|
How to Choose a Brand of
Maca
by Carmen
Mattes, Master Herbalist
When
shopping for a Maca supplement, buy
only pure Maca from reputable companies that have knowledge
and expertise in Maca.
Specifically:
Look
for a brand that only uses pure, authentic Maca, traditionally
cultivated in the Andean mountain plateaus of Peru.
Only buy pure
Maca root, not the stem, leaves, etc, as some unscrupulous
producers will use the entire plant even though only the root
has medicinal properties. Beware of companies that cut their
Maca root powder with rice flour, maltodextrin or other cheap
fillers and excipients.
Look for Maca
that is grown organically and processed following organic
standards for highest quality. Certified organic Maca is even
better because then you can be certain it is organically
farmed.
Choose gelatinized Maca for greater potency
and optimal absorption. Gelatinization is an extrusion process
that removes the starch from the root leaving a more
concentrated powder that is easier to digest. Gelatinized Maca
was the form used in the first human clinical study on Maca
that yielded great results. Plus if buying in the powdered
form, gelatinized Maca tastes much better and mixes easier
into food and beverages.
Because Peru is a third world
country, look for companies who employ fair trade practices
with local farmers and support traditional farming and
sustainable harvesting to ensure the long-term health of Maca
and its environment.
Keep in mind
that when it comes to Maca, you truly do get what you pay for.
For example, organic certification and gelatinization are very
expensive benefits but for many consumers it may be worth the
extra investment for the peace of mind, assurance of quality
and likely greater efficacy.
“I highly
recommend the MacaSure brand of Maca root extract made by
Sequel Naturals. It is the only brand of Certified Organic
Maca available in Canada plus it is gelatinized for greater
potency and absorption. MacaSure is the only brand of Maca I
use myself and in my practice.”
Carmen Mattes
Master
Herbalist
|
