Lepidium meyenii, commonly known as maca root, Peruvian ginseng, or simply maca, belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and is one of the most celebrated superfoods today. It is the only cruciferous vegetable native to the Americas and is cultivated for its nutrient-dense root, which has served as both food and medicine for thousands of years.
Maca thrives in the harsh conditions of the Andes Mountains in central Peru, growing at elevations between 13,000 and 14,800 feet. In this rugged terrain, where vegetation is scarce and access to marine or animal protein is historically limited, the ancient Peruvians relied on maca root as a vital source of energy-supporting nutrients, including natural sugars, starches, protein, iron, and iodine. [1]
Historical records show that Inca warriors consumed large amounts of maca to support their stamina and physical strength. The Incas also revered maca because of its natural ability to support reproductive health, mental clarity, and healthy recovery. Maca root also functioned as a form of currency and was traded by the Incas for staple foods like rice, corn, quinoa, and beans. [2][3]
Nutritional Profile of Maca Root*
Peruvian maca root is widely known as a powerful energizing superfood due to its dense concentration of nutrients that either directly fuel the body or play critical roles in energy metabolism. Here’s a list of all the essential (and energy-supporting) nutrients you can get from a 100-gram (g) serving of organic maca root powder: [4][5]
- Total carbohydrates: 27% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Dietary fiber: 89% of the DV
- Protein: 25% of the DV
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 21% of the DV (helps break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into glucose)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin): 29% of the DV (supports the breakdown of fatty acids to produce energy)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): 57% of the DV (essential for fatty acid metabolism and glucose production from amino acids)
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): 475% of the DV (facilitates L-carnitine synthesis for mitochondrial energy production)
- Calcium: 19% of the DV (helps in the regulation of energy metabolism)
- Iron: 28% of the DV (key component of enzymes involved in the production of cellular energy)
- Potassium: 35% of the DV
- Manganese: 39% of the DV (supports carbohydrate breakdown for energy)
In addition to these nutrients, maca root also provides:
- Iodine (~52 micrograms (mcg) per 10 g serving): An essential mineral for the production of thyroid hormones, which are important for regulating your body’s metabolic rate
- 18 Amino acids (7 of which are essential): Vital nutrients for protein synthesis and overall metabolic function
- Glucotropaeolin: A glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables
- Antioxidants: Powerful compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage
According to research, maca contains high amounts of glucotropaeolin, a precursor to benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). This health-supporting phytonutrient boasts many beneficial properties, including potent antioxidant activity. [6] Other notable antioxidants in maca include phenols, alkamides, and polysaccharides like maca polysaccharide (MP), one of maca’s main active components and a major contributor to its positive effects on energy levels and reproductive health. [7][8]
Unlike other stimulants, maca root is caffeine-free and has no known side effects when consumed responsibly in powdered or capsule form. With its unparalleled nutrient density – including antioxidants, amino acids, and energy-supporting macro- and micronutrients – Peruvian maca root remains one of nature’s most potent superfoods for sustained energy and vitality.
5 Reasons Why We Do Full Lab Verification of Our Maca Products
Peruvian maca root is one of the best superfoods for supporting overall health and wellness. Because of its wonderful health benefits, it has gained widespread popularity in recent years. As such, you’ll find plenty of maca root products on the market.
But like any popular superfood, not all maca products you’ll encounter are created equal. While some boast qualities that match their certifications, others are downright deceiving and are made purely for profit rather than human health. These complete knockoffs may cause serious harm to consumers due to being adulterated, contaminated, untested, and unregulated.
This is why the Health Ranger Store prioritizes lab verification and testing of all our products — because we value your health and safety above all else. As one of the most in-demand — and consequently one of the most adulterated — health foods on the market, we make sure that our organic maca products undergo extensive quality inspections and lab testing to:
- Ensure high quality and purity
- Ensure they are free of pharmaceutical agents
- Test for the presence of heavy metals
- Avoid misleading sourcing and labeling
- Ensure high potency
Adulteration is a common problem with maca root powders. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, some maca powders sold as “pure” maca actually contain adulterants like turnip and radish powder, rice flour, rice bran, soybean flour, and maize flour. [9] The presence of these adulterants not only lowers the quality and purity of maca but also takes away from its effectiveness.
In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also issued public health warnings regarding adulterated maca products labeled “Peru Maca” that were found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients like sildenafil. Sold under the brand name Viagra, sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction. The FDA warned that sildenafil “may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.” [10]
Another concern with maca products is possible contamination with heavy metals. This applies to maca grown in areas where mining activity is rampant. Studies have reported detecting high concentrations — exceeding safety limits set by the World Health Organization — of cadmium and lead in the soil and edible tissues of maca grown near mining zones in Peru. [11]
Misleading labeling and sourcing are also very common among maca products. In recent years, reports have emerged that China is also growing and exporting maca root products, and it even holds several GMO patents on maca. There are also laboratories in China that produce a synthetic form of maca, which they try to pass off as authentic maca root. [12]
Although Chinese farmers have successfully grown maca root in the mountains of Yunnan province, there is still a huge difference between the quality, appearance, potency, and safety of Peruvian and Chinese maca root.
As shown by a 2019 study published in Scientific Reports, there is a significant difference in the chemical components of Peruvian and Chinese maca root. [13] Many products from China are sadly of dubious quality and may even be contaminated with dangerous chemicals.
What’s more, research shows that many factors, such as color, hypocotyl (the embryonic stem connecting the primary root to the leaves) size, growing location, cultivation, and post-harvest processing methods, can greatly affect the nutrient content and phytochemical profile of maca root. [14] This means that in order for you to enjoy the wholesome benefits of maca, it has to be grown away from polluted lands, lab verified for cleanliness, purity, and potency, and must come from the right source.
Groovy Bee® Organic Maca Root Powder 12 oz (340 g) from the Health Ranger Store checks everything on the list and is one of the cleanest organic maca root powders on the market. Derived from ultra-clean maca grown under strict organic standards by our trusted suppliers in Peru, our premium organic maca root powder delivers a vast array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can keep you feeling energized and support good overall health and well-being.
Groovy Bee® Organic Maca Root Powder 12 oz (340 g) contains no gluten, GMOs, or additives and is certified Kosher and organic. It is also thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, and microbiology for your safety and peace of mind. Supplies are strictly limited, so stock up on ultra-clean maca root powder now while supplies last.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[14] https://www.mdpi.com
