For thousands of years, Peruvians have been growing and eating this tuber that grows high up in the Andes above 12,000 feet, where people have to endure stressful living conditions in freezing cold weather. Now, extensive scientific studies show that maca helps the body cope with stress while increasing endurance, stamina and energy production.

Maca has been shown in animal studies to lower cortisol levels and decrease stress-related fatty acids in the bloodstream. Additionally, studies show maca can help balance your mood probably due to how much more energized it makes you feel!

In studies on mice, maca has a beneficial effect on memory, which seems to be due to its ability to keep the brain’s neurotransmitters from being recycled. It also has antioxidants, which may also be why the mice improved in their memory retention and cognitive function. They learned and processed information faster, something we all could use.

There are a lot of studies looking at maca and sex hormones with varying results. Maca doesn’t contain phytoestrogens or male hormones like some plants do, but it has been shown to increase the production of testosterone in men and balance hormone levels in women. Maca is thought to be helpful for relieving the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause and to help prevent bones loss.

It is theorized that its effect on the sex drive, hormones and fertility comes from how well maca nourishes our glandular system. Inca warriors figured this out. They are reputed to have consumed large quantities of maca before going into battle to amp up their strength and vigor!

Maca is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family which means it’s related to broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. It’s rich in minerals including calcium, potassium, iron, iodine, copper, manganese and zinc and its protein consists of 19 amino acids. Maca also contains polysaccharides, polyphenols (antioxidants) macamides and glucosinolates, all of which are considered to be the active ingredients in maca. Due to its tough fiber, maca is consumed cooked to make its nutrients bioavailable. When brewed, the nutrients are extracted by hot water into the liquid.

Teeccino uses organically grown maca root from the high mountains of Peru in our Maca Chocolate Herbal Coffee and Tea.