Sacha Inchi seeds and oil have been used for thousands of years in South America and are now recognized in other countries for their remarkable nutritional value. Sacha Inchi seeds are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin A, and fiber. Sacha Inchi seeds come from the inner pods of the Plukenetia vine plant, a perennial plant that grows like a vine. The fruit of the plant grows in a pod with 4-6 lobes. Inside the distinct lobes are the seeds used for eating and extracting oil.
Since the cultivation of Sacha Inchi has been little known outside of Peru, the demand for seeds and oils has been limited to locals who use it for themselves and their families. Now that major retailers worldwide are beginning to supply Sacha Inchi seeds for consumers, the demand has exceeded the available supply for sale.
Local Peruvians are beginning to collaborate with OxFam America and its South American partners to help indigenous farmers find suitable and arable land to grow Sacha Inchi as a commercial crop that can bring much-needed economic growth to impoverished farmers. This will help many communities to thrive and prosper, giving people time to develop other activities within the community, such as weaving, local soap making, and local souvenirs.
Benefits and properties of Sacha seeds
- Studies have shown that Sacha Inchi is rich in essential fatty acids, tocopherols (vitamin E), and carotenoids (vitamin A) and is agreat source of promoting phytochemicals within the body.
- Two of the essential fatty acids necessary for optimal health, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained directly from plant-based foods; these fatty acids are used to build omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are needed to help the body fight inflammation, reduce heart disease,reduce cancer risks, and maintain normal organ health functionality. Sacha Inchi seeds are rich in these essential fatty acids.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol) is animportant antioxidantthat can help the body defend against cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. The human body cannot synthesize its own vitamin E and must obtain it by consuming foods that contain tocopherol. Vegetable oils and seeds are a primary source of vitamin E and Sacha Inchi is rich in vitamin E.
- Many of us know that carrots and other yellow and orange foods like egg yolks are great sources of vitamin A (carotenoids). And Sacha Inchi seeds and oil are also a great source of vitamin A. Carotenoids are useful inthe prevention of eye diseasesas well as having antioxidant qualities that help combat inflammation and reduce the risk of many diseases. For carotenoids to work optimally in the body, they must be consumed with fats: Sacha Inchi seeds have essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids incorporated in their seed system, making these seeds a valuable source of vitamin A.
- Additionally, Sacha Inchi seeds are veryrich in proteinand are often ground into an easily digestible powder.
What do Sacha Inchi seeds taste like? Many consumers say they taste similar to roasted soybeans and have been described as buttery and nutty. To preserve their omega-3 values, Sacha Inchi seeds must be roasted at low temperatures, as omega-3s are highly sensitive to heat. When purchasing these products, make sure to read the labels to ensure the seeds have not been overly roasted, thus killing the live enzymes. These low-roasted Sacha Inchi seeds might be suitable for a raw food diet.
