icon-account icon-glass

Popular Searches

Popular Products

The Lean Protein
Whey protein powder for weight-loss.
The Energy Booster
Pre/intra-workout powder with BCAAs.

CATEGORIES

Here's Why People Have Been Using Maca Root For Millenniums

20th July 2021

Health Nutrition

20th July 2021

By Beth Shelper

Have you heard about Maca root? It seems like everyone is talking about it now, but we’ve been on the bandwagon for a lot longer.

As one of the ingredients in The Fit Protein, we thought it was about time we introduced you to Maca so that you can get to know all the benefits, and grow to love this ingredient just as much as we do.

What is Maca root?

So what exactly is Maca and the Maca Root?

Maca is a plant - a vegetable in fact belonging to the same family as broccoli - that is also known as Peruvian Ginseng or Lepidium meyenii. The plant closely resembles a turnip, and is native to South America, specifically the Peruvian Andes.

It might be obvious, but Maca root is simply put the root of the Maca plant. Whilst it’s not the prettiest of ingredients (let’s be honest, what root vegetable is?) the root is what holds all of the plant’s nutritional benefit.

That’s the bit we’re interested in.

The root of the plant is commonly turned into a dried powder to be used in Maca supplements (like ours!) and has been used for thousands of years for its host of scientifically backed benefits.

The dried Maca root powder is also often mixed into protein shakes and smoothies for an extra nutritional kick. Yum.

What ingredients can be found in Maca root powder?

 Before we run through all the benefits, we think it’s first important to explain all the good stuff contained within Maca root and the Innermost supplements that contain Maca.

  • Carbohydrates – Maca root is a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy-sustaining benefits.
  • Proteins – Maca provides around 10-12 grams of plant protein per 100 grams of powder, helping with muscle repair and growth.
  • Vitamins and Minerals – The vegetable root also contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, copper, and potassium. 
  • Fibre - Maca root powder provides a good source of dietary fibre, promoting healthy digestion.

What are the top Maca root health benefits?

Maca root benefits are pretty impressive (we wouldn’t be using anything in our proteins that isn’t). Most notably, the root was consumed to increase male fertility and our libido levels, but since then, it’s been found to increase energy and stamina – and that’s why we’ve put it in The Fit Protein.

To make things easier, we’ve listed all the science backed benefits below so that you can see exactly what you’re gaining from Maca root supplements… don’t say we don’t treat you.

Reduces your stress levels

Stresses are everywhere. From work to relationships and bills to chores, stress can be at our every turn, so anything that can reduce your stress levels is a huge winner in our eyes.

Thankfully, amongst all its other benefits, Maca root is considered an adaptogen – a herb type believed to improve the body’s ability to cope with stress.

Boosts endurance

Working on those fitness goals? Making your way through Couch to 5K? Training for that upcoming marathon? Maca root can help with that by increasing your body’s workout endurance capacity.

Improves your overall mood

When you’re feeling good, everything else follows. From greater self-esteem, improved performance at work and higher energy levels, improving your mood is one of the most important steps to a healthier lifestyle.

Increases your oestrogen levels

This is for all the women out there. Hormone imbalances suck.

Including Maca root in your diet not only means that your energy levels will increase, but your oestrogen levels will too. That’s right – Maca root is tied to better feminine health. It can even help to relieve some menopause symptoms.

Your body is going to love it.

Maca root for erectile dysfunction

So we’ve covered the women, it’s time for you, men. If you’re struggling with erectile dysfunction (which is perfectly normal, don’t sweat it), Maca root has been used by men for thousands of years to treat the symptoms of this.

Don’t believe us? Researchers from the journal of BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies conducted a database analysis of clinical trials surrounding the supplementation of Maca root when it comes to sexual dysfunction in both men and women. It was found that the Maca root greatly improved dysfunction in both genders, but particularly when it came to erectile dysfunctions.

Reduces sun damage

Stay with us on this one. We’re not saying that applying your daily SPF isn’t necessary… far from it.

We’re just saying that one study found evidence to suggest that repeated use of Maca root on the skin has been seen to reduce dermal damage after a period of three weeks. Pretty cool.

Is a great aphrodisiac

Implementing Maca root into your diet can get you well on your way to living your best sexually well life.  If the stresses of everyday life are getting to you, or you just want to spice up your relationship a bit, Maca root could be the natural supplement for you.

Does Maca root have any side effects?

