Like potatoes, maca is a tuber vegetable which isn’t normally consumed raw. In Peru and South America, the root is ground into a flour which is used in baking and other forms of cooking. It’s used to make a sweet aromatic porridge called mazamorra. A fermented drink known as maca chichi is another common use. While the latter may not be heated, the fermentation does make is easier to digest. Since most manufacturers are vague or silent about their manufacturing process, it’s difficult to know which brands use the least destructive methods for making it.

Maca Root Powder Benefits - What Is It Good for? Black Maca Root Powder Benefits - What Is It Good for?

That’s a great question. Gelatinization is a process in which maca roots are heated to about 160 F/ 70 C. During this process the starch granules within the roots swell and absorb water. This produces a gel like substance that is then removed from the maca powder. Meissner HO, Reich-Bilinska H, Mscisz A, Kedzia B Therapeutic Effects of Pre-Gelatinized Maca (Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon) used as a Non-Hormonal Alternative to HRT in Perimenopausal Women - Clinical Pilot Study. Int J Biomed Sci. (2006-Jun) One dose of maca powder (1.5 g) contains 6 grams of carbs and trace amounts vitamin C and B-group vitamins. ( 4)Though the term gelatinized may sound like gelatin has been added, that’s not the case; it’s still a vegan product. Gelatinized maca is boiled before it’s ground up, which takes out some of its starchiness. While this does deplete some of the natural nutrients, it is easier to digest for many folks. Raw maca, on the other hand, is dried before being ground up into a powder. This process keeps all of its nutrients intact, but some folks may have a harder time digesting raw maca. Maca Color I’m convinced but still have about 2 lbs of raw Maca that I bought on sale and can’t return. Can it be cooked, boiled before using or is it best to discard and start on gelatinized and call it a loss? Reply

Gelatinized Maca Powder, 16 Oz Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Gelatinized Maca Powder, 16 Oz

Pharmaceutical Biology: "Effect of macamides on endurance capacity and anti-fatigue property in prolonged swimming mice." Used for centuries in Peru the health benefits of maca root are well documented and include everything from energy, vitality, stamina, endurance to hormonal balance, sexual function and mental health. Maca is a root vegetable that is 70% carbohydrate, with a high starch content (similar to a potato). As such, it has been traditionally cooked in ways similar to that of potatoes or starchy foods. The whole fresh bulb or dried bulb is either boiled in a soup or grated into fine pieces and boiled as a tea or porridge.The effectiveness of maca will vary from person to person. However, as with most supplements, it’s important to try to take it as regularly as possible after consulting a health professional. References The benefits of maca powder for men and women involve helping to reduce hypertension and protect your cardiovascular health. Powders are the most economical way to consume maca. Our gelatinized red maca root powder is ground into an extremely fine powder that is easy to add to a smoothie or other recipe. The taste can be described as “malty” or “caramel-like.” Love the Maca team, In an earlier comment I said I was on the fence about where to buy Maca .Not anymore .You shouldn’t be either. The team has answered any questions I’ve had promptly. I feel like I’m dealing with friends, not some company far away out for my money only. The Maca is fresh, prices are good, the people are nice. If you’re on the fence, don’t be, you won’t be sorry. Simply put it is best to buy activated maca or gelatinized maca as it is safe, potent and tastes better. It does not need cooking but can be cooked more if required. This follows the tradition and the science and the way it has been done for 2000 years – cooked.