Can This Superfood Help Or Hurt?

One of the questions we get asked the most is whether Maca is safe for the thyroid or for those with thyroid problems.

Getting some background on Maca and the thyroid is essential to learn whether Maca supports or harms thyroid health.

The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine system, sits at the base of the throat and produces thyroid hormones and calcitonin. Thyroid hormones help regulate the body’s metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood, and bone maintenance.

Thyroid hormones are produced through a complex cycle and controlled regulatory feedback. First, the hypothalamus excretes a releasing factor (TRH) to stimulate the production of thyroid-secreting factor (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland. Then, TSH initiates the synthesis and release of thyroid hormone (TH) from the thyroid gland. The thyroid hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and are partially composed of three or four iodine molecules, hence an association with iodine-based treatments for thyroid-related issues. High levels of TH reduce gene transcription of components for TRH and TSH production, reducing their relative concentrations and acting as a homeostatic feedback loop. The breakdown of TH is done by proteins composed of selenium, an essential mineral for healthy thyroid function. A blood test for TSH is the primary screening for thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid disorders are uniformly observed more commonly in women than men.

Hypothyroidism occurs when there are low amounts of TH. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in countries with sufficient iodine intake. Conventional treatment is levothyroxine, a synthetic version of TH. Other conditions can cause low TH levels, such as menopause. Furthermore, it has been shown that rebalancing thyroid function can enhance libido in some cases.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

Common causes of hypothyroidism:

• Autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)

• Iodine deficiency

• Hormonal changes (menopause etc)

• Following surgery or radioiodine therapy (supplemental iodine)

• Congenital abnormalities

• Adverse drug effects

Conversely, hyperthyroidism is characterized by elevated circulating free thyroid hormones. It is estimated that in Western culture, approximately 1.2 percent of people have hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Weight loss

• Increased appetite

• Insomnia

• Decreased heat tolerance

• Hand tremor

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Chest pain

• Diarrhea

• Hair loss

• Muscle weakness

• Graves’ disease

• Inflammation of the thyroid

• Overactive thyroid nodules

• Pituitary adenoma

• Taking too much iodine or thyroid medication

• Tumors

When using Maca for thyroid health, it is very important not to use a product that might worsen thyroid conditions!

Maca is a type of cruciferous vegetable in the Brassica family, which is a species often contraindicated in those with thyroid issues. However, traditionally, Maca is consumed by chopping, sun drying, and cooking the roots, which breaks down the glucosinolates often found in Brassica plants, which protects the thyroid gland from these compounds. Thankfully, cooking maca does not change its nutritional quality. Primarily, chopping and heating reduce the activity of myrosinase, which produces isothiocyanate, a compound often avoided by those with thyroid conditions. Isothiocyanates are believed to reduce iodine uptake into the thyroid as the gland is more selective for these molecules than iodine. Therefore, Maca should always be cooked. It is essential for those with thyroid issues to use gelatinized Maca, not raw Maca.

Raw Maca is like a sponge for mold; the longer it sits in humid conditions, the more mold it attracts. The problem with the type of mold that loves Maca is that it produces highly toxic chemicals called aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are carcinogenic and can have serious long-term adverse health effects on your body and gut bacteria, even in tiny doses. This is another reason why raw maca products should be avoided at all costs, especially if you have a thyroid problem. For more detailed information on raw Maca, check out our blog, Raw Maca: Friend or Foe?

No, it doesn’t. This is the most common misconception about Maca, showing a lack of understanding of maca biochemistry and mode of action. Almost all clinical studies demonstrating the positive benefits of Maca have been performed with traditionally prepared Maca (boiling or heating in water) or with heat-activated or extracted Maca. From this, it is evident that the active components are not denatured with heat, and new studies suggest that heating is necessary for producing various important metabolites. Dr. Gustavo F. Gonzales, who heads the Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences and High Altitude Research at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, stated in his comprehensive biochemical review of Maca:

“The process of preparation of Maca is important to obtain adequate biological effects. Traditionally, Maca is boiled or extracted in alcohol before it is consumed. In experimental studies, aqueous extract of Maca is only effective after boiling pulverized maca hypocotyls in water….The boiling process seems to increase active metabolites.”

The only way to kill the mold found naturally on Maca and prevent it from forming aflatoxins is by cooking it to sanitize it, as the Incas have done for centuries.

The safest form of Maca is commercially called gelatinized Maca or activated Maca, which has gone through high-pressure steam to kill the mold, sanitize it, and remove much of the starch. In addition, gelatinized Maca has a sweeter caramel flavor and tastes much better than earthy raw Maca. The process makes it gentler on the gut and easier to digest. It also contains higher levels of beneficial compounds. So, when it comes to gelatinized Maca versus raw Maca, gelatinized Maca is the clear winner.

We only sell gelatinized Maca, so none of our products require cooking before use. In Peru, yellow Maca is commonly used to support healthy thyroid function. It is sun-dried and made into teas, broths, porridge, or soups. It is taken daily. As with any supplement, always talk to your doctor before starting it.

Well, the answer is it depends. If the Maca is prepared correctly, then yes. If it’s not or the maca powder is raw, it is not safe for the thyroid. Check out our Maca Center to learn how to identify a good maca root product.