Maca is a root native to the Central Andes of Peru that has been cultivated since Inca times. Peruvian ancestral legends tell how the Incas seasonally fed only on maca, since it was the most cold-resistant plant. In traditional Andean medicine, maca is used to promote fertility in women and men, as well as to increase sexual desire.

In a study published in PubMed in 2005, results showed that the addition of yellow maca in adult female mice increased the litter size and fertility spermatogenesis. Other research demonstrated that the use of maca in normal men increased sexual drive after eight weeks and in athletes after just two weeks. Studies also showed an increase of sexual desire in women during menopause.

Other therapeutic actions of maca are increased energy levels and antioxidant action, and improved memory, mental well-being and bone strength. The Incas used maca as a solution to pain in the bones and muscles and physical fatigue. For centuries, the healers of the Andean region recommended its use to treat arthritis and rheumatism.

Research conducted by Gustavo F. Gonzales in 2013 on residents from Junín, Peru, found that maca root had anti-aging properties. The study looked at traditional maca consumers between the ages of 40 to 75, and results showed better health status scores and greater success in the test of getting up and sitting five times from a chair without using the arms for support.

Maca can be found in health food stores and can be consumed in smoothies, cookies, pancakes and the traditional Maca Punch (Ponche de Maca).

Traditionally served hot for breakfast.