What is maca?

Maca is a cruciferous root vegetable in the same family as the turnip. It is native the Andes of Peru and Bolivia grown at altitudes between 13,000 and 15,000 feet (highest crop grown). The Andean Incas highly valued the root as they believed it to increase energy, endurance and fertility in both humans and animals. They also used it as currency when bartering with peoples of other regions.

The root has recently been rediscovered for its high nutritional value. It is very mineral rich (such as calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc) as well as significant amounts of vitamins B1, B2, C, proteins, carbohydrates, and lignans.

However, it is the possible sexual functions of maca that arouses the most interest. Even today it is thought that this little root may alleviate menopausal symptoms in women, increase semen volume, sperm count and motility in men and enhance libido, endurance and fertility in both sexes.  The research that has been done on the herb has shown that even though it can create these types of results, it does not contain or directly influence actual sex hormones.

Since maca research is still in its infancy it is unknown why these hormonal effects often take place over long term maca use. One theory is that the alkaloids found in maca stimulates the endocrine system, another is that its adaptogenic properties allow the body to maintain hormonal homeostasis. Likely, it is the synergy of these as well as other biological processes that maca promotes.

The maca used in BōKU® Super Food is a special organic, fresh pressed maca root juice that is far more potent than plain powdered maca root. It is only one of the ingredients in BōKU® that can help add years to your life and life to your years!