Do different colors of maca have different health benefits?

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Last Updated: 08/02/2017 Initially Posted: 09/12/2015

Various Colors of Maca Root on White Background

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Answer:

In animal studies, different colors of maca, (i.e. red, black and yellow) have been found to have a variety of effects, such as decreasing the size of the prostate, increasing sperm counts, and increasing fertility. These studies are likely the source of claims that different colors of maca should be used for different purposes, because most studies in people (which have shown some benefits regarding mood and sexual desire and function) have not specified the color of the maca. For more about this, the evidence for maca, dosage, and our tests of different brands, see the Maca Supplements Review >>