Are you struggling to gain weight? What if we told you there was a way to accomplish your goal? Maca is a superfood that can help you gain weight safely and naturally. It seems like Maca root for weight gain is all the rage these days, but is it really effective? We’ll help you find out.
We all want to lose body fat and show off those abs and triceps. Many people don’t achieve this goal because they are underweight, have a fast metabolism, or are “all bones.”
After puberty, teens may actually gain a few pounds. Most teens, especially boys, are disheartened and envious of their muscular and bulky peers, but some gain no weight, while others are ‘late bloomers. Even those who gain weight are interested in a sport and want to be on the team.
When you are underweight, you venture different methods to gain weight. Maca root is a new and popular weight-gaining ingredient used by many as part of their daily meal plans.
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What is Maca root?
Scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, Maca is a type of cruciferous vegetable originally harvested by the ancient Spanish Inca culture. Its roots are the main source of nutrition from maca. Maca is found in the high peaks of the Andes Mountains of Peru.
Maca has been consumed for at least 2,000 years ago, and many cultures have passed it down, partly because it is believed to increase fertility and sex drive, especially in men.
In the 1500s, the Spanish Inca tribes recorded the first benefits of the herb, Maca. When cattle suffered from the stress of the highlands, maca helped them reproduce. This newly discovered supplement is becoming increasingly popular for gaining weight.
Nutritional value
This superfood is full of nutritional value, which will help alleviate any nutritional deficiencies you may have.
Maca is primarily composed of 59% carbohydrates, 8.5% fiber, and more than 10% protein. High content of vital amino acids is essential for building lean muscle mass.
Besides fatty acids, it provides a strong supply of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, Iron, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Potassium, and Sodium.
Benefits of Maca root
Maca’s incredible nutritional value provides an endless list of health benefits, including:
- Boosts energy
- Relaxes the mind
- Enhances sexual function
- Improves physical and emotional well being
- Clarifies the mind
- Increases hair growth
- Improves thyroid health
- Stabilizes hormones
- UV protection for the skin
- Provides relief from PMS
- Improves skin tone
- Increases sperm count
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Treats depression
Does Maca Powder Cause Weight Gain?
Adding maca powder to your diet will potentially increase weight in two ways.
#1. The first way how maca powder causes weight gain involves balancing the body’s natural hormones. Being a cruciferous vegetable, Maca coordinates with the thyroid gland to secrete certain hormones in the body. Once these hormones are balanced, the body uses this system to process food, regulate energy levels, and deliver nutrients to the body.
When your hormones are in balance and use more energy, you may find an increase in appetite. When you consume more calories, you may gain more weight. However, this depends on several factors, but adding maca powder to meals can be one way to add on a few pounds.
#2. The second way
in which maca powder helps you put on weight is through its anabolic action. Maca powder aids your muscles in burning calories more effectively. Therefore, an individual can get more out of their workout regimen. This will add muscle mass, thereby increasing a person’s weight.
Getting more exercise allows one to burn more calories, which, in turn, encourages one to eat more food.
By itself, maca powder doesn’t always cause a person to gain weight. Weight gain is only possible if the Maca powder consumption is accompanied by diet and exercise.
If you consume healthy foods and start exercising and taking the maca supplement, you will gain weight.
The Maca root may help reduce belly fat caused by higher cortisol levels (stress hormones). Ultimately, losing belly fat will help you lose weight, but other factors also play a role.
What you need to know before purchasing Maca root for Weight Gain
If you’re asking, “Where can I buy Maca? And can I get organic Maca?” we’ve got you covered!
Do your research
Increasingly popular, Maca can be found in many health stores, pharmacies, and even online retailers. You can buy it as a capsule, liquid, powder, or extract. All forms are beneficial equally; however, it is best to buy Maca from a quality harvester who guarantees it is 100 percent pure maca root powder.
You should research each brand and choose the one sold by a reputable company with a reputable website. Ideally, you need to find raw and organic varieties of Maca.
Know what type to choose
The maca plant is classified by the color of its roots, which are usually yellow, black, or red. All colors of Maca have the same benefits, although some types and colors are more beneficial for specific medical conditions.
Red maca powder, or maca flour, is the most common supplement form. The taste is earthy and slightly nutty, with a hint of butterscotch. Depending on the type of Maca, the flavor can differ. Black Maca has a slightly bitter texture, while cream-colored roots taste sweeter.
How to include Maca root into the diet?
Due to its appetite-stimulating properties, do not eat excessive amounts of food while taking maca. Maintain a healthy calorie intake all day long. You could add whole grain bread, potatoes, soy milk, and wheat pasta to your diet.
A flavored milk powder drink or protein shake will also benefit your diet. Maca powder can be added to shakes, smoothies, and cereal.
In Peru, where maca cultivation is native, locals consume as much as a pound of dried or fresh maca root daily. Most people consume somewhere between 1 to 20 grams daily in powder form. There is no official recommendation for maca powder usage quantity, but it’s best to start with about one tablespoon (in powder form) daily and then work your way up.
Precautions and warnings
- If you have any thyroid disorder, you should keep maca intake in moderation and avoid consuming it raw because Maca contains substances that can impair thyroid function, especially in thyroid issues. If you have a history of the disorder, should consult your doctor before taking Maca.
- Due to Maca’s effects on hormone levels, physicians recommend that people who depend on hormone-altering medications to treat illnesses such as breast cancer or prostate cancer avoid using it.
- Those with high blood pressure should avoid consuming Maca root to gain weight. Currently, there is limited research on the use of Maca during pregnancy or breastfeeding. So, it is best for children, pregnant or nursing women, not to consume it.
Before adding Maca to your diet, consult your doctor to ensure it is right for you. Taking it as a food supplement can help you gain weight. However, it is important to realize that the root by itself will not cause you to gain weight since it is purely a function of how many calories you are taking in and burning through exercise. After you achieve your weight gain goals, you can stop taking Maca. you can also take it with your other weight gain supplements.
References
Maca Root Benefits, Nutrition, Dosage, and Side Effects …. https://draxe.com/nutrition/top-5-maca-root-benefits-and-nutrition/
Maca Nutrition – Secrets, Benefits & Side Effects – Eat Peru. https://www.eatperu.com/maca-benefits-nutrition/
