Maca root, a cruciferous vegetable native to the high Andes mountains of Peru, has gained attention for various health benefits. Among the most popular claims circulating online is its ability to specifically increase the size of the buttocks and hips. This suggests the root can selectively alter body fat distribution to create a curvier physique. To determine if this claim holds any truth, it is necessary to examine the plant’s chemical makeup and the available scientific evidence on its effects on human body composition.
Maca Root: Understanding the Composition
Maca is considered an adaptogen, a substance believed to help the body adapt to stress and normalize bodily processes. The dried root is a nutrient-dense food, containing high levels of essential amino acids, fiber, and minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc.
The physiological effects of maca are attributed to its unique secondary metabolites. These include unsaturated fatty acid amides known as macamides and macaenes, as well as alkaloids and glucosinolates. These compounds are the focus of research into maca’s traditional uses, such as supporting energy, stamina, and sexual function. However, the specific action of these compounds on body fat storage remains unclear.
The Hormonal Hypothesis
The theoretical basis for the claim that maca root can enlarge the glutes centers on its supposed influence on female sex hormones, particularly estrogen. Estrogen is the primary hormone responsible for directing fat storage to the hips, buttocks, and thighs in women, leading to the characteristic “pear-shaped” fat distribution. The popular hypothesis suggests that compounds in maca act as phytoestrogens or hormone regulators, thereby increasing localized fat storage in the gluteal region.
This belief is fueled by the observation that maca is traditionally used to support hormonal balance and alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. The assumption is that if maca affects hormones, it can control where the body stores fat. However, this mechanism remains a theoretical leap, as the root’s impact on hormones is complex and does not directly translate to targeted fat deposition.
Scientific Findings on Body Shape and Fat Distribution
Despite widespread anecdotal reports, scientific evidence does not support the claim that maca root causes targeted gluteal enlargement or changes overall body morphology. Studies investigating maca’s effects have primarily focused on its impact on libido, energy, and certain markers of metabolic health, not on body shape or localized fat gain.
In human studies, maca consumption has not been shown to significantly alter body weight, body mass index, or overall body fat percentage. This lack of change suggests no targeted effect on the buttocks. While some animal studies hint at maca’s involvement in fat and liver energy metabolism, these findings do not confirm targeted fat storage in specific areas of the body in humans. The consensus is that while maca may offer benefits related to energy and sexual health, there is currently no data to substantiate its use for body contouring.
Safety, Dosage, and Regulatory Status
Maca root is generally considered safe for short-term use in typical dosages. Most research utilizes doses ranging from 1.5 grams to 3 grams daily, taken for up to four months. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing the dose is a common recommendation.
Potential side effects are usually mild and may include digestive upset, jitteriness, or insomnia. Certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid maca entirely, especially those with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast, uterine, or ovarian cancers, as some extracts might exhibit estrogen-like activity. As a dietary supplement, maca is not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness.