Which is the best maca for women?
If you have shopped for maca in Ghana, then you have probably seen black, red, and yellow versions on the shelf. So, which is the best maca for women? In short, it depends on your goal. Each color has a slightly different reputation, although the science behind those differences is still limited.
In this guide, you will first learn how the three colors differ. After that, we explain which one suits your goal, how much to take, and how to stay safe.
What makes maca colors different?
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable that farmers grow high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Also, the color simply describes the skin of the root, which can be yellow, red (sometimes called pink or purple), or black. However, once farmers dry and grind the roots, the powders look quite similar.
According to a review of maca research by Gustavo Gonzales, the different colors contain slightly different amounts of natural plant compounds. Because of this, early studies suggest they may have different effects. However, researchers did much of this work in animals, and human studies that compare colors are still few. That is why you should see color as a guide, not a guarantee.
Black, red, and yellow maca compared.
| Color | How common | Often used for | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | The most common, so usually the cheapest | Everyday energy and nutrition | Mild and nutty |
| Red | Less common | Mood, hormonal balance, and bone health | Slightly sweeter |
| Black | The rarest | Stamina, memory, and male fertility | Earthier and stronger |
Yellow maca
Yellow maca makes up most of the maca that Peru produces. Because it is easy to find, it is usually the cheapest. As a result, many women choose it for daily energy and also as a healthy addition to koko, oats, or smoothies.
Red maca: often the best maca for women
Sellers often market red maca to women. In animal studies that Gonzales reviewed, red maca also showed effects on the prostate and bones. For this reason, many women choose it for mood, energy, and menopause support, although strong human evidence for red maca alone is still lacking.
Black maca
Black maca is the rarest color, and people mostly link it with men’s stamina and fertility. Still, many women also use it for energy and focus, especially when they enjoy its stronger taste.
How to choose the best maca for women by goal
Use this simple guide to pick a color, then adjust as you learn what works for you.
| Your goal | Good choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily energy and nutrition | Yellow | Because it is affordable and easy to take every day |
| Mood and hormonal balance | Red | Because women have long used it for well-being |
| Menopause symptoms | Red or yellow | Since a systematic review in Maturitas found good effects in the few trials available |
| Libido | Any color | Because a systematic review found limited but encouraging evidence for maca in general |
| Workout energy | Black or yellow | Since many users report a gentle energy boost |
In short, if you are not sure, start with yellow or red maca. Also, keep in mind that no color of maca makes the hips, butt, or breasts bigger. Instead, glute training and good food matter far more for curves.
How to take the best maca for women in Ghanaian meals
Whichever color you pick, it works best when you take it every day. So, here are some easy ways to add it to food you already enjoy:
- Hausa koko or oats: Stir half to one teaspoon into your bowl, but let it cool a little first, because very high heat can spoil the taste.
- Banana smoothie: Blend it with banana, milk, and a spoon of groundnut paste, especially if you also want to gain a healthy weight.
- Tom Brown: Mix it in after cooking, so the nutty flavors blend well.
- Yoghurt and fruit: Sprinkle it over yoghurt with pawpaw or mango for a quick snack.
- Tiger nut milk: Shake it into chilled atadwe milk, since the natural sweetness hides maca’s earthy taste.
Also, red maca tastes slightly sweeter, so it suits smoothies. On the other hand, black maca has a stronger flavor, which works well with cocoa drinks.
Common mistakes when choosing a maca color
- Expecting one color to work miracles: Although sellers often hype black or red maca, the research on colors is still limited.
- Paying extra without a reason: Rare colors cost more, so only pay extra if the color suits your goal.
- Ignoring the label: Some products blend all three colors, so check what you are really buying.
- Changing colors every week: Instead, stick with one product for at least 8 to 12 weeks, because maca works slowly.
- Buying for body enlargement: No color makes the hips, butt, or breasts bigger, so do not pay for that promise.
