Will maca make you gain weight?
Are you looking for a natural way to boost your energy levels? Look no further than maca! This superfood has been making headlines as an effective way to improve stamina, mood and fertility. However, some people are concerned that taking maca supplements might cause them to pile on the pounds.
Fear not: I’m here with all the information you need about this root vegetable native to Peru. In this article, we’ll examine whether or not maca actually makes you gain weight.
What is maca?
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous plant related to broccoli and kale. It grows in the high Andes mountains of Peru at altitudes above 12,000 feet. The Incas used it as a medicinal herb for thousands of years because they believed it could enhance strength and endurance.
In modern times, studies have shown that macamides and macaenes, two bioactive compounds found in maca root powder, may help improve mood and cognitive function while reducing anxiety levels (1).
Can Maca Make You Put On Weight?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: can consuming macca cause users to pack on unwanted pounds? Well, there’s no easy answer.
On one hand, raw/macca cooked without fat doesn’t contain many calories: just 91 per 100-gram serving (2). That said; most individuals consume processed forms of(macassuch as powders or capsules,discussed later),that include higher calorie contents due largelyto preservatives or other inert inclusion additives,and misleading excess watercontents overall which can trigger weight gain.
However, the problem occurs when maca is processed into powders or capsules. In these forms, it’s often mixed with other ingredients that can increase calorie counts.
For example, many brands add sugar and/or artificial sweeteners to their maca products to make them tastier. If you’re not careful about portion control and end up consuming too many calories from these added sugars, you could gain weight over time.
What are macros/macronutrients?
In order to answer this question more effectively,it’s imperative we cover what macronutrients actually refer to: Nutritional sources of calories,the most common being carbohydrates,fats,and proteins (3).
This information will help users better identify calorie disruptions in a potential diet change involving(macca if caution isn’t taken,since it largely containscarbs (approx 75%) including vast amounts of dietary fiber providing its possible health benefits).
Bear in mind that the caveat is excess carbohydrate consumption throughout your daily dietary intake increases insulin levels causing subsequent fat deposition around cells typically referredto as ‘adipose tissue’ compared with utilizing such carbs for energy production,in conjunction exerciseregimes perhapsfacilitatingweight loss(more details later).
So while technically ∴the raw organic root itself may not be an outstanding food source facilitating noticeable overall weight gains , regular consumption/modifications w/ current diets should be monitored/consulted with a physician considering individual body structure/metabolism rates prior/middle/startsof supplementation.
How Does Maca Affect Energy Levels?
One of the primary reasons people take macca supplements is because they believe them capableof naturally supplementing energy stores - but does science back up their claims? Well . . .
There has been limited research about how maca affects energy levels,butso far studies have provided inconclusive results (4).
Some studies have noted a slight improvement in athletic performance and endurance,but other research has found no discernible benefits for energy levels. So, it’s still an open question whether or not maca can help you feel more invigorated throughout the day.
Can Maca Boost My Mood?
On another note, there is some evidence to suggest thatmacca can indeed boost your mood!
An early study published in 2008 found that subjects who took maca supplements experienced significant improvements in mental well-being—particularly those taking high doses of maca extract (5).
However,detailed follows up analyses showed subjective reporting bias, rendering the confidence value from anyapparent psychological antidepressant effects brief,requiring larger cohorts with less variable response rates to conduct further assessments;(though experimentationisn’t variably out of questionacross different populations (6)).
That being said; many people report feeling happier and calmer after regularly consuming macca products, so if nothing else this root veggie might be worth trying if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression.
How Can I Incorporate Maca Into My Diet?
If you want try incorporating more macca powder into your diet but don’t know where to start,certain immediate foods make prime candidates:
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal
- Lattes/Caffeine drinks
- Yogurt/Toppings etc.
You could also consume it as part of a daily supplement regimen.Above all,know this – moderation leads key outcome driven results.So,it should be consumed within reasonable limits plus consultationwith your physician may prove helpful prior/middle/during such modifications as well overall posture aimed at celebrating optimal dietary habits.
Whatever method you prefer ,make sure that you’re stickingto recommended serving sizes,and always choose brands that use high-quality, organic maca. This reduces your risk of consuming added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and other unhealthy additives that can contribute to weight gain.
Conclusion
So; at the end of the day,can macca make you pack on the pounds? Well,since it has low calorie contents upon native consumption,it might not do so in its raw/former glory.
However , processed forms are commonly applied acquiring miscellaneous inclusion usually carrying harmful/meaninglessly superfluous attributes increasing calorie content.
Incorporate more macca powder into your diet by: adding to smoothies, oatmeal,lattes/caffeine drinks,yogurt,toppings etc while stickingto recommended serving sizes,and always choosing high-quality brands for healthy supplementation habits.