As various superfoods across the world begin to make there way into the general public, many are curious of the health benefits these ancient foods can have.  In particular, maca root has grown in popularity due to various raw food and super food advocates.

The claim is that this root was used for centuries by Native Peruvian Indians in order to restore vigor, vitality, strength and stamina.  It was often consumed by Peruvian warriors before battle in order to gain an advantage over their enemy.  It’s also a powerful libido booster and fertility booster.  Research has confirmed that it can increase sperm motility and quality in individuals who take it (1).

However, should those with candida overgrowth take this powerful superfood?  Or is it best avoided by those suffering from this pathogenic fungal overgrowth?

In our experience, maca root can make a great addition to the diet of those suffering from candida overgrowth.  That being said, there are some precautions that you will want to be made aware of before you add this food into your diet.

Luckily, by the end of this post, you will be able to make a better informed decision as to whether or not you should include this root into your diet!

What is Maca Root?

Maca root is a powerful adaptogen that can help invigorate and protect the body against stress.  It’s the highest altitude growing crop in the world and locals claim it helps them adapt to the thin air in the mountains.  It’s in the shape of a turnip and is considered a cruciferous vegetable.

Typically, most maca root on the market is sold in powdered form.  The non powdered root is typically only available to those who grow it.  According to history, this root should be boiled for several hours before being consumed; similar to how you would boil a potato.  The boiling process helps to lower the goitrogenic compounds and increases its digestibility.

What are The Benefits of Maca Root?

There are several different benefits that can come from taking maca root.  Although this herb may affect everyone a bit differently, the following benefits can occur from taking this root regularly.

• Increased Fertility
• Reduction in Stress
• Better Mood
• Relief from PMS Symptoms
• Strength Increase
• Improved Adrenal Function

These are many of the benefits that this powerful root is known for.  However, out of all of the benefits listed, its ability to boost libido is typically the most common.

Maca Root for Candida – Is it Beneficial?

With all of these benefits that are said to result from maca use, it’s hard to believe that it could be bad for someone suffering from candida overgrowth.  However, it’s important to understand that it is in fact a starch.  As a result, those dealing with candida overgrowth may find that they’re sensitive to this root.

In particular, the raw root is going to contain high amounts of anti-nutrients and goitrogens than can both irritate the intestines and contribute to thyroid disorders in the body (2).  Interestingly,  maca is often said to be beneficial for the thyroid despite containing goitrogenic compounds.  This is because it also contains small amounts of iodine which can help boost the health of the thyroid (3).

However, a common symptom of taking large amounts of maca root powder is bloating and stomach cramping.  Even when the root is fully cooked, it can still cause an upset stomach in those with sensitive intestines.  As a result, if you plan to include this root into your diet, it’s highly encouraged that you take it slow so you know how your body will react.

Also, since it’s a starchy vegetable, there is a chance that sugars could ferment in the gut and make a candida overgrowth much worse.  As a result, keep an eye out for negative symptoms such as bloating and gas when introducing this food into your diet.

Maca, HPA-Axis, and Stress Reduction

One of the most interesting aspects of maca root is its ability to stimulate the HPA-Axis in the body.  Research has shown that this root can help to regulate the HPA-Axis in the body and improve the stress response (4).

For those unaware, the HPA-Axis is the central stress response system in the body.  It plays an extremely important role in both the health of the central nervous system and endocrine system.

Those dealing with this pathogenic fungal overgrowth often times have a dysregulation in their HPA-Axis due to the high amounts of stress this fungus puts on the body.  In particular, the endocrine system can be severely affected by the high amounts of toxic byproducts that candida can release in the body.

Luckily, maca can help assist in the function of the HPA-Axis and can be useful for helping protect the body against the negative effects that are associated with stress.

Gelatinized Maca vs. Raw Maca

As mentioned before, raw maca should never be consumed due to the high amounts of anti-nutrients present in such products.  Unfortunately, raw maca is often marketed as a “health food” and is targeted towards those following a raw foods diet.

Gelatinized maca is process specific to maca and involves removing the starch from the root and increasing its digestibility.  Gelatinized maca will also be much lower in anti-nutrient compounds making it a better choice than raw maca products.  Those with candida overgrowth will want to consume a gelatinized product due to its ease of digestion.

Another option is to buy the raw powdered root and then cook it yourself at home.  This is typically cheaper than buying gelatinized maca and is how ancient Peruvian Indians would have eaten the root vegetable.  To do this, simple place the raw powder in an oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Every 5 minutes, open the oven to turn the powder so that it doesn’t burn.  Continue to do this until a dark brown consistence is achieved.

A word of caution, maca has very strong smell when cooked.  It can be overwhelming for those not use to it.  As a result, it’s best to open a window whenever cooking maca in oven!

The Bottom Line – Should you Consume it?

There is no denying that maca is a powerful adaptogenic food that can help improve the stress response in the body.  It’s often prized for its energy enhancing properties and its ability to promote vigor and strength.  It’s been used for centuries by ancient Peruvian Indians as both food and medicine.

That being said, maca is a starchy vegetable and contains a fair amount of anti-nutrients in its raw form.  Consequently, those dealing with candida overgrowth may find that this root irritates their intestines and may causes symptoms such as bloating.  As a result, if you plan on incorporating maca into your candida diet, always start with small doses!

Also, we highly encourage you to refrain from consuming the raw root powder.  Instead, use products that have been gelatinized or cooked yourself.  Cooked maca will be much more forgiving on the intestines than raw maca and will be significantly lower in gut irritating anti-nutrients.

Beyond Maca – Proper Candida Diet

Although maca is a great food that may help those struggling with candida overgrowth, following a proper anti-candida diet is the best way to encourage real changes in the body.  In particular, you will want to make sure that you’re following gut friendly diet.  Luckily, we’ve created a free candida eating strategy that clearly lays out the best foods to consume if you suffer from candida overgrowth.

All of this information can be accessed on our Candida Diet Protocol Page.  Don’t waste your hard earned money on an expensive candida eating program when you can get it for free!

Consider Our Cookbook

Our Crush Candida Cookbook can be a great option for those dealing with this pathogenic fungal overgrowth.  Our cookbook can help introduce both delicious and mouthwatering meals into your diet that are both gut friendly and anti-candida!