You might have noticed maca root listed as an ingredient in Bod•ē Strong, but what exactly is it? “Maca is a plant that grows in central Peru in the high plateaus of the Andes Mountains. It has been cultivated as a vegetable crop in this area for at least 3000 years. Maca is a relative of the radish and has an odor similar to butterscotch. Its root is used to make medicine.”[1] Maca root supports physical endurance, stamina and energy,* but what else does this amazing root do? A pilot study in 2009 found that using maca extract for 14 days improved performance for male cyclists in a 40-kilometer time trial. Maca also contains flavonoids, which are thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety; a study in 14 postmenopausal women found that maca may reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, a 2015 study found that maca could reduce symptoms of depression in Chinese postmenopausal women.[2]

            Another powerful ingredient in Bod•ē Strong is curcumin. Curcumin is a substance found in turmeric, which is “one of the main components of curry powder. In India and other parts of Asia, turmeric is used to treat many health conditions.”[3] Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that supports a healthy cardiovascular vascular system.* However, “ingesting curcumin by itself does not lead to the associated health benefits due to its poor bioavailability, which appears to be primarily due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid elimination. There are several components that can increase bioavailability. For example, piperine is the major active component of black pepper and, when combined in a complex with curcumin, has been shown to increase bioavailability by 2000%.” This is not unlike other nutrient pairings such as magnesium and calcium, copper and iron, or potassium and magnesium. Fortunately, Bod•ē Strong has you covered so you can reap the benefits of curcumin and maca root while building your wellness foundation as you work towards your health and fitness goals!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

[1] “Maca: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-555/maca.

[2] Kandola, Aaron. “10 Health Benefits of Maca Root.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 July 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322511.php.

[3] “Turmeric and Curcumin: Health, Spice, and Supplement Information From WebMD.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-turmeric#1.