Maca root is a superfood that has been cultivated as both an everyday food and a natural medicine in the high mountains of Peru and Bolivia for 1000s of years. Over the past few decades it has become increasingly popular outside of that region. This is due to its remarkable nutrient profile and unique properties that can lead to a variety of health benefits.
As maca products have gained more attention, some concerns have been raised about the presence of heavy metals in maca products, which could potentially pose health risks to consumers. In this article, we delve into the research and evidence surrounding maca root's heavy metal content and help you determine how to ensure safety when taking maca.
High quality maca root is still grown in its native soil in the mountains of Peru, particularly around Junin lake. While attempts have been made to grow the vegetable in China, the U.S. and Germany, those have been largely unsuccessful, either producing deformed roots or no roots at all. What that means is that nearly all quality maca root on the market is grown either in Peru or Bolivia.
If you’ve never seen the fields where maca are grown it’s important to understand that maca grows best in high mountain soils that are dry and rocky and soils that have not been worked for many years. These soils naturally contain trace elements including some heavy metals.
Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic are naturally occurring elements found in the Earth's crust. Their presence in the environment can lead to contamination of food crops, including maca root and other plants grown in them. Most people are exposed to heavy metals on a daily basis, but at very minimal amounts and with no negative effects. High levels of heavy metals, on the other hand, can have detrimental effects on human health, ranging from mild symptoms to severe toxicity.
Several studies have investigated the presence of heavy metals in maca root. Results have been mixed, with some studies showing minimal or negligible levels of heavy metals, while others have found trace amounts exceeding recommended limits.
These studies have shown maca root to contain lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) and as a result of them many manufacturers test their soils and their maca roots specifically for these elements.
The concentration of heavy metals in maca root can be influenced by various factors, including the geographical region where it is cultivated, the type of soil, and agricultural practices. Organic and sustainably sourced maca is generally less likely to contain high levels of heavy metals because it tends to be grown on land with lower levels of metals.
To address the issue of heavy metal contamination, regulatory bodies in different countries have set maximum allowable limits for heavy metals in herbal supplements, including maca root products.
The most stringent limits for these metals are:
At The Maca Team all of our products are tested using these limits and must come in well below them. Each maca product is strictly tested several times by independent labs for the levels of heavy metals and our we only accept products that come in much, much below the standards. As an example, the standard for Mercury is less than .1 ppm (parts per million). One recent batch of red maca was tested at a level of .006 ppm – which is over 100 times lower. With maca that is organically and carefully grown in Peru, like ours is, there is nothing to worry about in terms of consuming tiny, tiny amounts these metals. That said, if you have any specific questions on your health in relationship to maca, we are not doctors and recommend that you consult your physician.
Please also know that each of our products comes with a COA (certificate of analysis) that shows the levels at which these metals and other potential toxins such as molds and yeasts are found. We are happy to provide current COAs on request.
While maca root offers promising health benefits, the concern regarding heavy metal contamination should not be ignored. It’s best to be cautious and informed when choosing maca products. To ensure safety, opt for reputable brands, check for Peruvian grown, and favor organic and sustainably sourced options. With proper diligence, maca root can be a valuable addition to a healthy diet, contributing to overall well-being without compromising health.
Enjoy the day!
I shop around a lot for my supplements and health foods, and I have to say you guys at The Maca Team are light years ahead of anyone else selling maca out in the marketplace. Thanks for all you do!
By Jim Price, The Green Marketing Guru
Loving the red maca from themacateam. I can tell the difference from my usual store-bought brands. It really tastes so fresh and sweet compared to others. I really love this product. Thanks for sourcing it for us to enjoy
By Michelle Gebbia
I LOVE Maca Team Maca...this was my first purchase with the Maca Team and I have no need to try any other Maca-producer. The Maca tastes fresh and flavorful, the Kilo bag is a great price, and I feel so much more at ease (Maca is such powerful medicine :) )
By Lizzie Thompson
I take 24 products from five to six times a week to increase my well-being and sensual and sexual delights. ;D The Maca Team’s organic maca is one of them—nine grams in my smoothie, Monday to Saturday. The Maca Team is a small business run by a family who cares about its customers, its Peruvian maca growers, and the environment. It's vital to know the source of everything we put in our mouths. Physical and mental health are precious treasures. :D
By Jerry Montero
By Milt Thompson
This product is amazing! I have used other cheaper brands of white maca with fairly good results, but after trying the Maca Team maca, I noticed within two weeks all of my menopausal symptoms had completely vanished. Others described a bad taste and smell, but I have tried the black and the red and find them both to be mild tasting. I use a tablespoon in my daily smoothly
By Joy
Maca first came to us by our vitamin supplier. Then we ordered from the Maca Team. Comparison? Think fire-fly, then think mid-day sun. At 76 and 73 years respectively, that is a big deal; and at comparable cost too. We never have we had such speedy delivery and the packaging is the strongest, most protective we've seen, ever, at all ... anywhere. Further, the Mrs. no longer takes hormone supplements. And Mr. scans the morning want ads for steady P/T work.
By George & Sherri
I had been using another brand of maca powder and decided to try The Maca Team's. The difference in freshness is night and day, and better tasting . I'm 6 foot 250 lbs. and take 4 teaspoons every day w/ my protein shake. Great energy boost and just feel great all day. I can tell a difference when I do not take it. best price that I have found {36oz}. I will be buying more as needed.
By J.D.
I've tried various maca brands over the last 20 years and The Maca Team brand is very special. There is definitely a difference when it comes to the quality and colors of the maca. This red maca does seem to nourish certain parts of my body while the black maca nourishes something else. I know I've been missing the nutrition these maca provide. I'm 75 years old and bodies wear out, but I'm finding I'm regaining a functioning body. How wonderful is this?!?!!!
By Janis Ihrig
I just wanted to thank you for your excellently constructed website. I am a physician and I recently started learning about Maca. I get a very good sense of it, and I expect I will try it out myself and possibly be recommending it to patients in the future. If so, your website will be the first place to send people. Thanks again.
By Adam Holt
Love the Maca team, In an earlier comment I said I was on the fence about where to buy Maca .Not anymore .You shouldn’t be either. The team has answered any questions I’ve had promptly. I feel like I’m dealing with friends, not some company far away out for my money only. The Maca is fresh, prices are good, the people are nice. If you’re on the fence, don’t be, you won’t be sorry.
By Bob
My Maca came in today and it has all the information on it! I must say this is the best tasting Maca I have tried!! Thank you again for a great product!! I will only order from you in future as well!
By Stormi Evans
First I would like to say I love this product. I was very skeptical about a natural product with so many benefits but this stuff really works. Second, I love this company. From the web site to the way they run their company this a top-notch team. I will be ordering from The Maca Team from now on. Great job guys keep doing what you are doing.
By Darren Rivers Sr.
We love this product. I own a store and work with clients holistically. We have recommended maca for years however, this is the highest quality product we have ever carried. I am proud to offer it in my store.
By Mellissa Gage, Infinity and Beyond
I am really happy that I chose the Maca Team, today you can find many distributors selling Maca powder, however quality of the powder is impossible to compare. Moreover, the results after 2 weeks I could feel. Before I was taking maca powder and I did not feel any changes. But since I started taking Maca from Maca Team the changes are incredible. So, I did a test.:) I gave the powder to my partner ... and after 2 weeks he was impressed and told me that he has more energy, feeling happy... Thank you The Maca Team!!!!
By Olga
I do want to say that I have done quite a bit of research on different companies that offer Maca and The Maca Team definitely is the most reputable. Thank you again for your kindness and professionalism :)
By T.C.
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