What is Sacha Inchi?

Also known as Plukenetia, Mountain, Inca or Sacha Peanut, Sacha Inchi volubilis is a perennial plant of the Euphorbiaceae family. Growing in the Amazon Rainforest of Peru, at 1,700 meters (5,500 feet), Sacha Inchi has hairy, meaty leaves.

It has been cultivated by natives for centuries, especially because there is plenty of water and drainage. It develops better where the soils are acidic and alluvial flats near rivers.

Sacha Inchi Plant

The actual plant grows up to 2 m (6′ 6″). Its heart shaped leaves grow until they reach 10 to 12 cm (4″-4.7″) long and 8 to 10 cm (3.1-3.9″) wide. Their petioles are 2–6 cm (0.8-2.3″) long. It blooms 5 months after it has been planted, bearing the seeds until the eighth month. It features both male and female flowers.

The male ones are white, small and located in clusters. At the bottom of the inflorescence you can find the two female flowers. The fruits are capsules of 3 to 5 cm in diameter, containing a soft black wet pulp that is messy and inedible.

Therefore, the fruits need to be dried before harvesting. The fruit capsules have around five lobes, yet some go to seven. Inside, the seeds are oval, dark-brown, 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter and 45 to 100 grams of weight.

What Is The Nutritional Value of Sacha Inchi?

The seeds of Sacha Inchi are high in proteins (27%) and oil (35 – 60%). In return, the oil is rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega 3 linolenic acid (≈45-53% of total fat content) and omega 6 linoleic acid (≈34-39% of fat content), as well as non-essential omega 9 (≈6-10% of fat content).

Other essential compounds are iodine, vitamin A, and vitamin E.

What Can Sacha Inchi Do For Your Health?

What does Plukenetia do, in terms of health benefits?

The omega 3 fatty acids protect against heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and depressive disorders. They are also great for for increasing the good cholesterol and lowering triglycerides, which in return lowers high blood pressure and prevents blood clots.

The Tryptophan amino acid is the one responsible with mood enhancement. If you consume Plukenetia, you will feel good, sleep better, and enjoy increased tolerance.

Fat, Protein, Fiber – being filled with this nourishment combination, Plukenetia will stabilize blood sugar levels, and help you stay feeling full for longer duration.

Sacha Inchi Benefits

If you decide to get the Plukenetia oil, here are some of its specific health benefits:

• The Hypertension Risks Are Dramatically Reduced When The Triglycerides' Levels Decrease;
• Those Suffering From Diabetes Noted Normal Blood Sugar Levels;
• Encourages Weight Loss;
• It Regenerates The Nervous System's Cells, Enhancing The Mood And Communication Abilities;
• Relieves The Pain Caused By Arthritis;
• Adjusts The Way Kidneys Function;
• Prevents And Even Cures Glaucoma;
• It Helps Those Suffering From Ulcers, Migraines And Asthma;
• It Cures Certain Skin Conditions.

The Plukenetia oil has been often compared to oils derived from olives, soy, corn, peanuts, sun flowers, cotton, palm, flax and fish.