Maca, native to the high Andes of Peru, has been an important traditional food and medicinal plant for over 2,000 years. Although maca is unrelated to the ginseng family, it has been dubbed Peruvian ginseng because it is often used as a folk remedy to enhance stamina, energy, and sexual function. Maca is naturally rich in polysaccharides; essential minerals, especially calcium, potassium, copper, and iron; fatty acids, including linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid; and 19 amino acids. Maca's ability to support sexual vigor, energy, stamina and overall health may be due to its high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients.