In the inhospitable heights of the Peruvian Andes, above 4,000 meters above sea level, grows an extraordinary plant that has been revered for over 2,000 years: maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp). This incredible superfood is an extraordinary example of how ancestral wisdom can be validated by modern science.

During the Inca Empire, maca was so valuable that it was used as tribute and a means of exchange, especially the rarer varieties.

This tuber, known as the "Peruvian ginseng" or "Inca viagra," belongs to the Brassicaceae family, the same that includes broccoli, cauliflower, and radish. However, its unique ability to survive in one of the harshest environments on the planet—where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, surviving frosts of up to -20°C, winds over 100 km/h, and scarce oxygen that would destroy most crops—makes it a truly exceptional plant.

Up to thirteen varieties have been described, ranging from white to black, including red, purple, and yellow, and it is traditionally consumed as a mix of different colors since each color has specific properties and together they enhance its medicinal effects.

The Spanish conquerors first documented maca in their 16th-century chronicles, describing how Inca warriors consumed it before battles to increase their strength and endurance.

The Varieties of Maca:

 

Yellow Maca: The Universal Energy Base

Yellow maca is the most common and balanced variety, representing approximately 60% of all production and is the one usually found in online stores and supermarkets. Its nutritional profile makes it an excellent option for those seeking a natural and balanced energy boost.

For MEN and WOMEN:

General Energy: Provides vitality and sustained energy, improving physical endurance and reducing fatigue.

Sexual Function: Clinical research shows improvements in sexual desire in both men and women after 8 weeks of consumption.

Natural Adaptogen: Helps the body better adapt to physical and mental stress.

 

BLACK MACA: The Black Gold of the Andes

The ancient Peruvians reserved black maca exclusively for the nobility and elite warriors, considering it too powerful for common consumption. It is considered the most potent and valuable of all maca varieties and represents only 15% of total production.

For centuries, this variety was jealously guarded by Andean communities and only shared on special occasions. It is said to increase physical endurance by more than 500% compared to other varieties.

Benefits:

For MEN:

Cognitive and Neurological Function:

• Improves cognitive function, meaning it helps the brain work better in mental processes such as learning, remembering, concentrating, reasoning, and making decisions.
• Reverses cognitive deterioration and protects against neuronal damage.
• Significant improvement in memory and concentration.
• Neuroprotective effects superior to other varieties.

Fertility and Performance:

• Significantly improves sperm count, motility, and quality.
• The most effective variety for enhancing spermatogenesis, meaning the ability to produce sperm.
• Increases physical endurance by more than 500%.
• Optimizes male reproductive performance.

Energy and Metabolism:

• Combats fatigue exceptionally well.

For WOMEN:

Cognitive Function:

• Improves memory and learning.
• Protects against age-related cognitive decline.
• Enhances concentration and mental clarity.

Hormonal and Menopausal Health:

• Helps with cognitive symptoms related to menopause.
• Improves brain function during hormonal transitions.
• Reduces mental fatigue associated with hormonal changes.

Energy and Vitality:

• Significantly increases endurance and physical recovery.
• Effectively combats chronic fatigue.

For both sexes:

Glucose Metabolism:

Scientific evidence indicates that it improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood glucose levels (it can reduce blood glucose levels by up to 50% in diabetic models).

 

RED MACA: Guardian of Bone and Prostate Health

Traditionally known as "medicinal maca" for its specific healing properties, it is the only variety that has scientifically demonstrated reversal of benign prostatic growth. It represents approximately 25% of total production.

Its intense red color is due to its high content of betalains, pigments with unique antioxidant properties.

A special emphasis here on bone health is necessary. After menopause, estrogen levels drop, which can cause bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis (fragile bones).

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps prevent bone loss and reduces fractures but can cause serious side effects; remember, all the “medicine” we need is provided by nature. Black and red maca specifically (not yellow) help protect bones naturally, similar to estrogen, but without affecting the uterus. Animal and human studies show that those who consume red maca have less bone loss and fewer fractures, making it a safe alternative to hormone therapy.

Benefits:

For MEN:

Prostate Health:

• Offers anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the prostate.
• Significantly reduces benign prostatic growth.
• Improves urinary symptoms related to prostate issues.
• Natural prevention of prostate complications.

Bone Health:

• Effectively prevents bone mass loss.
• Protection against male osteoporosis.
• Strengthens the skeletal system.

