Botanical Name: Plukenetia volubilis L.

Sacha inchi, also known as the Inca peanut, is the seed of a plant that grows in the highlands of Ecuador. Despite being a fairly recent discovery in the health community of the United States, sacha inchi has been cultivated and used as a food source for 3,000 years in the Amazon rainforest. The fruit that these seeds grow in is inedible, but when lightly roasted with low heat the seeds take on a crisp nutty flavor.

Sacha inchi is much more than just a pleasant snack food. These seeds are rich in protein, omega 3, 6, and 9, alpha tocopherol vitamin E, carotenoids (vitamin A), and fiber. This superfood is easily digested and unlikely to cause allergies or irritation. The oil is also available. It has a similar flavor to olive oil, just slightly lighter and nuttier, but it contains more protein and omega 3.

Vegans and vegetarians should look into omega 3 rich foods to supply this essential nutrient. There are very few plant foods that supply a decent amount. Sacha inchi now joins purslane, chia seeds, flaxseed, and microalgae as vegan omega 3 superfoods and another way to sneak more healthy essential fats into your life. The studies are thin this early on, but sacha inchi is showing promise in many areas.
What are your thoughts on sacha inchi oil?

• Sacha Inchi Oil Benefits:
• It helps to restore moisture balance, therefore can be used to relieve itchy, scaly and chronically dry skin, including inflamed or irritated skin.
•     The Sacha Inchi seed is 100% natural and contains no additives.
•     A high extra virgin oil.
•     Light oil that absorbs quickly.
•     Excellent emollient and can help improve moisture retention.
•     Rich in iodine and amino acids.
•     Contains high levels of vitamins A and E (alpha-tocopherol), which gives it extraordinarily strong antioxidant properties, therefore excellent for anti-aging.
•     Exceptionally high in Omega 3 (48%), Omega 6 (35%), Omega 9 (35%), proteins (33%) and antioxidants (50%).
•     One of the richest sources of omega 3, which can be almost 50% and thought to be one of the richest sources of this fatty acid and such a fatty acid profile is rarely found in other oils.
•     Can help to balance acne-prone skin.
•     Excellent choice for mature and ageing skin.
•     Exceptionally soothing to dry or irritated skin.
•     A good choice of oil for the lips, nails, hair and scalp.