As a natural supplementation, Maca root is a great natural alternative to other energy-boosting substances such as caffeine, which can spike our anxiety levels if consumed in excess.

Whilst Maca root is perfectly safe, we advise you to take it first thing in the morning. Anything that gives you an energy hit should be taken as far away from your bedtime as possible. Sleep is sacred. Fact.

Is Maca root better than Ashwagandha?

Much like Maca root, Ashwagandha is also an adaptogen we have mentioned before and there is plenty of debate about whether one is better than the other. The reality is, they’re both 2 sides of the same coin with slightly different focuses.

Maca root powder is known for boosting energy, improving endurance, and balancing hormones, especially in women. Ashwagandha, on the other hand, is renowned for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.

Maca root – a natural superweapon

From boosting your energy levels and supercharging recovery, to helping with skin and sexual health, Maca root is a natural powerhouse with a laundry list of benefits.

If you’re looking for an easy way to get some Maca in your diet, take a look at the Innermost product range to find the perfect solution for you.  

You’ll also find it in several of our products, including our Recover Capsules, Rise Capsules and Energy Booster pre-workout, giving you more ways to enjoy the benefits of Maca root.

References

  • Shin, BC., Lee, M.S., Yang, E.J. et al.(2010). Maca (meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med 10, 44. Click here.
  • Lee MS, Shin BC, Yang EJ, Lim HJ, Ernst E. Maca (2011) (Lepidium meyenii) for treatment of menopausal symptoms: A systematic review. Maturitas. 70(3) 227-33. Click here.
  • Orhan C, Gencoglu H, Tuzcu M, Sahin N, Ojalvo SP, Sylla S, Komorowski JR, Sahin K. (2022) Maca could improve endurance capacity possibly by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis pathways and antioxidant response in exercised rats. J Food Biochem 46,(7). Click here.
  • Gonzales, G., Gonzales-Castañeda, C (2008). Hypocotyls of Lepidium meyenii (maca), a plant of the Peruvian highlands, prevent ultraviolet A-, B-, and C-induced skin damage in rats. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 24,(1). Click here.
  • Crapio, N., Alvarado-Corella, D., et al. (2024). Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca. Ethnopharmacology 15. Click here.

 

    < Older post Newer post >

    Product Spotlight

    The front of The Fit Protein packaging.

    The Fit Protein
    Our Innermost The Fit Protein is formulated to boost energy, and accelerate muscle repair and recovery. Containing 31g of protein and 144 calories per serving.
    New Vegan Formula

    Need Expert Advice?

    Take the quiz

    Take the quiz

    If you're not sure where to start, take our 5 minute health consultation to get product recommendations tailored to your goals.
    Read more

