| Whole Maca Root Extract with Pancreatin
The Maca plant was first discovered by "modern science" in 1843 by Gerhard Walpers, who originally designated it to the species Lepidium Meyenii, the Latin name recognized by the USDA and FDA. After further study in the 1960's, most botanists determined the most appropriate name for the maca plant to be L. peruvianum and thus it has become known under this species in our more recent times.
Maca is a hearty plant related to the turnip and radish that is cultivated high in the Andean Mountains at elevations from 13,000-15,000 feet. Maca plants grow in terribly harsh cold with poor agricultural soils. As such, nearly all maca cultivation in Peru is carried out organically, as there are few pests naturally occurring at such high altitudes, and maca itself is seldom attacked.
In Peru, Maca has been an important traditional food and medicinal plant for about 2000 years. Historically, it has been used for trade and during the Spanish colonization as a form of currency. Maca is regarded as a highly nutritious, energy-imbuing food, that may enhance strength and endurance while supporting healthy feelings of love and desire.*
Maca can be found in several forms: Maca Flour (dried, finely ground powder), gelatinized maca, "standardized" extracts (of part of maca's active ingredients) and whole root extracts (containing all of maca's active ingredients).
In an effort to reduce the amount of Maca needed to be consumed (2 to 6 tablespoons per day!) and relying on the historical data that traditionally, the Peruvians have always cooked maca, Andeanessence™ was formulated to be a once a day caplet containing all the benefits of the 2 to 6 tablespoonfuls of maca flour without the hassle (and not so pleasant taste!) of swallowing large amounts of the flour several times a day. Andeanessence™ is a concentrated, full-strength, whole maca root extract combined with pancreatin (to further increase absorbability)*. Thus maintaining the synergy of the entire root and all of its nutritive value.*
Tell Me More about Maca Root Powder
Q: Dr. Wong has always said to take the bulk Maca Root Powder. Why did he come out with a maca in caplet form?
A: Primarily for convenience. The Andeanessence, Dr. Wong developed, is a full strength Whole Maca Root extract blended with pancreatin to enhance absorption. Do not confuse Andeanessence with "Standardized Maca Extracts" which only contain 2 of the active components of the whole maca root. This is whole root extract which means the only thing removed is the fiber (and sugar). All the other synergistic components of the maca root have been maintained in Andeanessence.
Q: Recently, I have read several recommendations to cycle on and off maca. In fact, ***********, says that it'seasy for a man to overdo it by taking too much maca for too long and actually suffer a reverse in libido. Do you know of any reason why a man OR woman would need to cycle on and off maca? If so, is there a recommended schedule you suggest for this?
A:Maca is a food not a hormone. Normally, people are recommended to "cycle" hormones not foods. Having to cycle maca as one would do an anabolic steroid (or HRT) would come as news to the Peruvian Indians who eat the stuff daily at varying amounts (mostly high) since childhood. You can certainly cycle on and off, but honestly after being on maca for 3 years solid at fairly high intakes, I don't see what the fuss is about... maca is a food.
Q: I've seen Maca Root Powder in a capsule, can I take this instead of the Andeanessence?
A: That would be a personal preference. Most Maca root capsule products are the bulk powder simply put into a capsule for convenience. So, you would need to take 20 to 30 capsules daily to equal the 4 tablespoons per day Dr. Wong recommends. Whereas with the Andeanessece, being a whole maca root extract, you would only need to take 1 caplet per day to equal 4 tablespoons of the raw powder. Please remember that if you do decide to go with the capsule products, make sure you are not getting a standardized extract as these products only contain 2 of the active components of the whole maca root.
*Disclaimer:
The products and the claims made about specific products on this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration .
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult a physician or medical practitioner before taking this or any dietary supplement. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or are planning on becoming pregnant should not take any supplements without consulting their physician first. |
