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INGREDIENTS
NATURAL FLAVOURINGS
MACA
STEVIA
BIO-FERMENTED PEA PROTEIN
TURMERIC EXTRACT (95% CURCUMINOIDS)
GOTU KOLA
ASHWAGANDHA
RAW CACAO
CHAGA
REISHI
LION'S MANE
FRUIT & VEGETABLE POWDERS
PLANET & PEOPLE
PRODUCT
ALL-IN-ONE MEAL
SUPERGREENS
PERFORM PLANT PROTEIN
MAGIC LATTE AND HOT CHOCOLATE
VEGAN PROTEIN
CREATINE
LIQUID VITAMIN D3 & K2
MAGIC COFFEE
MACA POWDER
PLANT PROTEIN BAR
PERFORM PRO PLANT PROTEIN
LION'S MANE MUSHROOM (8:1 EXTRACT)
CORDYCEPS MUSHROOM (10:1 EXTRACT)
REISHI MUSHROOM (15:1 EXTRACT)
CHAGA MUSHROOM (6:1 EXTRACT)
PLANT BASED OMEGA 3 LIQUID
COLLAGEN BUILDER
INTRA-WORKOUT
LIQUID B12 COMPLEX
PRE-WORKOUT
MULTINUTRIENT
PRODUCT FAQS
How many mg of mushroom extract per serving in each Magic Latte?
Are the mushrooms used in Magic Lattes present at functional dosages?
Where does your B12 come from?
Can I take Perform Plant Protein if I have biliary issues?
Will I test positive to drug tests due to the hemp content in Perform?
How are the nutrients in Supergreens sourced?
Perform Plant Protein - is it gluten free?
Is Intra-Workout Gluten Free?
What is the recommended dose of Creatine?
What is the serving size of Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein?
How much Vitamin K is there in the Liquid Vitamin D3 & K2?
Is Intra-Workout Organic?
How many mushrooms can I take in a day? Can I combine mushrooms?
How does Creatine work?
When should I use Intra-Workout?
Where do you source your Maca?
Are your products FDA approved?
D3 & K2 Certificate of Analysis
What is the TOTOX value of the microalgal oil used in Plant Based Omega 3?
Are All in One, Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein suitable for those with a pea intolerance?
Can I use your products if I have a food allergy or intolerance?
Can I take All-In-One while working out?
Does Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein contain caffeine?
What flavours are used in Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein?
Why is Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein's salt content high?
Does Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein contain added sugar?
Are Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein suitable for use in baking?
What is the main difference between Vegan Protein and Perform Plant Protein?
Can I take Perform Plant Protein when pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication?
Does All-In-One contain the same protein used in Perform Plant Protein and Vegan Protein?
Is Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein suitable for IBS sufferers, or for those with digestive issues?
Are Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein tested for heavy metals?
How does Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein taste so good?
What are the benefits of EAAs?
Why aren’t your products certified Organic?
Is Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein organic?
What is the difference between EAAs and protein?
What is the problem with most EAA powders?
Are Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein suitable for vegans?
Do you have a protein powder without stevia?
Is Perform Plant Protein and Perform Pro Plant Protein safe for athletes?
Why does the label of All-In-One say it is a meal replacement?
What is the difference between All-In-One and Perform Plant Protein?
Can I use your Collagen Builder alongside other Vivo Life products?
What is the difference between All-In-One Meal and Supergreens?
Can I use Intra-Workout and Perform Plant Protein at the same time?
Can I use Perform Plant Protein or Perform Pro Plant Protein as a pre-workout?
When should I take Magic? Can I take different products in the Magic range throughout the day?
Are Magic Lattes safe to consume during pregnancy?
Do our Magic Lattes contain caffeine?
Is Intra-Workout suitable for a Keto diet?
Why are some of the minerals in All-In-One only at 30% RDA?
Why are we using citric acid instead of malic acid in Intra-Workout?
Is Intra-Workout tested for heavy metals?
