The Health Benefits of Inca (Sacha) Inchi.... 3,000 years Amazon Rainforest Secret!
Myths and Legends (Story and History)
Sacha Inchi, which means 'the people’s seeds', is also known as the Inca
peanut or nut, mountain peanut or Mani del Inca. Its scientific name is
Plukenetia Volúbilis L. The plant is native to the Amazon forest in Peru and is
considered a heritage from ancient Peruvian cultures. This fact is supported by
pottery which has been found in 2 cultures: the pre-inca Chimu and Mochica. The
plant has recently been found in Caral, an ancient settlement over 3,000 years
old. The Inca peanut produces star shaped fruits with dark, brown and oval
seeds resembling flat and compact almonds. These seeds have been used for
centuries by the indigenous people as they have myriad healing benefits for
both beauty and health.
How it Works
Sacha inchi seeds can be consumed whole. Oil and protein powder can also be
derived from them and used orally or on skin. The oil is produced via
de-fatting and cold-pressing the seeds, while what remains is dried and ground
into protein powder. The oil is used as a supplement, since it is rich in
Vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids. When consumed, it results in production of a
precursor of Omega 3. The precursor allows humans to metabolize their own Omega
3. The Alpha linolenic acid found in Omega 3 fatty acids reduces bad
cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. It also helps in formation of nerve
and eye tissue, as well as cell membrane structure. It regulates blood pressure
and increases immunity. Protein powder contains omega 3, 6 and 9.
Nutritional profile
-- Fatty acids- Omega 3 (over 48%), Omega 6 (36%), and Omega 9 (8%). Omega 3
contains alpha-linolenic acid while omega 6 contains linoleic acid
-- Antioxidants- Vitamin E (Alpha-tocopherol) and Vitamin A (beta carotene)
-- Fiber
-- Essential minerals like phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and zinc
-- Tryptophan- a precursor of serotonin
-- Essential and non-essential amino acids
-- Low levels of saturated fatty acids
-- Highly digestible
Since Sancha inchi contains Omega 3, 6 and 9 in just the right proportions,
it is ideal for vegetarians. It is a great alternative to fish oil in a vegan
diet.
Healing benefits for beauty and health
1. Lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol
Alpha linolenic is an unsaturated fat thus helps reduce LDL (bad
cholesterol) and increase good cholesterol
2. Improving one’s well being and brain health
The Sacha inchi seeds contain tryptophan which is a precursor of serotonin,
the feel good hormone. This hormone elevates our mood via making us feel
relaxed, calm, happy and less stressed. The omega 3 in the Inca peanut also
helps improve our mood by reducing inflammation in the brain that causes
headaches and shifts in mood.
Mani del Inca helps replenish the supply of fat cells in the brain that
fight off inflammation. This reduces fatigue, exaggerated responses to pain,
depression, and memory loss. The oil and protein powder also lower the levels
of cortisol, which is released by the thyroid gland when we get extremely
stressed. Cortisol results in blood sugar imbalance. One then begins to crave
for sugar. Ultimately, intake of excessive sugar will result in high
cholesterol, blood pressure as well as type 2 Diabetes.
3. Aiding in weight loss
Tryptophan results in higher serotonin levels. This reduces craving, thus we
eat less, ultimately losing weight.
4. Improving heart health
Sacha inchi improves blood circulation via lowering blood pressure,
cholesterol, and inflammation all around the body. The cardiovascular system is
therefore less stressed.
5. Helps control diabetes
Omega 3 helps to control the levels of glucose, reducing insulin resistance
in diabetes type 2 patients. It also lowers triglyceride levels which are high
in people with diabetes
6. Improving bone health
Omega 3 helps in the absorption of calcium in the body, improving bone
density.
7. Improving vision
The eyes rely on fat, just like the brain, thus are prone to inflammatory damage
especially when we get older. Vitamins A and E, as well as the Omega fatty
acids help improve one’s vision by providing the much needed healthy fats.
8. Improving joint health
Since it is inflammatory, Sancha oil eases joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis.
9. Healthier hair and skin
Omega 3 fatty acids regulate production of oil. This is crucial when it
comes to skin elasticity and hydration. It also protects the skin against sun
damage and helps repair damaged hair. It protects the skin from environmental
pollution and photodamage by UV radiation. It also prevents premature aging,
softens old scars and reduces damage from free radicals.
10. Repairing muscles after exercise
Sacha inchi contains non-essential amino acids like glutamine. It is
important for healing and it is used by body builders after exercise to repair
muscles.
Uses
Sacha inchi powder can be added to water, fruit juices, milk, smoothies,
vegetables, and warm foods, for instance, soups and sauces. You can also use it
directly on the skin since it has a high concentration of omega 3 and vitamin
E.
Uniqueness of the oil and powder
As we have seen, Sacha inchi is the plant with the highest protein content
when compared to other plants. Interestingly, it also contains omega fatty
acids in the correct proportions that the body requires. It is a great addition
to a vegan diet, as it equals the amount of protein content you can get in fish
oil. The oil contains a higher amount of Sacha inchi than the protein powder.
What to go for depends on how you want to use it. If for your food, then go for
the powder. If for the skin, the oil will do.
Conclusion
As we can see, Sacha Inchi is undoubtedly worth a try. It is the plant that
contains the highest amount of amino acids, and has many health benefits with
no side effects. It has existed for over 3000 years and it is all natural, with
ingredients that offer benefits to the human body.
References
http://biotradeperu.com/en/productos/sacha.html
http://www.inkanatural.com/en/sachainchi/sacha_inchi_oil.html
http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/10-amazing-health-benefits-sacha-inchi/
https://incaliving.com/sachainchi-history/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24389453
