Maca and Glucosinolates
Posted by The Maca Team on 3rd Apr 2024
In previous posts, we’ve gone into extensive detail on the nutritional values of maca root - namely, the broad list of vitamins and minerals that make maca root so good for you. Maca root is, as many have dubbed it, a “nutritional powerhouse” full of what your body needs to operate at its best. But among those more familiar nutrients are some lesser-known elements. Macaenes and macamides, for example, are bioactive compounds exclusive to maca root, which have demonstrated anti-fatigue and osteoporosis-preventing properties. We’ve also mentioned glucosinolates in the past, namely with regard to our premium maca root. So what is it about glucosinolates that makes them so…well…premium?
What are Glucosinolates?
Glucosinolates are phytochemicals found almost exclusively in cruciferous vegetables like radishes, cabbages, and maca root. The NIH identifies glucosinolates as a “possible protective component,” with a 2021 study determining that they exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemo-protective effects.
In short, there’s evidence suggesting that “consumption of a high glucosinolate diet is linked with reduced incidence of chronic diseases.”
It’s no surprise that a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables is linked to a healthier lifestyle, and therefore overall improved wellbeing. But research has shown that certain types of vegetables have better health benefits than others for an assortment of medical conditions ranging from diabetes to cancer. Cruciferous vegetables belonging to the family Brassicaceae in particular are associated with a reduced risk of numerous health concerns including heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. This may have something to do with the high rate of glucosinolates found almost exclusively in cruciferous vegetables - vegetables like maca root.
Glucosinolates in Maca Root
Did you know that the glucosinolates in maca root are associated with its distinct pungent flavor? This is probably why our premium maca root, which has been fresh-processed, is so much spicier than our raw sundried maca root products. Though the flavor might be considered something of an acquired taste, it’s important to note that this modern approach to processing maca was developed to help standardize nutrient levels and maximize that glucosinolate content.
Part of the reason our premium maca costs more than our sundried maca is that it’s only available in a limited supply because it must be prepared from the freshest maca roots, which means it can only be made during the annual harvest between June and August. The process that goes into preparing our premium maca products is more labor and equipment-intensive. It starts with only grade-A maca roots being transported to a processing facility immediately after harvest, where they are dried in large low-temperature dehydrators. The roots are then stored in preparation for being pulped and then ground into powder. But we think our premium maca is well worth the expense, in large part because it’s this unique process that leaves more glucosinolates in the final product.
About Our Premium Maca
Our premium maca must meet the same exacting standards as all of our maca root products. It’s vegan, non-GMO, and certified Fair Trade. When you buy from The Maca Team, you’re getting 100% pure organic Peruvian-grown maca. And because you’re purchasing premium maca root, you’re getting the most complete and potent maca available.
Benefits of premium maca include the ability to consume smaller serving sizes because the product is more potent and nutrient-dense, and the standardization of nutrients assures similar results each time. We’ve also heard from customers that our premium maca products may work more quickly for them than raw maca.
While the flavor of premium maca isn’t for everyone, consider picking up our organic premium maca capsules for ease of consumption. We also offer premium tri-color maca liquid extract!
Why Buy From The Maca Team?
We’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that our customers are getting the highest-quality maca products out there. Our family-run company of maca experts is on hand to answer any questions you might have about our maca, so please don’t hesitate to Contact Us using our web form, or call us toll-free at 888-919-8616.
Enjoy the Day!