Is Intra-Workout suitable for athletes?
Is Intra-Workout suitable for vegans?
What does Intra-Workout taste like?
Does Intra-Workout contain added sugar?
Can I add Supergreens to hot food and drink?
What is our Vganic Multinutrient blend?
Do you sell a mass gainer?
Is Supergreens suitable for children?
Can I replace Supergreens with All-In-One?
I am fasting. Can I still use Supergreens?
Why have you reformulated Supergreens in the past?
Can Supergreens be used with other supplements?
How are the probiotics in Supergreens sourced?
Should I use Supergreens with or without food?
Can I take Supergreens with the Vegan Multinutrient?
Do I need to take B12 if I already use Supergreens?
Where is the vitamin D in Supergreens sourced from?
I already take Supergreens, do I need to take the D3 too?
Why doesn’t Supergreens contain calcium, iodine, iron or magnesium?
How many probiotics are in each serving of Supergreens?
Do I need to keep your products in the fridge?
Can I use more than one scoop of Supergreens per day?
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Does All-In-One contain selenium?
Is All-In-One a meal replacement?
Is All-In-One safe for athletes?
What is the difference between All-In-One and Vegan Protein?
How many calories does All-In-One have?
Will All-In-One break my fast?
Is All-In-One a mass gainer?
Can I use the Vegan Multinutrient and All-In-One Meal?
Where does the B12 come from in All-In-One?
Does All-In-One cover all my nutrient needs?
Are the nutrients in All-In-One naturally derived?
What is the Omega content of All-In-One?
What are the sources of protein of All-In-One?
Does All-In-One cover my daily probiotics needs?
How many servings does All-In-One have and what flavours does it come in?
Can I take All-In-One when I am NOT working out?
Does All-In-One have vitamins and minerals, if so which ones?
Does All-In-One need to be kept in the fridge (due to probiotics)?
Isn’t Collagen from animals?
Are your products gluten free?
What type is your magnesium?
Can I take Inositol as a male?
Is Inositol suitable for children?
Are there any potential side effects of taking Inositol?
Is Inositol suitable for pregnant/breastfeeding women?
Where and how do you source your Inositol?
Is the Protein Bar gluten free?
Is the Protein Bar suitable if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are other Vivo products at risk of contamination from allergens regarding the Protein Bar?
Where does the protein come from in the Protein Bar?
Is the Protein Bar third-party tested?
Is the Protein Bar suitable for children?
Is the Protein Bar suitable for vegans?
Does the Protein Bar contain added sugar?
Where does the lemon and orange flavour come from in the Protein Bars?
Is the Protein Bar suitable for people with a nut allergy?
What size are your Vegan Multinutrient capsules?
How do I take Omega 3?
Is our Omega 3 suitable for children?
Omega 3 - Composition/what is the other 200mg made up of?
How is your Creatine sourced?
How should B12 be stored?
Does your Vitamin K2 contain Soy?
Where do you source your Reishi?
What are Cordyceps and what are the benefits of taking them?
What is Chaga and what are the benefits of taking it?
How is your magnesium processed?
Where do you source your Chaga?
Where is your magnesium sourced?
Should I consume magnesium with food?
Is there a maximum dose for Reishi?
Is there a minimum/maximum dose for Cordyceps?
Is there a maximum dose for Chaga?
Is there a maximum dose for Lion's Mane?
Can I consume Chaga alongside other Vivo Life products, especially those with other mushrooms in (e.g. reishi, Lion’s Mane)?
Can I use your magnesium alongside your other products?
Is Chaga suitable for children?
Can I use magnesium with zinc?
Can I take Chaga if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
How is the Chaga processed?
What are the benefits of using magnesium?
How do I use Chaga?
Can I consume Cordyceps alongside other Vivo Life products, especially those with other mushrooms in (e.g. Reishi, Lion’s Mane)?
Is Cordyceps suitable for children?
Can I take Cordyceps if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
How are the Cordyceps processed?
