Short answer: Maca is a Peruvian root (often called Peruvian ginseng) traditionally used for energy, stamina, libido and hormone balance. It comes in three colours with slightly different strengths: yellow (everyday all-rounder), red (often chosen by women, and for mood), and black (favoured for stamina, focus and men). A common dose is 1.5–3 g of powder per day.
What is maca good for?
- Energy & stamina — a caffeine-free lift many use before workouts or busy days.
- Libido — one of maca's most studied traditional uses, in both men and women.
- Hormone balance & mood — an adaptogen traditionally used to support balance, including around menopause.
- Focus & performance — black maca in particular is associated with stamina and mental clarity.
Yellow vs red vs black maca — which should I pick?
- Yellow maca — the most common, balanced all-rounder for daily energy and wellbeing.
- Red maca — often preferred by women; traditionally linked to hormone balance, mood and menopause/PMS support.
- Black maca — the "strong" one, favoured for stamina, focus, and men's performance.
If you're unsure, start with yellow. Choose red or black to target the goals above.
How and when to take maca
Take 1.5–3 g (about 1 teaspoon) per day, ideally in the morning or before activity for its energising effect. Maca has a malty, nutty taste that works well in smoothies, oats, coffee or cacao. Effects build with consistent use over a few weeks.
Is maca safe?
Maca is a food and is well tolerated. If you have a thyroid condition (it contains goitrogens) or a hormone-sensitive condition, or you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor first.
What to look for — and why Nilaya
Good maca is organic, single-colour (not a random mix), and clearly labelled by colour so you get the effect you want. Nilaya offers all three — yellow, red and black organic maca — as pure Peruvian root powder, BPOM & Halal certified and made in Bali, so you can match the colour to your goal instead of guessing.
Shop: Nilaya organic maca (yellow, red & black).
Frequently asked questions
Which maca colour is best for women?
Red maca is most often chosen by women, traditionally for hormone balance and mood.
Which maca is best for energy and stamina?
Black maca is favoured for stamina and focus; yellow is a great everyday all-rounder.
How much maca per day?
About 1.5–3 g (roughly a teaspoon) of powder daily.
When should I take maca?
Morning or pre-workout suits its energising effect; take it consistently.