Today we want to start with textbook history, the kind we have always studied in schoolbooks.
You may recall that before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, America was inhabited by numerous indigenous civilizations, which coexisted peacefully on the land. Prominent among all these was the Inca empire in Peru, with its capital in Cuzco (the city that lends its name to the main character of the very likeable cartoon "The Emperor's Follies").
The herbal remedy we are discussing today has its roots in this very ancient warrior civilization. "Rooted" is the right way to describe it, because we are actually talking about a tuber. Let's find out the benefits of Maca, also known as Peruvian Ginseng.
The gift of the gods
Maca is grown in the Peruvian Andes, at altitudes between 3700 and 4000 meters.
Belonging like Rhodiola Rosea to the adaptogen family, it is a plant that can withstand extreme conditions; but to do so it needs to gather every possible nutrient from the soil. That is why where Maca grows for several years nothing else can be grown.
The Incas were familiar with this powerful natural remedy and had nicknamed it "Gift of the Gods," precisely because of the incredible boost of energy it was able to give warriors before battles. If you remember, it is a very similar story to that of the Golden Root (article here), consumed by the Vikings to gain physical vigor and stamina.
In fact, it is able to increase performance in athletes.
The benefits of Maca
Maca is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Its adaptogenic properties make it an excellent remedy for counteracting states of both physical and mental fatigue. We could say that it has an effect similar to that obtained by drinking a nice cup of coffee, without the unwanted effects of caffeine. We recommend the Maca-based supplement in times of high stress, but also to those who, because of work or study, are subjected to continuous mental and mnemonic effort.
In addition, Maca extract contains fatty acids, sterols and aromatic isothiocyanates: compounds that are biologically active as aphrodisiacs. There are several research studies that have shown a sexually stimulating action and improved erection, in cases of dysfunction. In Women it helps maintain proper hormonal balance, as this plant stimulates the ovaries, adrenal glands, thyroid and pancreas to normal hormone production. It also helps the endocrine system by relieving the negative effects of menopause.