Comment · Thu, March 21, 2013 · Ceretropic
Raw Maca Root (WARNING)
Original post in this thread
MisterYouAreSoDumb · 48 points
I started taking raw maca root powder a few weeks ago. It was effective at increasing energy levels and balancing my hormones out. It seemed like a good supplement without side effects. I had one of my friends try some one day and he proceeded to get sick and throw up for 5 hours. It was very strange; almost like an allergic reaction. I felt fine, and did not have any issues, so I thought it was just him.
Then about a week ago my stomach started hurting. It was just low level stomach upset at first. Then a few days later it hit me. I went from low level stomach upset to curled up in a ball on the floor with stomach spasms. I passed out from the pain, and woke up 4 hours later. The major pain had subsided, but my stomach was still very upset. I figured I have food poisoning and gave it a few days. It has now been a week and a half, and the stomach pain has not subsided.
I think I have narrowed it down to SBIO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). All of my symptoms fit, and I am pretty sure it was caused by the raw maca powder. Either the enzymes left in the root caused it, or there was bacteria in the powder. After doing some more research, raw maca powder can cause digestive…
What they were answering
jjtitus · 18 points
Raw maca flour (harina de maca) is an inexpensive Peruvian cooking flour, not a designer supplement. Maca is a fiber-rich vegetable, being nearly 25% fiber (oligosaccahrides, cellulose, lignins) by weight. Maca is always cooked in Peru because of these fibers, and because it contains goitrogens (glucosinolate), which can cause stomach cramps, indigestion, and potential thyroid / hormonal issues. The goitrogens also have some anti-nutritive effects. All of this is neutralized by cooking - and for this reason in Peru maca has always been cooked. To reap the full benefits of maca, it should be part of the diet, and it should be cooked. Gelatinized maca does this beautifully, rendering a slightly concentrated, easily digestible supplement best suited for incorporation into the diet in therapeutically significant amounts.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
I definitely know that now! I wish maca vendors would make that more apparent.