    Other Insights

    Halal Logo

    The Complete Guide To Halal Protein Powder

    When it comes to improving your fitness levels, lifestyle and nutrition are key. From the number of hours of sleep you get each night to your daily nutrition and everything in between, each is as important as the other. This extends to finding the right protein powder to fuel your workout routine. Yet today more than ever, what goes into that shaker bottle now goes beyond macros and muscle; more and more people are asking themselves – ‘how does this protein powder align with my religious values and beliefs?’ While we’ve spoken before about our clean, research based and ethically sourced ingredients here at Innermost, this time we want to get a little more specific with a focus on halal and halal protein powder. With so many voices and fluff information around, it can be difficult to know exactly what protein is and isn’t halal friendly. That’s why we’ve put together this nifty guide. We’re going to break down all the myths and everything you need to know about halal protein. What you should be looking out for, what makes proteins like whey halal friendly as well as the benefits that halal friendly protein can offer to your body.  Right, let’s get into it. What is halal protein? I’m sure most of you are already aware of halal, but for the 1% of you that might not be, let’s take a step back and ask: what is halal protein? Halal – meaning ‘permissible’ in Arabic – refers to any food product that complies with Islamic dietary laws as stated within the Qur’an and Islamic jurisprudence. This makes it a core element of Islamic faith and a key cornerstone of their commitment to leading a pure and disciplined life under the guidance of Allah. Some of the key guidelines for halal foods include: Halal friendly ingredients – certain ingredients are not permissible under a halal diet, including pork (and any byproducts), alcohol and blood. Other animal products can be halal as long as they are killed in accordance with the ethical treatment guidelines below. Ethical treatment of animals – For non-pork meats to be considered halal, animals must be treated humanly and responsibly during their life. This includes: Having access to clean water and nutritious food. Being raised in a free-range and stress-free environment. Not being subjected to cruelty, abuse, or unnecessary suffering. The process of killing any animal must also be quick and humane to be considered halal, with any suffering kept to the complete minimum. Importantly, to be considered halal, the name of Allah must be pronounced during the humane killing to ensure the sanctity of life is recognised throughout the process. No cross contamination - During the preparation process, halal foods must never come into contact with non halal foods. This means no cross contamination between preparation surfaces, equipment used, the handling of foods and storage. As such, ingredients such as milk can be halal however it depends on the production process and if additional non-halal additives (such as gelatin) are added. So, what does this mean for protein?  Essentially any animal protein is halal as long as it adheres to the guidelines we’ve mentioned. The best way to tell is that products – such as Innermost proteins - will be certified halal friendly on the packaging. Is protein powder halal? So, with that said you might be wondering: is my choice of protein powder halal? The truth is that protein powder can absolutely be halal, however it entirely depends on the ingredients used as well as the overall production process. Common protein sources like whey, casein, egg white, and plant-based proteins (such as pea, soy, or rice) can all be halal if they are sourced and manufactured in compliance with halal standards. While many of the larger brands do not meet these standards and cannot claim to offer halal protein, our range of Innermost protein powders and supplements are all certified halal, emphasising our dedication to ethical sourcing our use of clean sourcing without additives. From our pea protein fuelled (and vegan) The Health Protein, The Fit Protein, to our whey protein powered The Strong Protein and The Lean Protein, all our products are sourced in a halal-compliant manner. Benefits of halal protein powder You hear it all the time when it comes to ethical and dietary beliefs – ‘a vegan diet isn’t good for you’ or ‘a vegetarian mix can’t possibly have the nutrients you need. The reality is, that adhering to these sorts of values within your fitness routine and diet can have great benefits for the body. Halal protein powders are no different; they offer a range of benefits for individuals who are conscious of both their health and dietary requirements. Just some of the benefits of halal protein powder are: Clean ingredients: With halal protein powders, you can be confident that there will be no harmful or questionable ingredients/ additives such as silica. What does this mean? Your body has an easier job digesting and absorbing all the good stuff, ensuring you get the most out of your supplements. Quality protein: Halal protein powders use complete protein sources, ensuring your body gets all the amino acids it needs for effective muscle repair and growth.  Ethical production: We’ve mentioned plenty of times already, but that’s just how key ethical and clean production is to making protein halal. By avoiding things such as additional additives and cross contamination, your body is fuelled with a safer and more trustworthy supplement. Supports fitness and wellness goals: Whatever your fitness goals; halal protein has you covered. From building muscle to losing weight, the absence of excess sugars or fillers ensures you are best placed to smash your targets. Common misconceptions about halal protein powders With so much noise and no real answers around halal proteins, we thought it would be helpful to list of some of the key misconceptions regarding the diet and what the actual truths are. All vegan protein powders are halal Given that so much of halal is driven by animals and their ethical treatment, you might just assume every vegan protein powder is halal because it is made of.. well, plants. The reality however is that vegan proteins aren’t necessarily halal – it all comes down to the production process. While Innermost vegan proteins are proudly halal certified, other protein powders can be produced with alcohol-based flavourings, non-halal emulsifiers, or might be processed in facilities that handle haram products – leading to cross contamination – not good! Is whey protein halal? On the other side of the spectrum, whey protein – being a byproduct of milk – is generally considered to be haram. Again, the truth is that whey protein can be halal provided that the milk is taken from cows that were treated ethically and within halal principles. Today, there are many halal-certified whey protein powders that are safe and effective for Muslim consumers. Halal certification doesn’t matter There is often an assumption made that if the ingredients look clean then the protein must be halal – regardless of certification. The truth is that what makes something halal goes beyond ingredients. Production and sourcing our also key factors that many companies do not consider. With halal certification on your favourite protein powders, you can be sure that every step—from sourcing and production to packaging and distribution—has been reviewed and approved according to strict halal standards.  Is Innermost protein powder halal? In short, yes. We at Innermost make it our mission to not only aid in muscle growth and recovery, but also to create protein supplements that are ethically sourced and rigorously tested to ensure individuals of any faith can smash their fitness goals.  Unlike competitors, our proteins are clean and built with the highest quality of ingredients and free from unnecessary additives and artificial ingredients.   We are proud to say that all our products are officially halal certified making them a suitable choice for those following the halal beliefs. This certification ensures that all ingredients and manufacturing processes meet Islamic dietary laws, with no use of haram substances such as pork derivatives or alcohol. With this in mind, why not check out our range of Innermost supplements to find out more about our halal proteins?    
    Read more
    Why Creatine is Having a Moment