Can I take Lion's Mane if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Can I consume Lion’s Mane alongside other Vivo Life products, especially those with other mushrooms in (e.g. cordyceps, reishi)?
Where do you source your Cordyceps?
Is Lion's Mane suitable for children?
How do I use Cordyceps?
How is the Lion's Mane processed?
Where do you source your Lion's Mane?
Can I consume Reishi alongside other Vivo Life products, especially those with other mushrooms in (e.g. cordyceps, Lion’s Mane)?
Is Reishi suitable for children?
How do I use Lion's Mane?
Can I take Reishi if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
How is the Reishi processed?
What is Lion's Mane and what are the benefits of taking it?
How do I use Reishi?
What is Reishi and what are the benefits of taking it?
What is a pre-workout, what are the benefits?
Collagen Builder - Amino Acid Profile
Can your Collagen Builder help with exercise/injury recovery?
How does Magic Mushroom Coffee compare to regular coffee?
Is your Collagen Builder Halal or Kosher?
Can I use your Collagen Builder when pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication?
Will your Collagen Builder help my skin's appearance?
Are your products Kosher and Vegan?
Where is your Magic Coffee sourced?
Are Vivo Life Nut (allergen) Free? YES!
Do I need to do a ‘loading phase’ with creatine?
Is the Pre-Workout third party tested for contaminants?
Are your products tested for heavy metals?
Are the products okay to be taken together?
Do I need a multinutrient on a whole food plant-based diet?
Can I take the Vegan Multinutrient alongside the liquid Omega 3, B12 and D3?
Vegan Multinutrient and thyroid issues?
Why is the B12 in the Vegan Multinutrient so high?
Vegan Multinutrient Certificate of Analysis
Is the BCAA in Perform made from duck feathers?
Can I use your products whilst pregnant/breastfeeding?
What is the serving size of Maca?
Will Maca affect my hormone balance?
How will Maca help me?
Does Maca contain B Vitamins?
What does Maca taste like?
Does Maca contain caffeine?
What is gelatinised Maca?
What is Collagen?
How should Omega 3 be stored?
Why do I need to take B12?
Is our B12 suitable for children?
How do I take B12?
How do I store D3?
Is D3 suitable for children?
How do I take D3?
What is D3/K2?
Can I use a drip filter (percolator) or a stove top/moka pot to brew Magic Coffee?
How much caffeine is in each serving of Magic Coffee?
What mycotoxins do you test Magic Coffee for?
Does Magic Coffee taste like mushrooms?
How many servings of Magic should I have per day?
What is the difference between fruiting body and mycelium extracts?
Are the mushrooms you use really magic (psychoactive)?
How should I prepare my Magic Latte?
Can the Vegan Multinutrient be used when pregnant or breastfeeding?
What time of day should I take the Vegan Multinutrient?
Is the Vegan Multinutrient exclusively for vegans?
Is Vegan Multinutrient suitable for children?
Why is my Vegan Multinutrient discoloured?
Why choose our Vegan Multinutrient?
When is the best time to take Creatine?
Should I only take Creatine on training days?
Will Creatine cause me to gain weight?
What is micronized Creatine?
Does Creatine cause dehydration?
Is Creatine safe?
Should I use a Pre-Workout supplement?
Why have you chosen beetroot for the Pre-Workout?
Is the Pre-Workout gluten/soy free?
Does the Pre-Workout contain caffeine?
How do I use the Pre-Workout?
Is the Pre-Workout vegan?
Is the Pre-Workout suitable for breastfeeding or pregnant women?
Does the unflavoured Vegan Protein taste like anything?
Can I use Vegan Protein in savoury foods?
Can I use Vegan Protein when baking?
Is Vegan Protein suitable for children?
Magic Lattes Certificate of Analysis
B12 Certificate of Analysis
Omega 3 Certificate of Analysis
How are Magic Chaga Chai donations to Akanksha calculated?
What is an adaptogen?
How many servings are there in a pouch of Creatine?
Does Maca contain any added sugar/sweeteners?
