Raw maca is a powdered form of the maca root, which is native to the Andes Mountains area of South America. It is processed without heat and is used as a nutritional supplement and aphrodisiac. Raw maca differs from other preparations as it is not heated above 104°F (40°C) or 115°F (46°C). It can be consumed in a variety of ways, and while it has not been found to produce harmful side effects, more studies are needed to determine its effectiveness as an aphrodisiac.
Raw maca is a powdered form of the maca root, which is native to the Andes Mountains area of South America. The root is processed without the use of heat, making it acceptable to eat for those on a raw food diet. It is also used as a nutritional supplement. Many people also eat maca root because it has a reputation as an aphrodisiac.
The maca tuber has been consumed in the Andes for thousands of years, especially by the Incas. People eat its leaves in salads or mash the tubers to eat similar to mashed potatoes. Many people claim that raw maca powder should be considered a food, but in Norway it is considered a medicine and cannot be obtained without a prescription.
Raw maca differs from other preparations in that it is processed without the use of heat. To do so, the maca tubers are harvested, cleaned, and freeze-dried. The dried tubers are pulverized into a powder. By contrast, gelatinized maca requires the use of chemicals to sterilize the tubers and heating to pasteurize the product for shipping, so it does not meet “raw” food standards, requiring that no food be heated by above 104°F (40°C) or 115°F (46°C).
The powdered form of raw maca can be consumed in a number of ways. It can be mixed into a juice or other drink. Some people sprinkle it over hot or cold cereal, yogurt, or fruit. Some people who are not followers of the raw food diet also cook with this ingredient. They are more concerned with getting the nutrients and aphrodisiac benefits of consuming maca itself than with the dietary restrictions of raw foods.
According to New York University Langone Medical Center, only two small studies claim that maca root may be useful as a type of sexual stimulant by improving blood flow to the genitals. Studies did not show that maca had any effect on human hormone levels, although many maca suppliers claim otherwise. These two studies do not conclusively show that raw maca has any effect as an aphrodisiac, and more studies are needed before its true effectiveness can be determined.
Raw maca has not been found to produce harmful side effects in people who eat it. Some people who have eaten raw maca sprinkled with fruit have reported digestive upset.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
