Maca seems to be pretty safe. There is no evidence that maca causes serious adverse effects or has concerning safety issues. Anecdotally, raw maca should not be consumed; the root should be boiled and/or dehydrated first. For thousands of years in Peru, maca has been used for food and medicinal purposes, sometimes in amounts greater than 100 grams per day.[1]
What are maca’s main drawbacks?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Maca is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse effects reported, but it is advised not to consume raw maca; the root should be boiled or dehydrated before consumption. Historically, it has been used in Peru for food and medicinal purposes, often in amounts that exceed 100 grams per day.