonics come from their authentic source and spiritual homeland.

Tonic herbs are not used to treat or prevent specific issues. They promote and support general well-being by enhancing energy and regulating function. The priority is not about healing but gently promoting one’s health.

Many countries have a traditionally used herb for supporting sexual vigor, or as many locals call it, “energy,” which they tout as their local “Ginseng” (even though there is no actual relation to the ginseng family).

For example, Ashwagandha is called Indian ginseng, and Tongkat Ali is called Malaysian ginseng. Maca root is known as Peruvian Ginseng and has quite a reputation for its ability to revitalize one’s vitality and energy. Maca contains potent compounds, providing the body with a beautiful synergy of nourishment. Macamides, Macaenes, and glucosinolates seem to be what research feels may help to give maca some of its possible supportive effects.

The research has been quite conclusive in determining that it is most potent as a whole concentrated food (versus standardizing it). While macamides, macaenes, and glucosinolates are only found in small amounts, the synergy of these compounds packs a powerful punch.

Maca may deliver a boost of focus, endurance, and drive

As stated earlier, maca is unique because it’s the only food in the Brassicaceae family where this combination of compounds occurs.

Contrary to popular belief, the effects of maca on different physiological processes do not seem to be regulated by direct changes to hormone levels.

For example, sexual desire is controlled by the balancing of hormone levels. The specific effects maca has on one’s vitality are not because it directly affects individual hormone levels but because the natural sterols in maca perform healthy “hormone-like functions.” The macamides and macaenes found in maca may influence brain centers that regulate the endocrine system and energy levels.

The human study below perfectly shows how maca had no specific direct effect on individual hormones. The positive results are based on indirect effects supported by other mechanisms of action.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was conducted on 29 post-menopausal women. They received 3.3 g/day of Maca or placebo for six weeks each, in either order, over 12 weeks. At baseline, week six, and week twelve, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), stimulating thyroid hormone (TSH), total lipid profiles, glucose, and serum cytokines were measured. The Greene Climacteric, SF-36 Version 2, Women's Health Questionnaire, and Utian Quality of Life Scales were used to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms and health-related quality of life.

The results of this study showed that Maca did not exert hormonal or immune biological action in the cohort of patients studied, providing valuable insights into its effects.

So, here is the answer to the question of the purpose of using Maca.

Tonic herbs promote and support general well-being by enhancing energy and regulating function. The priority is not healing but gently promoting one’s health.

They provide adaptive Qi, allowing us to deal more efficiently with daily stressors. Ultimately, this will enable us to grow as human beings. That said, tonic herbs are also not specific for acute issues.

Much like adaptogens, they build layers of strength and resilience, allowing you to become more adaptable to environmental changes. Consistency and compliance are the keys to obtaining the best results with tonic herbs. You are also not required to take breaks when using tonic herbs.

Finally, tonics are valuable alongside medicinal herbs when supporting recovery from acute health challenges.

For more information about our Organic Gelatinized Maca Root, go here:

Maca Root Gelatinized Powder - Organic

For more information about all of our Maca Root Powders and our other Herb and Root powders, go here:

Herb & Root Powders

About Michael Stuchiner, Master Herbalist
Michael Stuchiner is a Master Herbalist and proud graduate of The School of Natural Healing and has worked in different areas of this field for over 25 years. He is a retired elite-level powerlifter who competed for 27 years. As an avid international traveler, he is passionate about the use of medicinal and tonic herbs, as well as foods traditionally found in local markets in the 35 countries he has visited. Michael brings you his years of experience as a Master Herbalist, traveler, and athlete through the hundreds of articles he has written and his YouTube channel (A Master Herbalist Perspective). He is considered a true educator in this field. For more articles written by Mike, go here: Master Herbalist.