Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a plant native to Peru, is a cruciferous, mineral-rich plant whose roots are eaten as a vegetable by the indigenous peoples. Maca balances the effects of major steroid hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and seems to create effects that are specific to the condition of the individual, elevating low levels of some hormones while lowering levels of hormones present in excess. Health professionals who use Maca in their practices thus report that Maca assists in the maintenance of sexual function in aging men and women, and can be helpful in normalizing menopausal and premenstrual symptoms in women.
As an adaptogen (a substance that helps the body adapt to stress), Maca has been shown to support bone structure, fight stress, increase energy, and promote balanced blood glucose levels and cardiovascular health.
AOR Advantage
AOR’s Maca is the only maca supplement available that is grown in an environment free of pesticides and fertilizers. The harvesting process is socially as well as ecologically responsible: the root is purchased directly from traditional cattle herders in the Andes. The decision-making process on land use is communitarian/consensus-based, with the communal council having final say on crop planting and harvesting. This allows these peoples to retain aspects of their traditional culture while integrating to a necessary degree into the prevailing cash economy.
