SUPERFOOD – Sacha Inchi

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) is a plant that produces large, edible seeds rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, and other substances such as vitamin A, vitamin E and beta-sitosterol. Native to the Amazon rainforest, Peru, sacha inchi is also known as sacha peanut, jungle peanut, or Inca peanut.

Sacha inchi oil offers many health benefits. Sacha inchi oil is completely raw, cholesterol-free, and contains no added preservatives. It promotes healthy skin, regulates and aids brain health, assists with diabetes and weight loss, soothes arthritis pain, regulates eye pressure, helps maintain proper kidney functioning, and many more. Additionally, this oil is rich in omega, easily digestible, and is perfect for a person on any diet.

Health benefits from sacha inchi oil

1) Perfect source for Omega 3.

Sacha Inchi has over 48% content of linolenic acid, the Omega-3 precursor. The sacha inchi oil contains as much as 17 times more Omega-3 than wild salmon fish.

Sacha inchi oil is obtained from plants which means it is suitable for vegetarians while fish oil is not. Furthermore, the Omega-3 from aquatic animals is no longer as pure as it used to be as it may contain traces of heavy metals and other contaminants that they are exposed to.

The omega-3 from sacha inchi oil is about 94% polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs). Omega 3 is highly beneficial and we need it for the functions of our cells. It can only be obtained through diet as it cannot be produced by our body.

Compared to oils that are commonly used in households and the catering industry in Malaysia, Sacha Inchi Oil has the highest and perfect ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6. Please read this article to know more about the differences of sacha inchi oil compared to other oils.

2) Healthy fats replaces bad fats

Omega-3 is effective in reducing bad cholesterol, improves blood circulation and help to maintain flexible and elastic arteries thus preventing atherosclerosis.

What is arteriosclerosis??

Arteriosclerosis occurs when the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body (arteries) become thick and stiff. Overtime, if left unattended to, it will cause artery coronary (restricted blood flow to your organs and tissues), heart attack / stroke, peripheral artery disease, kidney problems and other issues depending where the artery is blocked.

What cause the thickening of the artery??

Atherosclerosis is thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Risk factors may include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical activity, and eating saturated fats.

3) Contains DHA that can boosts brain function

Omega 3 and 6 in sacha inchi oil are called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) and LA (linoleic acid). These are plant-based omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and they will undergo a conversion process in our body when consumed. According to a doctor who studied this plant for 15 years, each of these conversion steps allows our bodies to absorb the nutrients more thoroughly and naturally compared to intaking high doses of EPA and DHA supplements.

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 depression and dementia. By reducing inflammation, Omega 3s consumption 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.

 

4) Improve and maintain heart health

Rich in Omega fatty acids, particularly Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA), Sacha Inchi is one of the best sources of plant-based Omega 3 oils in the world. There are many omega oils derived from animals, but those meat sources typically contain saturated fats and carnitine, which have both been linked to heart disease. On the other hand, plant-based Omega 3s have been used to prevent heart attacks, lower high blood pressure, and reverse the hardening of blood vessels.Omega-3 fatty acid is also effective in reducing LDL cholesterol (Bad cholesterol)and triglycerides, at the same time increase the HDL cholesteral. ALA is also thought to help maintain normal heart rhythm and heart pumping.

 

5) Protection and encourage healthy skin growth

Sacha Inchi Oil also contains the component Behenic acid, which has amazing anti-aging properties to help restore skin elasticity keeping it firm, supple and smooth resulting in a younger-looking complexion. Its high Omega-3, Vitamin A and E (alpha-tocopherol) content gives this oil its excellent antioxidant properties to help strengthen the skin, retain moisture and combat free radicals caused by aging and environmental factors. The effects of sacha inchi on the skin include:

  • Reduce the appearance of dark spots
  • Minimise the appearance of enlarged pores
  • Long lasting hydration
  • Free radical defence
  • Improve skin elasticity and signs of ageing
  • Helps to boost collagen production
  • Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Soothing antioxidant properties
  • Soft, smooth and radiant skin

 

6) Enhances the mood

Sacha Inchi oil is also very rich in protein and tryptophan, the essential amino acid that increases levels of serotonin in our body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger that transmits a signal from a neuron to a target cell) associated with the modulation of mood, provides a feeling of happiness, improves sleeping quality and appetite. Serotonin deficiencies (lack of serotonin) may lead to depression, where its symptoms include feelings of sadness for a long period, exhaustion, loss of energy, and loss of interest in daily activities.

 

7) Regulates Biological Processes

With their high protein and iron content, Sacha Inchi seeds can aid in regulating biological processes. Protein plays a role in creating enzymes, hormones, and other biological chemicals while the iron is needed to generate dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These essential neurotransmitters and chemicals affect everything from sleep to energy to adrenaline to digestion and more.

 

8) Combats Inflammation

Sacha Inchi may help to combat inflammation because of its significant Omega 3 content. These healthy fatty acids inhibit inflammation by blocking the formation of the compounds that promote it. Inflammation is the common cause of many chronic ailments including muscle stiffness, bronchitis, asthma, eczema, swollen joints, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

These anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties in Sacha Inchi fight free radicals that damage cells which can lead to degenerative diseases. Enjoy these pleasantly fresh, golden elixir on a regular basis to help prevent diseases like cancer over time.

 

9) Bolsters Immune System

Considered a superfood, Sacha Inchi’s nourishing properties can bolster your immune system. It offers superior nutrition, 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.

 

Do you wish to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes that are often faced by Malaysians? Apart from adopting a balanced diet and exercising regularly, AL-LECCA’s Sacha Inchi oil can also help you to reduce the risk of such diseases by providing beneficial fatty acids in the right amount for your body.