Maca
500 mg / 100 vcaps

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Top 5 Maca Root Benefits and Nutrition 

Maca root (lepidium meyenii) is an adaptogen and a member of the cruciferous family, like broccoli and cabbage, but due to it’s unique properties it considered one of the world’s natural “super foods.”  Maca is grown high in the mountains of South America, mainly in high altitude regions of Peru.

The pleasant tasting root is usually available in powder form after being harvested and grounded down. And not only is it a natural source of healing nutrition, but it also has a long history of being a safe superfood that has been consumed for its medicinal benefits for thousands of years in regions of the Andes Mountains. Maca is a pleasant tasting root usually available in powder form. It is very rich in nutrients and is very nutrient dense.

Maca is considered an “adaptogen”, a name given to certain herbs, plants, and natural substances that help the body naturally adapt to stressors like a busy schedule, demanding job, or illness, for example. Another unique fact about maca root is that historically it has been considered a very potent aphrodisiac and a traditional fertility secret of populations living in the Andes.

Consuming maca often makes people feel more “alive”, energetic, and leaves them with a sense of well-being, all of which are thought to be due to its ability to restore proper hormone balance and elevate “feel good” endorphins. Another benefit of maca is its relatively high amount of absorbable plant-based nutrients, including protein, fiber, calcium and magnesium, among others.

Maca Nutrition Facts

Maca root powder is comprised of approximately 18% protein, 76.5% carbohydrates, 5% fat, and 8.5% fiber (indigestible carbohydrates). Maca provides a powerful source of nutrition, including:

• Over 20 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids
• 20 free-form fatty acids (such as lauric, linolenic, palmitic acid, oleic , and steric acid)
• Vitamins B-1, B-2, C and E
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Copper
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• Selenium
• Sulphur
• Sodium
• Iron

Maca is also a rich source of phytonutrients.

In the Andes Mountain, locals may consume as much as a pound of dried or fresh maca root daily.

Maca Side Effects

Although maca does not generally produce harmful side effects in those that use it, and it has been safely consumed for thousands of years, there is still more to learn about the exact safety and side effects of using maca for medicinal benefits. Physicians believe that maca should not be consumed by people who rely on hormone-altering medications for treatment of illnesses like breast cancer or prostate cancer, for example, or for other serious conditions. People who have high blood pressure are also advised to not consume maca. More research is still needed on whether or not maca is safe for use in pregnant or nursing women. So, until it is confirmed to be safe, it is best for these women to avoid maca.