    Why Creatine is Having a Moment

    If you said “creatine” ten years ago, most people would’ve pictured a guy at the gym, slamming a protein shake the size of a fire extinguisher. Fast forward to today, and creatine is gaining more traction than ever – but not for the reasons you'd expect. It’s not just about size or strength anymore. It’s about mental sharpness. Recovery. Longevity. Hormonal support. Healthy ageing. And while it’s long been the most studied supplement in sports nutrition, new research is changing how we think about it – and who it’s for. Let’s break it down. First: What actually is Creatine? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound your body produces (and you get in small amounts from red meat and fish). It’s stored mostly in your muscles and brain, where it helps regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – your body’s main energy currency. In plain English? It helps you produce energy faster and more efficiently. That’s why creatine’s been a staple for athletes and weightlifters for decades – because it enhances performance, power, and recovery. But that’s just scratching the surface. Reason 1: The science has evolved The benefits of creatine aren’t limited to physical performance anymore. In recent years, researchers have started to uncover its role in cognitive function, mental fatigue, and neuroprotection – especially under stress or during sleep deprivation. A 2021 systematic review published in Nutrients found that creatine supplementation “may improve short-term memory and intelligence/reasoning” – particularly in people who are sleep-deprived, stressed, or ageing . Another study in Psychopharmacology found that supplementing with creatine significantly improved working memory and information processing speed in healthy adults . We're also seeing promising links between creatine and age-related cognitive decline. There’s emerging evidence suggesting it may support brain health in older adults – acting as a protective buffer against neurological degeneration . In short: creatine is no longer just a “performance” supplement. It’s increasingly viewed as a daily health essential – especially for your brain. Reason 2: Women are in – and rightly so Historically, creatine marketing catered almost exclusively to men. The packaging was aggressive, the messaging all about muscle mass, and there was a persistent myth that creatine would cause bloating or bulkiness. It’s no surprise women stayed away. But now? That narrative is breaking down fast – and the science is doing the talking. Studies show that creatine may be especially important for women – particularly through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Research published in Nutrients highlights that creatine supplementation can support muscle strength, bone density, and mood regulation in women during and after menopause . It’s also been shown to help maintain lean muscle mass and support cognitive function during hormonal fluctuations – making it a powerful ally for long-term wellbeing. And no, it won’t make you puffy. The “bloating” myth comes from a misunderstanding: creatine draws water into your muscle cells (where it belongs), which actually supports performance, hydration, and cell integrity. This isn’t about bulking. It’s about feeling energised, strong, and supported in your body – no matter your life stage. Reason 3: It’s not just for the gym anymore The old creatine image was all about barbells and bench presses. But modern life demands more than just gym gains. We want to feel good, stay sharp, move well, and perform in life – not just during workouts. Creatine helps with all of it. Whether you're training hard, working late, chasing your kids around, or trying to keep brain fog at bay – creatine supports energy production, improves recovery, and sharpens your thinking. Even endurance athletes, office workers, and biohackers are getting in on the action. One study found that creatine enhanced oxygen consumption and reduced fatigue during long bouts of aerobic exercise . Put simply: creatine helps you show up as the best version of yourself, wherever life takes you. Reason 4: You’ve got options now Here’s the good news – the supplement industry is finally catching up. Gone are the days of industrial-sized tubs and confusing dosing instructions. At Innermost, we’ve reimagined creatine in a way that’s clean, purposeful, and fits into real life. At innermost, you’ve got two simple options: The Power Booster – our pure, pharmaceutical-grade creatine monohydrate. Zero additives. Just high-quality creatine in its most effective form.The Strong Protein – our intelligent protein blend for strength and recovery, with creatine built-in alongside nootropics, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and functional adaptogens. One blend, multiple benefits. Both options are designed for people who care about their health, performance, and clarity – not just their biceps. FINAL THOUGHTS Creatine isn’t new. But the way we understand it - and who it’s for - absolutely is. It’s not just about muscle. It’s about mood. Memory. Mental sharpness. Movement. And supporting your body through every season of life. Whether you’re lifting, learning, leading, or just looking to feel a little more like yourself again - creatine could be one of the smartest additions to your daily routine.
    Read more