While we were in Greece, we did a lot of walking, climbing stairs and paths up mountains. And much of our group is in their sixties. One member of our group is a Naturopath and he was giving people who felt they needed it, ground maca root for energy and stamina. Most added a pinch of it to their Greek yogurt at breakfast.  
    Maca root has been used in Peru for hundreds of years and it is now becoming known to the rest of the world.  It is considered one of the best adaptogens, a substance that increases resistance to illness.  It improves fertility in animals as well as humans.  It aids hormone balance so helps men with erectile dysfunction and women with PMS difficulties.  The Incas were known to use it for sexual improvement.  Their soldiers also consumed it before a battle to improve strength and stamina.
    Maca root is known by two scientific names, Lepidium peruvianum and Lepidium meyenii.  They are two names for the same plant, so don't be fooled by companies that claim their product is the true maca and another product using the other name is not.