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Sacha Inchi has a wide variety of health benefits and uses. First, let’s find out exactly what is Sacha Inchi?
What is Sacha Inchi?
Sacha Inchi is grown on the Sacha Inchi vine, which contains star shaped seed pods that are cultivated mainly in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest region. Sacha Inchi seeds are larger than some, more like the size of a bean or a small nut and are loaded with nutritional benefits and healthy fats.
Sacha Inchi health benefits
Here are seven amazing health benefits of Sacha Inchi:
1. Various forms– Sacha Inchi seeds are harvested straight from the vine and can be lightly roasted to eat as a healthy snack or ground into a powder to add to meals. Oil containing healthy fats can also be produced from the seeds (but does not include the protein found in them).
2. Sacha Inchi contains vitamins such as – Vitamin A and E, potassium, zinc, magnesium and calcium.
3. Loaded with protein – Sacha Inchi is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids our bodies need. It has a protein content of around 60% and is a highly digestible form of plant based protein.
4. Sacha Inchi contains healthy fats – Providing a rich source of plant based essential fatty acids, Sacha Inchi is very high in Omega-3 and also contains Omega-6 and Omega-9. We need to consume these essential fatty acids as our bodies do not manufacture them on their own.
5. Anti-Inflammatory – The high level of Omega-3 also means Sacha Inchi may contribute to reducing inflammation in the body.
6. Feel good mood – Sacha Inchi contains high levels of tryptophan which can be utilised by the body to create serotonin. Serotonin is believed to help balance mood and can assist toward feelings of increased happiness and wellbeing.
7. Sacha Inchi has weight loss potential – With the potential for suppressing appetite from the increase in serotonin, these amazing seeds high levels of tryptophan may help to curb cravings and make you feel fuller for longer.
How to use Sacha Inchi
- Sacha Inchi seeds can be purchased as flavoured blends but I prefer the natural lightly roasted seeds like these. They have a mild nutty taste and can be added to both sweet and savoury dishes, any meals really and eaten alone as a healthy snack.
- Sacha Inchi powder can be sprinkled on any of your dishes, added to porridge or blended into a healthy smoothie to add extra protein like this one.
- Sacha Inchi oil on its own can be drizzled on salads and meals for a plant based Omega- 3 boost like this one.
Making Sacha Inchi an addition to your diet can be a great way to help increase plant based protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre and healthy fats. The mood boosting and weight loss potential of these seeds is also encouraging. Plus of course, they taste good. I may be tempted to fill up my whole bowl with these wonderfully nutritious seeds, but try to remember everything in moderation! A good sized heaped tablespoon of Sacha Inchi powder or small handful of seeds is usually enough for me.
Have you tried Sacha Inchi?
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