Product 11/18
Harvested high in the Andes Mountains, Lepidium meyenii, or maca, is an herb native to Peru and Bolivia. Grown traditionally at altitudes of approximately 13,000 to 15,000 feet, nearly all maca cultivation in Peru is carried out organically because there are few pests naturally occurring at such high elevations. Used as a root vegetable, maca is part of the mustard family and is similar to radishes and turnips. It contains substantial quantities of proteins, fat, fiber, minerals and glucosinolates, the strong-smelling compounds responsible for the pungent smell and taste of mustard family plants. Maca has been an important food for the native people in the Andes for at least 2,000 years, including the Incas. Legend has it that during the height of the Incan empire, warriors would consume maca before entering into battle to increase strength and stamina. The nutritional value of maca is high, similar to grains such as wheat and rice. Maca’s typical nutritional profile contains 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 8.5% dietary fiber, and 2.2% fats. Moreover, maca is rich in essential minerals, especially selenium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, and includes fatty acids including linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acids, and 19 amino acids, as well as polysaccharides. Maca’s typical nutritional profile provides optimum levels of nutrients utilized by the body’s endocrine system which is instrumental in regulating metabolism, growth, development and puberty, and tissue function and also plays a part in determining mood.*
In addition to maca’s strength, stamina, and overall energy promoting properties, preliminary results in small-scale clinical trials in healthy men have shown that maca extracts can heighten libido and improve semen quality, including an increase in volume, sperm count, and enhanced motility. It does this without influencing levels of testosterone or any other sex hormones. These hormone-normalizing effects may be due to maca’s unique nutritional profile.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
** Daily Value has not been established.
Other Ingredients: Celluose, rice flour, silica, Magnesium Stearate
Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement take 1 vegicap daily with a meal.
Diets low in iodine should not take maca without consulting your health care practitioner. Maca contains glucosinolates which can cause goiter (swollen thyroid gland with decreased activity) if taken in excess combined with a low-iodine diet. This is documented to occur with other glucosinolate-rich foods
As always, consult your physician before taking supplements, especially if you have a medical or psychiatric condition, or are pregnant or lactating.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Testimonials represent a cross section of the range of results that appear to be typical with these products. Results may vary depending upon use and commitment.
