This Peruvian Andes plant is known to be hormone balancing, boost the overall physical functioning of the body, and lift emotional states. The powder is made from the root of the maca plant. Nonetheless, maca is a cruciferous vegetable containing compounds that can contribute to hyperthyroidism, stored maca root can accumulate mold that produces toxic aflatoxins, and the high starch content of the root vegetable can make it hard to digest. Cooking the maca root before consuming it addresses all three of these concerns and the darker colored maca roots (i.e. red, black) contain significant amounts of natural iodine making them a natural substance to further help prevent goiters, which the lighter varieties can cause.