Sacha Inchi is popularly known as the “Inca peanut or mountain peanut”. It is a wholesome seed of a star-shaped fruit plant that is used worldwide.
These seeds are inedible as raw, so typically, they are roasted and crushed into fine powder or are extracted to produce oil. The Sacha Inchi seed oil contains a large concentration of antioxidants and organic compounds. Additionally, it consists of many minerals and vitamins.
That’s why, in recent years, this seed has become increasingly famous for its amazing nutritional facts and health benefits. All these effective characteristics have made Sacha Inchi an excellent addition to the well-balanced diet.
This article brings thorough information about the sacha inchi. Keep reading it to learn more.
Nutritional Properties Of The Sacha Inchi
The nutritive Sacha Inchi seed is loaded with many nutrients. It is a great source of dietary fibers, protein, vitamins, and healthy fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. In addition, many micronutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus are found in it.
Besides this, Sacha Inchi seed is rich in phenolic compounds and several antioxidants. It contains high-calorie content. A small amount of this nutritious superfood is sufficient to take advantage of its health benefits.
A 10 gram of Sacha Inchi seed oil or powder consists of:
- Fat: 5 gm
- Fiber: 1 gm
- Protein: 3 gm
- Carbs: 1 gm
- Calories: 70
Top Health Benefits Of Sacha Inchi Seed
Builds Muscles
Basically, the protein content in Sacha Inchi seed is more than that of dry fruits like walnuts, cashews, and almonds. In fact, this superfood is a “complete protein”, which consists of all the nine essential amino acids required by the body.
Including 30% of the protein content, this nutritive seed plays a huge role in the growth of more new cells and repair of damaged cells. Thus, it maintains less muscle mass. In addition, Sacha Inchi is a great aid for the regulation of hormones that control several body functions. This superfood is rich in iron, that keeps the muscles toned and improves their elasticity.
So, if you follow the vegan diet, Sacha Inchi is a good source of protein to add to your smoothie or food. Addition of maqui berry powder can also work wonders. It contains antioxidants, helping in losing extra fat from the body, thus toning the muscles.
Keeps Skin Healthy
For keeping your skin healthy and glowy, add Sacha Inchi seed oil to your diet. It has amazing anti-aging effects that restore skin elasticity. The effects of which are smooth, tight, and young complexion.
The high Omega-3 fatty acid and Vitamin A and E content found in Sacha Inchi delivers super antioxidant properties. These compounds strengthen the skin, fight against free radicals, and maintain moisture. Moreover, the positive results of the Sacha Inchi seed oil on the skin are:
- the low appearance of the dark spots.
- less large pores.
- increased hydration
- Free radical protection
- no signs of aging and great skin elasticity
- boost in collagen production
- no wrinkles and fine lines
- Soft, plumpy, and glowing skin
Great For Hair Care
Some amounts of healthy fats are very essential for good hair health. Including Sacha Inchi seed oil in your hair care regime can give wonderful results. It is because this superfood is highly rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which maintain the moisture of the hair. Consequently, it reduces the chances of split ends and frizzy hairs.
In addition, this effective oil also boosts the growth and repair of damaged hair. Most importantly, it prevents dandruff and helps in relieving irritation from itchy and dry scalp.
Improves Lipid Profile
Sacha Inchi is available in two forms: powder and oil. Sacha Inchi seed oil is a great aid for “hypercholesterolemia”, a condition when blood consists of a high level of LDL(low-density-lipoprotein) cholesterol. Adding this superfood to your diet increases the level of HDL(high-density Lipoprotein) cholesterol.
You can take Sacha inchi seed oil orally which helps to maintain good cholesterol in the body. Additionally, it also cures dyslipidemia(a condition marked by an abnormal increase of lipids in the blood), by improving the lipids profile.
Supports Heart Health
The Sacha Inchi seed is loaded with Alpha-linolenic acid, which is a great source of omega-3 fatty acid. It reduces the risk of heart attacks, low blood pressure, and blocking of blood vessels.
In addition, an omega-3 fatty acid also reduces triglycerides and bad cholesterol and in turn increases good cholesterol. More than this, this superfood benefits the body by maintaining a normal heartbeat and heart pumps.
Maintains Digestive Health
The Sacha Inchi seed has a high level of dietary fiber which prevents digestive disorders. Taking it as a powder in smoothie or dressing as oil over the salad, fibers in this superfood smoothens the stools and eases bowel movement.
Thus, it prevents constipation and easily allows the waste elements to move through the intestines. As a result, the body detoxifies itself.
Enhances The Mood
Being enriched with high protein and tryptophan(amino acid), sacha inchi seed oil boosts the level of serotonin in the body. Actually, Serotonin is known as “the happy hormone,” which uplifts mood and contributes to a feeling of pleasure and wellbeing. Additionally, it relieves anxiety and improves sleep and appetite.
The deficiency of serotonin can make the person feel depressed, leading to long-term sadness, exhaustion, weakness, fatigue, and disinterest in daily activities. So, add Sacha Inchi seed oil to your salad or use it for cooking your favorite dish.
Strengthens Immune System
Including Sacha Inchi in your healthy eating plan can help strengthen the immune system. The nutrients it provides play a huge role in producing antibodies that protect against infection and diseases.
The protein present in this superfood works with immune cells to identify and fight off harmful viruses and bacteria. Moreover, the immune cells also use iron found in Sacha Inchi seed to multiply and fully grow to safeguard the body from certain illnesses.
Summing Up
Sacha Inchi seeds are highly nutritive and give many health benefits. These include improved cholesterol levels, strong body muscles, healthy weight, great digestive and heart health, good skin, and strong hair. Also, they are incredibly versatile as you can use them as a powder or oil.
So, add the Sacha Inchi powder to your favorite meal and smoothie, or use the Sacha Inchi seed oil for cooking the food. You will surely experience its health benefits within the months.
