Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 80-92 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 87 7.2 Economic and nutritional impacts on ancient populations Maize's high nutritional value and versatility had significant economic and nutritional impacts on ancient populations. As a staple crop, maize provided a reliable source of calories, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, contributing to improved dietary diversity and food security. The cultivation of maize allowed for surplus production, which could be stored and traded, fostering economic growth and inter-regional trade networks. In Mesoamerican societies, maize was not only a staple food but also a key commodity in trade. The surplus maize produced through advanced agricultural techniques was traded for other goods, such as pottery, textiles, and jade, facilitating economic exchange and cultural interaction across the region. This trade network contributed to the economic prosperity and political power of maize-cultivating societies (Hart and Lovis, 2013). Nutritionally, maize provided essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, iron, and zinc. The introduction of maize-based diets improved overall health and reduced the incidence of malnutrition-related diseases. Biofortification efforts, both ancient and modern, have further enhanced the nutritional profile of maize, addressing deficiencies in essential nutrients (Table 1) (Shah et al., 2016). Table 1 Concentration of major phytochemical compounds of maize per 100 gm (Adopted from Shah et al., 2016) Compounds Concentration (mg/100gm) (1) Caroteniods - (a) Carotene 2.2 (b) Xanthophylls 2.07 (i) Lutein 1.5 (ii) Zeaxanthin 0.57 (2) Phenoliccompounds - (a) Ferulicacid(FA) 174 (b) Anthocyanins 141.7 (3) Phytosterols 14.83 (a) Sitosterol 9.91 (b) Stigmasterol 1.52 (c) Campesterol 3.4 Table caption: Table 1 provides a detailed analysis of the concentration of major phytochemical compounds in maize, measured per 100 grams. Carotenoids are present in notable amounts, with carotene at 2.2 mg and xanthophylls at 2.07 mg, which includes lutein at 1.5 mg and zeaxanthin at 0.57 mg. Phenolic compounds are significantly higher, with ferulic acid (FA) at 174 mg and anthocyanins at 141.7 mg. Phytosterols are also represented, totaling 14.83 mg, with sitosterol at 9.91 mg, stigmasterol at 1.52 mg, and campesterol at 3.4 mg. This table highlights the rich nutritional profile of maize, particularly its strong presence of antioxidant phenolic compounds and carotenoids, which are essential for human health (Adopted from Shah et al., 2016) 7.3 Maize in the context of cultural and ritual practices Maize held significant cultural and ritual importance in many ancient societies. In Mesoamerica, maize was not only a staple food but also a central element in mythology, religion, and daily life. The Mayans, for example, revered maize as a sacred crop, believing it was a gift from the gods. Maize was integral to various religious ceremonies and rituals, symbolizing life, fertility, and sustenance. The Popol Vuh, a sacred Mayan text, describes the creation of humans from maize dough, highlighting the crop's fundamental role in Mayan cosmology and cultural identity. Similarly, the Aztecs worshipped Centeotl, the maize god, and conducted elaborate rituals to ensure a bountiful maize harvest. These cultural practices underscored the deep spiritual connection between maize and the societies that cultivated it (Hart and Lovis, 2013). In the southwestern United States, maize was central to the cultural and ceremonial life of the Ancestral Puebloans and other indigenous groups. Maize was used in various ceremonies, including planting and harvest rituals, to honor the earth and seek blessings for a successful crop. The significance of maize in these cultural practices reinforced its importance in the social and spiritual fabric of these communities (Lantos et al., 2015).
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