Maca root is a unique, complete food. It is in the same botanical family, the brassicas, as broccoli and kale but with maca the root is consumed, like radishes. It shares with other brassicas a content of glucosinolates, sulfur containing compounds with potent adaptogenic effects. Maca is rich in the dietary minerals calcium and potassium (with low content of sodium), and contains the essential trace elements iron, iodine, copper, manganese, and zinc, as well as both essential and non-essential fatty acids, and 19 amino acids.
WARNING: Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food.
Apart from the many beneficial nutrients present in Maca its primary value is as an “adaptogen”. Adaptogens greatly improve your body’s ability to adapt to stress, whether it’s heat or cold stress, a hectic schedule, excessive noise, altitude or any number of other environmental factors. This elite class of supplements impart metabolic strength, energy, stamina, endurance, and they have been shown to improve mental clarity. In many parts of the non-Western world adaptogens are used extensively in cultures where living under high environmental stress is par for the course. In each of these cultures there is typically a favorite adaptogen. In China it is ginseng; in Russia it is rhodiola and in Peru it’s Maca. Enjoy this “Sacred crop of the Inca” traditionally eaten to boost stamina and virility in smoothies and shakes.