How much maca to take
First, always follow the directions on your product. As a general guide, most studies used about 1.5 to 3 grams of maca a day, which is roughly half to one level teaspoon of powder. Then, start with a smaller amount for the first week and increase it slowly. Also, take it with food in the morning or early afternoon, because some women find it too energizing at night. Finally, most benefits take 6 to 12 weeks of daily use to show.
Safety: Who should avoid even the best maca for women?
According to MedlinePlus, maca is likely safe for most people when they eat it as food. However, there is not enough reliable information about its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. So, speak to a doctor before you use maca of any color if you:
- Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, since there is little safety research
- Have fibroids, endometriosis, or breast or womb cancer, because maca extracts might act like estrogen
- Have a thyroid problem, especially if your iodine levels are low
- Take birth control, hormone therapy, or other regular medicine
- Are under 18 years old, since no studies have tested maca in young people
In addition, check that any product appears on the FDA Ghana Products Register. Also, avoid products that promise body enlargement, because FDA Ghana has said it has not approved any product for that purpose.
How to tell if your maca color is genuine
Unfortunately, some sellers label cheap yellow maca as “black” or “red” to charge more. So, look for a label that names the color, Peru as the origin, and an FDA registration number. Also, real black maca powder is slightly darker than yellow, while red maca is often a little pinker. Still, color alone cannot prove quality, so always buy from a trusted shop.
Shop maca at Albee Nutriland.
At Albee Nutriland, you can also find maca powders for your daily routine. Before you buy, open each product page to check the ingredients, the maca type, and the directions, or simply ask our team which color is inside.
| Product | How to use it | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Maca Powder | Stir a teaspoon into koko or oats, then enjoy. | GHS 330 |
| Ultimate Maca Powder | Blend into your shake, then drink it daily. | GHS 330 |
| Ultimate Maca Collagen Peptides | Mix into milk, then drink it in the morning. | GHS 400 |
Prices are correct at the time of writing and may change, so check each product page for the latest price. For more women’s health products, also browse our Women Wellness collection. Then, for recipe ideas, see our 5 Easy Maca Smoothie Recipes for Busy Mornings.
How to order
- Shop online: albeenutriland.com/shop
- Order on WhatsApp: +233 59 901 7504
- Visit a branch: Accra (Lapaz), Kumasi (Afful Nkwanta), Takoradi (Anaji), and Tamale (Changli). See our contact page for directions.
FAQs about the best maca for women
Is red maca the best maca for women?
Many people recommend red maca for women, especially for mood and hormonal balance. However, few human studies compare the colors, so yellow maca can work just as well for many goals.
Can women take black maca?
Yes. Although sellers usually market black maca to men, women can also eat it safely as food. In fact, many women like it for energy and focus.
Is there a best maca for women who want curves?
Sadly, no color of maca makes the hips, butt, or breasts bigger. Instead, focus on glute exercises and enough protein, and also gain some healthy weight if you are slim.
Can I mix different colors of maca?
Yes, because many products already blend all three. Just keep your total daily amount within the directions on the pack, though.
What is the best maca for women over 40?
Many women over 40 choose red or yellow maca, especially for mood and menopause symptoms. However, if you take hormone therapy or have a hormone-sensitive condition, speak to a doctor first.
How long does it take to see results?
Usually, energy improves within 2 to 4 weeks, while mood and libido may take 6 to 12 weeks. So, take your maca every day and be patient.
Final word
To sum up, the best maca for women depends on your goal. For example, yellow maca is great for everyday energy and value, while red maca is a popular choice for mood and hormonal balance. Black maca, on the other hand, suits women who want a stronger energy lift. Whichever you choose, buy a registered product, then start with a small amount and give it 6 to 12 weeks.
Still not sure which to choose? Then shop at Albee Nutriland or WhatsApp us on +233 59 901 7504. Also, for more guides, read our health articles.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Because maca is a food supplement, it cannot diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. So, speak to a qualified doctor or pharmacist before you start any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medicine, or have a medical condition.