Anyone had experience with Maca?

ForBaacon

I was browsing Amazon earlier, as you do, and in the nutrient section I saw something called 'Maca Powder'. I looked around on the web to find out a bit more about it and it's had mixed uses, some people say they use it for fertility, others use it to improve immune systems and others said that it helped them tone up. Due to the large amount of websites/people that seem to be promoting this for money, I wanted to see if anyone in MFP had any experience with it, what they use it for etc.

Sorry if this has been posted before or is in the wrong section

CarrieCans

I've never heard of it until now. A quick search brought up this...

How does it work?
Maca root contains many chemicals, including fatty acids and amino acids. However, there isn't enough information to know how maca might work.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-555-maca.aspx?activeingredientid=555&activeingredientname=maca

It's new and not much is known. I like to wait until there is real info.

jfp420

I heard that it is for energy but never looked very much into it because it is so expensive. I'll keep an eye on this thread to see if anyone has actually used it. I might be tempted to try it if it really works.

AlisonH729

I haven't had it in a few years but I remember it making me bounce off the walls. My boyfriend at the time took a sushi class at the CIA and they began with a tea ceremony so he bought a tin of matcha, it even came with a bamboo whisk. We ended up drinking it iced with fruit juice most of the time. But it was good. I'm actually thinking of picking some up because I want to make green tea ice cream. An audience member on The Chew added it to white chocolate macadamia cookies. Mmm.

Edit: Not the same thing!

TheDevastator

I've tried maca powder and liked the flavor. It's a good stimulant. It used to be about $12 a pound, now it's more like $18+ a pound. That's too expensive for me now.

Walter__

Maca used to be really cheap! Back in July of last year you could buy a one pound bag of Maca powder for $10.

There's been a shortage the past few months because of huge demand in China due to its libido-enhancing effects and overall health benefits. You can do a Google search and find some news articles about it. Basically Chinese businessmen went to Peru and started buying it all up. Thieves are stealing it and smuggling to China as well. It's pretty crazy and the reason why prices are so expensive.

Anyway, as far as effects go. I bought it a few months ago when I was dieting and energy was low. I found that it did increase my energy and it drove my sex drive through the roof. The libido increase is crazyyyyyy.

I do recommend buying it in raw powder form instead of the pills though. Initially I bought the pills but they were expensive as hell and nowhere near as effective as the powder. I was feeling more effect from half the dosage with the powder than the pills.

Do mix the powder into a shake or juice. It tastes terrible if you take it with water alone.

Kalikel

Three rules off supplement taking:

Must be recommended by the doctor or discussed with and okayed by him.

Must be able to fix/help something that is wrong...or possibly fix/help something that is wrong.

Must be safe.

This stuff isn't something I know is safe, will not be fixing anything that is wrong and wasn't recommended, so Nope, not taking it.

dbmata

macalacahi-macahineyho

Kalikel

dbmata wrote: »

macalacahi-macahineyho

Lol

LAMCDylan

I use it in homemade desserts occasionally. I can't say I feel any different though. However, I only use it occasionally and not everyday. It is slightly sweet and has some good minerals and other goodies. If you are looking for some type of miracle supplement this isn't it.

tkillion810

I use it regularly. It has many great benefits. While it is pricey, it really only takes a teaspoon in a daily smoothie, so the powder lasts me forever! I add it to my energy bites, smoothies, etc. It has a slight nutty taste.

ninerbuff

Till a good peer reviewed clinical study comes out that supports it use, save your money and divert it to groceries.


A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

HeidiCooksSupper

"At present there is no reliable evidence that it actually provides any benefits at all."
and
"This herb has not undergone comprehensive safety testing. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established."

From: http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=104590

lalanie17

Its actually really good for your body...I use it ona daily basis along with chia and hemp seeds...I have been told by a doctor that maca is a really good natural supplement for people that have thyroid problems

Sabine_Stroehm

Kalikel wrote: »

Three rules off supplement taking:

Must be recommended by the doctor or discussed with and okayed by him.

Must be able to fix/help something that is wrong...or possibly fix/help something that is wrong.

Must be safe.

This stuff isn't something I know is safe, will not be fixing anything that is wrong and wasn't recommended, so Nope, not taking it.

And it's thought to affect HORMONES. Not something one wants to do without knowing a lot.

Silentfool

I have used Macca for energy purposes. It worked ok but not well enough to pay the current prices. I would use again if the prices dipped again

Christine_72

Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »

Kalikel wrote: »

Three rules off supplement taking:

Must be recommended by the doctor or discussed with and okayed by him.

Must be able to fix/help something that is wrong...or possibly fix/help something that is wrong.

Must be safe.

This stuff isn't something I know is safe, will not be fixing anything that is wrong and wasn't recommended, so Nope, not taking it.

And it's thought to affect HORMONES. Not something one wants to do without knowing a lot.

yes, the hormone thing put me off of trying it...

dbmata

Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »

Kalikel wrote: »

Three rules off supplement taking:

Must be recommended by the doctor or discussed with and okayed by him.

Must be able to fix/help something that is wrong...or possibly fix/help something that is wrong.

Must be safe.

This stuff isn't something I know is safe, will not be fixing anything that is wrong and wasn't recommended, so Nope, not taking it.

And it's thought to affect HORMONES. Not something one wants to do without knowing a lot.

You DON'T EFF WITH THAT.

sjaplo

I thought the title was a reference to Paul McCartney............

TheDevastator

Maybe you can persuade others not to use it so they'll lower the price and I can buy it again.