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NLNaturals Black Maca: The Power Root from the Andes

Last updated: June 2026
This guide is regularly updated with the latest insights on maca.

Our NLNaturals line features Black Maca: a fine addition to the extract collection and a genuine superfood valued across a range of areas. A product that belongs in any superfood cupboard. NLNaturals is our own label line, so we keep quality and composition firmly in our own hands.

What is Maca?

This remarkable plant grows high in the Peruvian Andes, at around 3,500 metres. That makes maca one of the highest-growing crops in the world. It's a hardy plant that holds its own in rocky soil, freezing cold, intense sunlight and extreme wind. That resilience shows in the nutritious root, valued for thousands of years. Traditionally, maca is used to support energy, stamina and vitality. For the people high in the mountains, maca was and is a way to sustain an active, productive life.

Maca is loved for good reason. The root is rich in nutrients: dried maca contains 13 to 16% protein, around 8.5% fibre, 19 essential amino acids, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C and D) and minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, calcium and potassium, plus unique compounds like macaenes and macamides. On top of that, maca, like ginseng, is an adaptogen: a natural substance traditionally used to help the body cope better with everyday stress.

Why Black Maca?

Black Maca is the darkest maca variety and is often seen as the most robust of the family. Users traditionally value Black Maca for supporting energy, focus and a sense of balance. Research on maca suggests the root may help the body cope better with strain and contribute to a feeling of vitality, though experiences vary from person to person.

What is maca traditionally used for?

Maca has long been valued for a range of qualities. Below is an overview of the ways maca is traditionally used; experiences vary and these are not medical promises:

Supporting energy and stamina
A sense of balance and vitality
Supporting libido, traditionally linked to fertility
Helping cope with everyday stress (as an adaptogen)
Supporting focus and mental clarity
A rich source of minerals, including calcium for normal bone metabolism

How to use Black Maca

Take 1 to 1.5 teaspoons a day. You can take it pure with a few sips of water or add it to a smoothie. Maca comes into its own with regular, daily use over a longer period. Looking for inspiration? Check our smoothie recipes with medicinal herbs.

Tip: Black Maca has a full, slightly nutty flavour that pairs well with cacao, banana or dates. Start with half a teaspoon to get used to the taste and build up gradually.

Want to use maca mainly for your libido? Then read our blog on the three best natural libido enhancers. And for stress support, ashwagandha is a lovely addition.

Frequently asked questions about Black Maca

What's the difference between black, red and yellow maca?

They come from the same plant but differ in colour and nuance. Black Maca is the darkest variety and is often seen as the most robust, traditionally valued for energy and vitality.

How much Black Maca should you take per day?

One to one and a half teaspoons a day is common, pure or in a smoothie. Maca comes into its own with regular use over time. Start gently to get used to the taste.

Is maca an adaptogen?

Yes, like ginseng. Adaptogens are traditionally used to help the body cope better with everyday stress and stay in balance.

When is the best time to take maca?

Many people take maca in the morning or around their workout, for its energy support. Maca contains no caffeine, but if you're sensitive to its uplifting effect, it's best not taken late in the day.

Is NLNaturals Black Maca an own-label product?

Yes. NLNaturals is our own label line, so we keep the selection and quality in our own hands. The Black Maca is available in 50 and 100 grams.

Can I combine maca with other superfoods?

Absolutely. Maca pairs well with cacao, ashwagandha or reishi. Try it in a smoothie; see our recipes with medicinal herbs.

Why Next Level Smart?

Under our own label (NLNaturals) - so we keep selection and quality in our own hands
Black Maca from the Peruvian Andes - the darkest, most robust maca variety
Available in 50 and 100 grams - handy to try out or keep using
Active since 2010 as a Dutch smart shop, with shipping from the Netherlands

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Last updated: June 2026 | Next Level Smart

Posted in: All posts, Health & Lifestyle Blogs

Author: Rey Koan

Rey is the creative force behind our webshop, blending practical experience with a deep interest in natural products, ritual, and conscious living. His work is rooted in quality, authenticity, and respect for traditional knowledge. Through his writing, he aims to bridge traditional wisdom with modern, conscious use, helping customers make informed and meaningful choices. By maintaining close relationships with many of the producers behind the products, he creates a bridge between their world and Western society. He shares their knowledge, vision, and methods with care, honoring both traditional practices and their place in a modern context. His favourite products are rapé, kratom, and magic mushrooms.