Sacha Inchi is much more than just a pleasant snack food. With more protein than e.g. almonds, walnuts and cashews, Sacha Inchi is extremely rich in protein, omega oils, alpha tocopherol, Vitamin E, carotenoids (Vitamin A) and fiber. In fact, this super seed/nut is 30% protein by weight — higher than any other nuts and seeds. Protein is an important component of every cell in your body; it develops, repairs and maintains lean muscle mass. The oil, extracted from the seeds, is receiving increasing recognition world-wide for being exceptionally rich in protein and Omega 3 & 9 oils, much more than any traditional olive oil on the market, just slightly lighter and nuttier.
Everybody, especially vegans and vegetarians, should look into omega rich foods to include this essential nutrient in their everyday diet as very few plant foods supply a decent amount of these omega rich oils. Sacha inchi now joins purslane, chia seeds, flaxseed and microalgae as vegan Omega 3 & 9 Superfoods and another way to sneak more healthy essential fats into our lives.
Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis), also known as the Inca Nut, is the seed/nut of the plant that grows in the Amazon Rainforest. Despite being a fairly recent discovery in the Western health community, Sacha Inchi has been cultivated and used as a food source for 3000 years in the Amazon jungle.
Below are presented the most important Sacha Inchi health benefits:
Increases Well-Being. These seeds contain a good amount of tryptophan, a precursor for serotonin. Serotonin is a feel-good hormone and neuro-transmitter that helps us deal with stress and feel calm and happy. The Omega 3 also reduces inflammation in the brain, which can cause mood shifts, headaches, depression, anxiety and more.
Lowers Cholesterol. Sacha Inchi lowers “bad” LDL and raises “good” HDL cholesterol.
Weight Loss/Digestive Health. By incorporating Sacha Inchi seeds/nuts and oil in your diet, serotine levels are increased, thanks to the tryptophan, which regulates the appetite so we don’t get cravings, overeat or snack more than we need to. With more fiber than broccoli, apples and even chickpeas, Sacha Inchi seeds offer a significant source of dietary fiber to aid digestive health.
Improves Brain Health. Sacha Inchi is composed of 20% omega fatty acids by weight. The majority of our brains are composed of fat, which means we need healthy fats from food sources like Sacha Inchi to build brain cell membrane, nourish our brain cells and fight inflammation. Omega 3 fats may boost cognitive function and protect against brain disorders such as depression and dementia. By reducing inflammation, consumption of Omega 3 may also reduce brain fog, memory loss and fatigue. Not only is Sacha Inchi full of Omega oils, but it also contains iron. One of iron’s health benefits is its ability to aid the proper flow of blood to the brain which can stimulate cognitive activity and even create new neural pathways.
Bolsters Immune System. Considered a "Super Seed", Sacha Inchi’s nourishing properties can bolster your immune system. It offers complete protein, which functions to form antibodies that help prevent illness, infection and disease. The protein also works with other immune system cells to identify and assist in destroying certain bacteria and viruses. These other immune cells need the iron in Sacha Inchi to proliferate and mature in order to fight off diseases.
Improves Heart Health. Sacha Inchi improves blood circulation while lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation throughout the body. All of this makes for a healthier, happier, less stressed cardiovascular system, from arteries to heart and beyond.
Controls Diabetes. Omega 3 helps control glucose levels. Doctors and researchers argue that Omega 3 may actually reduce insulin resistance in those with type 2 diabetes. Omega 3 also lowers triglyceride levels, which are often high in diabetics.
Improves Bone Health. Omega 3´s help the body absorb calcium. Foods rich in Omega 3 improve bone density, staving off some of the deterioration that occurs as we age.
Improves Vision. The Vitamin E & A and omega oils in Sacha Inchi can improve vision and maintain eye health. Like the brain, the eyes rely on a good amount of fat and are prone to inflammatory damage, especially as we get older.
Improves Joint Health. The anti-inflammatory nature of Sacha Inchi may make it a good supplement to ease joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis.
Healthy Skin and Hair. Omega 3 fatty acids are vital to healthy hair, skin and nails. They help us regulate oil production, keep skin elastic, lock in hydration, protect against sun damage and help repair the damage when it occurs.
Overall, Sacha Inchi is a Superfood with dense nutrients that aid many body and brain functions as well as biological processes. When these different systems are working optimally, your overall health and wellbeing thrives and you can adventure through life at your very best. The seeds/nuts can favourably be eaten like a power snack at any time during the day and/or include them crushed as a topping on your morning Superfood bowl or breakfast cereal.
(References: https://imlakeshorganics.com/health-nutrition/top-10-benefits-sacha-inchi-seeds and https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/303793953)
The Sacha Inchi seeds/nuts marketed by Amazon Superfoods Company are 100% natural as they are cultivated and harvested in a chemical free and organic environment by independent local communities living deep in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest.
