Maca Root – 16 oz Powder

ANDEAN SUPERFOOD: Yellow maca root powder (non-gelatinized). Maca root (Lepidiummeyenii) is a plant which is native to Peru, found growing in the high altitudes (12,500-14,800 ft) of the central Andes Mountains. Its indigenous use pre dates the Incan empire where maca was used for both nutrition and traditional medicine. The plant belongs to the brassica (cabbage/mustard) family and thrives at altitudes that produce freezing temperatures, intense solar radiation, low oxygen, and strong winds, where little else grows. Genuine Peruvian yellow maca root powder grown in Andean soil is what we offer.

Although maca can be eaten fresh–cooked in underground pits, our maca is sun dried, as has been the way to dry maca root postharvest when storing maca for later use. Intriguingly, the secondary metabolite, macamides, are not present in fresh maca. During the natural sun-drying process, which involves a freeze-thaw cycle as maca is dried in the open fields of the Andean plateau, tissue damage ensues in the root resulting in macamide synthesis.

Traditionally, maca has always been cooked before being consumed. Dried maca is boiled in water or milk before it is eaten. The boiling process seems to increase certain active, secondary metabolites and decrease its goitrogenic effect. Additionally, cooking maca makes it easier to digest.

VITAL HEALTH BENEFITS: Maca has an energizer and vitalizing effect so it is best taken in the day or even early afternoon.* Working on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, maca is said to be an adaptogen. Adaptogen’s work to maintain normal functioning of the HPA axis in healthy adults with an already normal functioning HPA axis.* Being connected to the central nervous system and endocrine system, the HPA axis controls stress responses, energy metabolism, and neuropsychiatric function.

Although not actually in the ginseng family, maca has earned the common name “Peruvian Ginseng” due to its ginseng-esque, stamina-building effects it confers on its host.*

HARD-CORE STANDARDS: Certified organic by Oregon Tilth, certified vegan by Vegan Action, certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, and certified kosher by Orthodox Union. Additionally, our TruGanic™ standard (lab tested for pesticides and GMOs (genetically modified ingredients) upon ingredient qualification ensures purity and quality. Free of fillers, binders, and flow agents; products are lab tested for botanical identity, heavy metals, microbiological activity, and gluten.

HIGHEST MANUFACTURING STANDARDS: Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility. Recognized as NSF International/ANSI (American National Standards Institute) cGMP (current good manufacturing practices) certified manufacturing standards. Made in an organic, kosher, gluten-free, and vegan compliant facility.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.