Sexual Function:

• Improves libido and reproductive function.
• Optimizes sexual function without affecting hormone levels.
• Enhances overall sexual satisfaction.

For WOMEN:

Exceptional Bone Protection:

• Effects similar to estradiol in preventing osteoporosis.
• Especially important for postmenopausal women.
• Strengthens bone density without uterine side effects.
• Natural prevention of age-related fractures.

Menopausal Health:

• Protective effects during postmenopause.
• Does not increase uterine weight (advantage over hormonal therapies).
• Naturally reduces menopausal symptoms.
• Balanced hormonal protection.

General Wellbeing:

• Improves female reproductive function.
• Natural hormonal balance.

 

WHITE MACA: The Gentle Introduction

It is the softest of the varieties, traditionally recommended for people with sensitivities or as a first contact with maca. Represents less than 5% of total production.

• Provides all the benefits of maca at moderate intensity.
• Gradual energy improvement.
• Mild adaptive effects.
• Natural balance without energy spikes.

 

PURPLE MACA: The Female Antioxidant Treasure

The rarest of the varieties and the hardest to find on the market, representing less than 3% of total production, making it extremely scarce. Its distinctive purple color is due to anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in blueberries and purple grapes.

Traditionally known as "women’s maca" for its specific benefits, it was considered so special for centuries that it was only shared among women in the community.

Benefits:

For Women (especially):

• Relieves pain and mood swings from premenstrual syndrome.
• Reduces hot flashes, irritability, and other menopausal symptoms.
• Helps regulate female hormonal cycles naturally.
• Balances hormonal fluctuations.
• Higher anthocyanin content due to its distinctive purple color.
• Advanced cellular protection against aging.
• Exceptionally combats oxidative stress.
• Improves mood during menstrual cycles.
• Reduces water retention.
• Optimizes female emotional wellbeing.

For MEN:

• Antioxidant Protection.
• Advanced overall cellular protection.
• Combats cellular aging.
• Strengthens the immune system.
• Gentle and sustained energizing effects.
• Improves vitality without overstimulation.
• Balanced energy support.

Now that you understand the properties and benefits of each maca color, let's prepare a blend for each gender to better harness its powerful medicinal effects.

Blend for Men:

50% Black Maca: To optimize spermatogenesis, libido, cognitive function, and physical endurance.

30% Red Maca: Antioxidant function, prostate protection, inflammation reduction.

20% Yellow Maca: As an energy base, general balance, and hormonal support.

Recommended Dosage: 3-6 grams daily.

Blend for Women:

50% Red Maca: Bone protection, antioxidant, reduction of menopausal symptoms.

20% Black Maca: For energy and libido.

30% Yellow Maca: Provides a balancing effect, hormonal balance, and general support.

Recommended Dosage: 2-5 grams daily, adjusting according to the menstrual cycle phase.

Instructions:

Place the suggested amounts of maca for each color in a jar. For example, if you are preparing 100 g of mix for the women’s blend, you should put 50 g red maca, 20 g black maca, and 30 g yellow maca. Close the jar and shake well to mix the ingredients.

How to consume your maca blend:

Add it to your coffee. You can add 1 teaspoon maca, 1 teaspoon powdered ashwagandha, 1 teaspoon adaptogenic mushrooms, coffee, almond milk, and a tablespoon of collagen for an energizing drink.

You can add it to any smoothie or when baking your favorite desserts (cookies, granola, cakes, brownies, etc.).

To summarize:

Yellow Maca

• Energy booster
• Balanced hormone support
• Adaptogen for stress

Black Maca

• Men: Improves sperm count, libido, endurance, cognition
• Women: Boosts energy, memory, mental clarity

Red Maca

• Men: Protects prostate, reduces inflammation, bone health
• Women: Strengthens bones, reduces menopausal symptoms
• Antioxidant-rich (betalains)
• Both: Improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood glucose levels

 White Maca

• Mild effects, gentle energy
• Ideal for sensitive individuals or beginners

Purple Maca

• Women: PMS relief, hormonal balance, antioxidant protection
• Men: Immune support, mild sustained energy

 

Safety and Considerations

Toxicity studies confirm that maca is exceptionally safe.

Minor Contraindications:

• People with hyperthyroidism should consult a doctor (due to glucosinolate content).
• May cause insomnia if consumed late in the day.
• Start with low doses to assess individual tolerance.
• Not recommended for children due to its hormonal effects.