- Knowledge Base
- PRODUCT
- MACA POWDER
MACA POWDER
Updated by Kat Hoyle
Maca is a root plant from the Peruvian Andes that is celebrated for a multitude of health benefits, largely attributed to its adaptogen status and unique metabolites. Maca was one of our first products, an ingredient we love and use in some of our products but also offer as a sole ingredient product. Our Maca is 100% yellow Peruvian gelatinsed Maca root powder. Gelentisation is a process of removing the tough starchy fibers to make Maca easily to digest. The traditional method was to dry the Maca root and then boil to remove the starchy fibers, as raw Maca is not easily digested.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a collection of plants that are aptly named for their ability to access and adapt to the environment they find themselves in (you!) to encourage a return to homeostasis, this was considered sacred by our fore-bearers. This phenomenon has been known by the Ancients and adaptogens have long been used for their healing benefits, but modern science is also starting to explore and uncover exactly how these wonderful plants do their work, there is still much to discover but that is part of the magic! Adaptogens work by tapping into the HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal), a hormonal and neural feedback loop that determines how we manage stress, immunity and even fertility. Stress can come in many forms, physical, mental, environmental and how we balance our physiological response to it is crucial to our wellbeing.
Benefits of Maca
Maca’s health supporting benefits are largely attributed to its abundance in secondary metabolites. Primary and secondary metabolites are bio-active compounds found in plants that elicit health effects. Primary metabolites are mostly involved in growth (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) whereas secondary metabolites are somewhat more specialist and support the bodies more intricate systems like the immune system, adrenals etc. Metabolites are unique indifferent plant species and the secondary metabolites found in Maca are Macamides, which are believed to be responsible for the pharmacological benefits of Maca supplementation.
Endurance Performance
Various human and animal studies have explored the use of Maca for improving endurance performance. Maca was observed to modulate metabolism including the increase in fatty acid mobilization and decreased glycogen depletion in one study, and another saw an improvement in cycling time trial performance in trained cyclists. There is more to be explored regarding Maca’s endurance performance boosting effects, but as a natural alternative to a stimulant the energising effects of Maca can be felt quite tangibly and the Indigenous peoples of Peru have used it as a natural energy booster for millennia.
Hormone Balancing
Maca has a balancing effect on our hormones due to its adaptogenic properties as mentioned above. Maca has demonstrated its ability to regulate women’s hormones and even reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms/discomfort. One study implemented a 4-month intervention of Maca supplementation on early pre-menopausal women and the intervention group exhibited lower BMI, increased serum iron and plasma calcium, as well as increased bone density. The women from the intervention group all reported improvements in areas of their life that pre-intervention was considered disrupted due to menopausal symptoms (poor sleep, low mood for instance). The Ancients celebrated Maca for its fertility boosting potential and in modern times there have been many small sample studies exploring the effects Maca can have on sexual function in men and women, which have shown positive results. More research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms by which this occurs, but it is postulated that it is because ofMaca’s adaptogenic, hormone balancing properties.
Brain function
The macamides present in Maca can increase levels of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that binds to the endocannabinoid receptors in our brain. Anandamide is known as the “bliss” molecule, named from the Sanskrit word for bliss, Ānanda. Maca is believed to prolong the effects of anandamide in our brain and in turn promote an uplifted and blissful state of mind. Maca has even been shown to improve cognitive function in stroke patients.
Nutrient content
Maca is known to be rich in amino acids, vit C, B6, copper, potassium and iron.
How do I use it?
Maca can be added to smoothies, oats or hot drinks to name a few. It has a rich, earthy flavor so added in with complimentary flavors it works very well. Check out our recipe page for inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is gelatinised Maca?
Our unique gelatinised maca undergoes a natural gelatinisation process to remove the tough starch molecules, which make maca difficult for the body to absorb. Gelatinised maca is easier to digest, gentler on the endocrine system, and has over four times the nutrients of raw maca.
- What does Maca taste like?
