Customer Reviews

Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Maca Powder, Incan Superfood, 16-Ounce Pouch

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

I have never written a review before but I always consult Amazon.com reviews before buying a product so thought I would give back at least once. I bought this product BEFORE I thoroughly researched it due to lifelong problems related to a hormonal imbalance and was soooo excited I just bought what I thought would be good; raw and organic. I took this product for 3 days until I broke out in hives. I only took 1/2 tsp day one and 1/4 tsp days 2 and 3. I got the hives day 2 but was hoping they were not related to the Maca (they were). So.... I researched more and there is one very informative forum I found on google (hard to find and not sure if I'm allowed to refer it or not but here it is but FINISH reading to the bottom or you will not try this product ever): [...]. There are a bunch of websites and some scientific reviews, but long story short, it appears that Maca MUST be eaten pre-cooked (gelatinized) to obtain therapeutic benefits and to alleviate potential problems related to digestion (when eaten raw) and possible toxicity (raw) the way the native Puruvians have done for thousands of years to the present (cooked). There are studies that show ingesting raw Maca is worse than not adding it to the diet at all. Based on what I've read you need to start SLOWLY with the dosage and adjust it according to your body's needs, then take a break from it occasionally or it appears to lose potency. If improper dosages are taken it exacerbates the imbalance/symptoms. There are (reportedly) many benefits of Maca on the entire Endocrine system and I still have high hopes so ordered from another company who doesn't sell raw Maca due to the reasons above. I believe Navitas also has a gelatinized version of the Maca but I bought one with DIM to prevent the overproduction of bad estrogen which can cause cancer in people with a family history. Hope this helps!

I've waited to write a review until I finished my first bag of product; This way I could try it different ways and give a better opinion. First, let me say I've tried other products from Navitas, and they have been quality products. I've tried the Maca powder in lots of ways including smoothies, various raw dishes, and even straight from the bag.
Other than the normal energy you would get from eating any form of concentrated carbohydrates, I haven't noticed any other benefits. I think this product has a unique flavor that could enhance certain dishes if used in moderation. I also think it serves better as a natural sweetner similar to stevia (but better tasting in my opinion). Mixing this product with other carbs/sugars will cause an insulin spike in the blood which is not healthy. If you want to know more about how sugars and insulin affect us, I recommend reading http://www.drbass.com/rosedale.html
So I believe this is a good product as far as Maca goes, but I just haven't experienced the stated benefits for this high priced bag of starchy carbs. I've tried many natural energizer foods from Acai and Cacao (which has slight liver/kidney toxins), to Ginseng, Carob, Wheatgrass, etc. Maca energy value is low on the list for me.

Started taking a tablespoon, SlimFast, 8oz 1% milk for breakfast for the past two weeks.

Very diminished appetite, lost a surprising amount of weight. Sleep well, wake up sleepy but the weird thing is that once I get out of bed I'm ready to go with energy which feels really odd to me.

Have a better mental attitude but I'm also taking phytoplankton so I need to eliminate one of them to figure out the "magic".

I'm not saying this is the greatest stuff ever - I honestly don't know. I do know how I feel and it's much better then before I started taking it. I have a demanding stressful job and I feel more balanced then ever.

The taste is bitter and you'll need to mask it in something, especially if you grew up on "Americana" High Fructose Corn Syrup.

I think it's worth a try - give it a couple of weeks - judge for yourself.

One last thing about these reviews.

It REALLY seems like a bunch of these reviews are phony and/or "paid to review" which I find more distasteful then the bitterness of the product.

This "fakiness" review stuff is rampant on the internet - especially for health foods - and it's also blatantly dishonest.

So if Nativas is propagating this type of thing you should stop - all it does is give you short term gains and minimize your brand - if you have a good product them it should stand on it's own merits.

Not all people on the internet are sheep...

i use maca in my morning smoothie -- it provides, along with the other smoothed products (chlorella or spirulina, ground flax, trace minerals, vegetarian protein powder, blueberries and home-made nut milk), a great start to the day and energy for many hours.

regarding the taste -- i actually miss it when it is not in my smoothies. it gives a deep, smoky flavor but it certainly isn't the dominant flavor as that would be quite strong.

I just logged on to place my Maca order for 3rd time; this time will order two bags. Maca is a remarkable product. If you check you will find this is a great price for organic raw Maca. I have not tried other Maca products but frankly feel no urge to do so as I am quite pleased. Lot's of the negativer reviews compain about the taste. I actually like the taste (in smoothies and mixed into my hot quinoa cereal -- I must have some affinity for Andean food). But my wife finds the taste positvely revolting. So it seems to be a personal matter. I think it tastes like roasted malt with a nutty flavor that is very earthy. The impact on my health -- some increased stamina, altertness, and a very positive feeling of overall physical wellbeing -- has been quite remarkable. Having tried many herbs, supplements and healthy foods over the years this is quite unlike anything else I have tried. It may be that my body resonates particularly well with it. Obviously others don't have the same experience. But it may be worth a trial.

If you happen to be hypothyroid, give this a shot. I read about it on several thyroid patient advocacy sites and in Brendan Brazier's Thrive book and gave it a chance. It has changed my life. I was suffering from extreme reactions to cold, a common symptom of thyroid disease, and I was going to have to move out of New York. One hit of cold air and I was exhausted for the rest of the day. Maca changed this. Now I stand outside and enjoy the snow. It's shocking the improvement. Be patient. It took about two weeks and 2 tbsp a day to feel a difference. I am an evangelist for this stuff now.

Navitas notes that their Maca is slow dried and not irradiated. The product arrived to my mailbox in perfect condition within a few days of my order. The powder comes in a resealable package. The flavor isn't bad at all - a little pungent (kinda like dried yams). I noted increased energy almost immediately but will have to give it a few weeks to rule out a "placebo effect" or other variables that might be at play.

As a health nut and vegan, I wanted something that would provide a good source of nutrition and an array of health benefits. Just then, I stumbled upon maca powder and after much research, I decided to go with Navitas Naturals. I must say, I am now obsessed with this stuff; I can finish an entire bag in one week. However, I will admit when I first tasted maca powder, I was not too fond of the flavor. After trying many suggestions such as mixing it with coffee, I discovered that the best way, and most delicious way is to drink it with soy or some alternative milk. I personally love it mixed with soy milk and a hint of cinnamon powder :D. I have noticed an increase in my energy that lasts throughout the day... this is very important to me as a college student who deals with daily stress and tries to eat as best and healthy as I can while living in a new environment. So, to the people who are curious and interested in trying Navitas Naturals Maca Powder, I hope this review helps!

This is a great raw organic product from a great company at a very competitive price. With free shipping it is hard to beat. I love this product and how energetic I feel after a tablespoon in a smoothie. It also taste great and blends easy. If you need to spice up your life and add extra energy to it this is the stuff. Never mind the capsules or pills. Go straight for making smoothies with this stuff. Add the raw cacao powder or nibs and off you go like a rocket. The best deal in town!

the health benefits are definately worth trying to find ways to sparingly use the maca powder in your daily diet. I mix a small amount into my smoothies and usually get a dose in the morning and also in the evening. the reviews are correct, the taste is strong on can be overbearing, but I have found that in the proper portions, you can hardly notice the taste. I cannot comment on using this in foods that you cook or bake as I only use it in cold / room temperature applications. adding heat to nutrients has never been a good idea in my opinion.