Maca
Lepidium meyenii, commonly called maca or Peruvian ginseng, is a perennial plant having a fleshy, edible, tuberous root. Another species is Lepidium peruvianum. The maca root is consumed for food and is also consumed for its pharmacological properties; for example to enhance fertility. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is used in folk medical traditions as a mood enhancer, as an antidepressant, and to promote wound healing. The chemical composition of Maca includes a balanced protein compared to carrot and potato protein. Other traditional uses include increasing energy, stamina and endurance in athletes, promoting mental clarity, treating male impotence, and helping with menstrual irregularities and female hormonal imbalances including menopause and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is used as an alternative to anabolic steroids by bodybuilders due to its richness in sterols. In Peruvian herbal medicine, Maca is also used as an immunostimulant, for anemia, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, menopause symptoms, stomach cancer, sterility and other reproductive and sexual disorders as well as to enhance memory. Lepidium meyenii has a large amount of essential amino acids and higher levels of iron and calcium than potatoes. Maca contains important amounts of fatty acids including linolenic, palmitic and oleic acids. It is rich in sterols and has a high mineral content as well. In addition to its rich supply of essential nutrients, Maca contains alkaloids, tannins and saponins. It is rich in sugars, protein, starches, and essential minerals, especially iodine and iron. The tuber is consumed fresh or dried. The fresh roots are considered a treat and are baked or roasted in ashes much like sweet potatoes. The dried roots are stored and later boiled in water or milk to make a porridge. In addition, they are often made into a popular sweet, fragrant, fermented drink called maca chicha. Maca is growing in world popularity due to its energizing effects, fertility enhancement and aphrodisiac qualities. Today, dried Maca roots are ground to powder and sold in drug stores in capsules as a medicine and food supplement to increase stamina and fertility.
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