Maca has a delicious earthy caramel taste that works perfectly in smoothies, hot drinks, oatmeal, cookies and much more.
- Does Maca contain caffeine?
Maca provides a natural energy boost without the crash of caffeine!
- Does Maca contain any added sugar/sweeteners?
Maca has a natural caramel taste, so there is no need for added sugars or sweeteners!
- What is the serving size of Maca?
We recommend a total intake of 5 - 15 grams per day of maca. 5g is approximately 1 teaspoon. We recommend starting at the lower end and gradually increasing your intake as you feel the need. Most people feel the benefits at the lower end of the spectrum so you can get the same benefits with less.
- Will Maca affect my hormone balance?
Maca is an adaptogen, meaning it 'adapts' to hormonal imbalances in the body and works to correct them. Maca acts as a natural remedy to help rebalance hormones. However as with any new supplement we always recommend consulting your doctor or healthcare practitioner to make sure it is right for you.
- Does Maca contain B Vitamins?
The levels of each B vitamin would not be listed as an ingredient as they are naturally occurring components of the Maca roots. Maca is an excellent source of vitamin B2, B3 and B6 but as the amounts can vary from root to root, we do not have an accurate calculation for these vitamins in the product, as the B vitamin levels of Maca are well accepted especially when coming from a high quality source.
- Where do you source your Maca?
Our yellow maca roots are grown and processed in Peru.
- How will Maca help me?
Maca is an ‘adaptogen’ meaning it adapts to specific imbalances in the body and works to resolve them. Maca is one of the most scientifically studied herbs on the planet and has been shown to balance hormones, boost mood and even improve memory, is scientifically proven to boost libido and sexual function, and naturally boosts energy levels and endurance without the crash of stimulants.
References
Alejandro J Pino-Figueroa, Timothy J. Maher. (2010). A possible cannabinergic neuroprotective mechanism of action of Lepidium meyenii (Maca). The FASEB Journal: Experimental Biology. 24 (1), 763-765.
Chen Xiaa, Jian Chena, Jun-Lin Deng, Yong-Qing Zhu, Wan-Yi Lib, Bu Jiec Tian,Yuan Chend. (2018). Novel macamides from maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) root and their cytotoxicity. Phytochemistry Letters. 25 (3), 65-69.
Demain A.L., Fang A. (2000) The Natural Functions of Secondary Metabolites. In: Fiechter A. (eds) History of Modern Biotechnology I. Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology, vol 69. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-44964-7_1
Huyen Vu. (2012). Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Inhibitors: Discovery in Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Extracts. . Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. 1 (3), 29-31.
Kuljeet S, Gugnania Nguyen Vub Alejandro N, Rondón-Ortiza, Mark Böhlkea, Timothy J, Mahera Alejandro J, Pino-Figueroa. (2008). Neuroprotective activity of macamides on manganese-induced mitochondrial disruption in U-87 MG glioblastoma cells. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 340 (3), 67-76.
Mark Stone, Alvin Ibarra, Marc Rolla, Andrea Zangara, Emma Stevenson.. (2009). A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen. Journal of Ethnopharmacology . 126 (3), 574-576.
Meissner, H O et al. “Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (III) Clinical responses of early-postmenopausal women to Maca in double blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled, crossover configuration, outpatient study.” International journal of biomedical science : IJBS vol. 2,4 (2006): 375-94.
Natália da Silva, Leitão Peres, Letícia Cabrera, Parra Bortoluzzi, Leila Larisa, Medeiros Marques, Maysa Formigoni, Renata Hernandez Barros Fuchs, Adriana Aparecida Drovald and Flávia Ap. (2020). Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review. Food & Function. 1 (1), p34-56.
Quin Yang, Wenwen Jin, Xueyuan Lv, Pengfei Dai, Yanxiao Ao, Mengying Wu. (2006). Effects of macamides on endurance capacity and anti-fatigue property in prolonged swimming mice. Pharmaceutical Biology. 54 (5), 827-834.