Are you curious about the best time to take maca powder?
This adaptogenic root has been used for thousands of years in Peru for its energy-boosting and hormone-balancing properties. But when is the optimal time to consume it? Should you take it in the morning or at night?
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind maca and provide some tips on when to take it for maximum benefits. So grab a cup of tea and let’s dive in!
What Time To Take Maca Powder?
According to experts, the best time to take maca powder is in the morning. This is because maca is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress and balance hormones. Taking it in the morning can help provide sustained energy throughout the day, without causing difficulty falling asleep at night.
However, some people may be able to tolerate maca later in the day. It’s important to note that maca is not a stimulant like caffeine, but it can still provide an energy boost for some individuals. If you’re new to taking maca, it’s recommended to start with a small dose in the morning and gradually increase as needed.
When taking maca powder, it’s best to consume it on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. However, if you have any digestive sensitivities or concerns, it’s recommended to take it with food. This can also enhance the benefits of maca as it has more time to be absorbed in the digestive tract.
It’s important to note that if you experience any indigestion after taking maca, especially raw maca, try taking it without fruit or fruit juice. Fruit passes through the digestive system more quickly than other foods, which can cause slight gas or bloating in some cases. If indigestion persists, try gelatinized maca powder instead as it’s easier to digest.
What Is Maca Powder?
Maca powder is derived from the root of the maca plant, which is native to the Andes region of Peru. It is a cruciferous vegetable and is related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale. Maca powder can be easily added to meals or smoothies and is a common ingredient in Peruvian cooking. Aside from its culinary uses, maca powder is known for its potential health benefits.
Maca is an adaptogenic herb, which means it helps the body manage environmental stress and balance hormones. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years and has been shown to enhance sexual health and libido, improve energy, mood, and memory, and balance hormone levels.
Maca powder is widely available at health stores, pharmacies, and online retailers in capsule, powder, extract, or liquid form. The standard dose for maca powder is 1,500-3,000 mg. It can be supplemented by eating maca root or through a maca extract. Extracts should be water or ethyl acetate-based.
When taking maca powder, it’s important to consume it on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. However, if you have any digestive sensitivities or concerns, it’s recommended to take it with food. It’s also important to start with a small dose in the morning and gradually increase as needed. If you experience any indigestion after taking maca powder, try taking it without fruit or fruit juice or switch to gelatinized maca powder instead.
How Does Maca Powder Work?
Maca powder works by acting as an adaptogen in the body. Adaptogens are substances that help the body adapt to stress and balance hormones. Maca contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants that work together to provide numerous health benefits.
One of the main benefits of maca powder is increased energy levels. Although it does not contain caffeine or act as a stimulant, many people notice increased energy levels after taking it. Maca can also help balance hormones and improve mood, making it a popular choice for those with hormonal imbalances or mood disorders.
Maca powder is also known for its aphrodisiac properties and ability to improve sexual function. It has been shown to increase libido and improve erectile dysfunction in men. In addition, maca has been found to have positive effects on fertility in both men and women.
Benefits Of Taking Maca Powder
Maca powder has numerous benefits for those who consume it regularly. One of the main benefits is increased energy levels. Maca is not a stimulant, but it can still provide an energy boost for many people. Taking maca powder in the morning can help provide sustained energy throughout the day without causing difficulty falling asleep at night.
Maca is also known for its ability to balance hormones and reduce stress levels. As an adaptogen, maca helps the body adapt to stress and maintain hormonal balance. This can lead to improved mood, better sleep, and reduced anxiety.
In addition to its hormonal balancing properties, maca powder has been shown to improve sexual function and libido in both men and women. It may also help improve fertility by increasing sperm count and motility in men and regulating menstrual cycles in women.
Finally, maca powder is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, copper, iron, and potassium. It also contains amino acids and antioxidants that can help support overall health and well-being.
When To Take Maca Powder – Morning Or Night?
If you’re wondering whether to take maca powder in the morning or at night, the answer is generally in the morning. This is because maca is an adaptogen that helps balance hormones and provide sustained energy throughout the day. However, some people may be able to tolerate maca later in the day without difficulty falling asleep at night.
It’s important to start with a small dose of maca powder and gradually increase as needed. Taking it on an empty stomach can enhance absorption, but if you have any digestive sensitivities, taking it with food may be more beneficial.
If you experience indigestion after taking maca, try taking it without fruit or fruit juice. Gelatinized maca powder is also easier to digest for some individuals.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Time To Take Maca Powder
When choosing the best time to take maca powder, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it’s important to identify your personal goals for taking maca. If you’re looking to balance hormones or support healthy adrenal function, taking maca in the morning may be best. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quick energy boost or support for healthy sleep, taking maca in the evening may be more suitable.
Another factor to consider is your individual tolerance to maca. While some people may be able to tolerate maca later in the day, others may find that it disrupts their sleep. It’s recommended to start with a small dose of maca in the morning and gradually increase as needed while monitoring your body’s response.
It’s also important to take into account any digestive sensitivities or concerns. If you experience any indigestion after taking maca, it may be best to take it with food or switch to a gelatinized form of maca powder that’s easier to digest.
Lastly, it’s important to choose a high-quality maca powder from a trusted source. Look for products that have been tested by a third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF, to ensure that you’re getting a safe and effective product.
How To Take Maca Powder For Maximum Benefits
To get the maximum benefits of maca powder, it’s important to determine the optimal dosage for your needs. The standard dose for maca is 1,500-3,000 mg per day, but dosages used in studies have ranged from 3 to 3.5 grams daily. It’s recommended to take 1 teaspoon, or 3.1 grams, of maca powder daily for 6 to 12 weeks to see the benefits take effect.
When taking maca powder, it’s important to mix it with a liquid and whisk it to dissolve the maca and spices. Once warmed, pour it into a mug, sweeten to taste, and top with additional cinnamon if desired. Maca powder can be consumed with or without food, but it’s best to take it on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.
If you have existing thyroid issues, take caution when consuming maca as it contains goitrogens that can interfere with normal thyroid functioning. Additionally, due to a lack of existing information, it’s best to avoid maca if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Maca is considered safe for most people to consume, but if you experience any indigestion after taking it, try taking it without fruit or fruit juice. If indigestion persists, try gelatinized maca powder instead as it’s easier to digest.
