13 Glorious Sacha Inchi Seeds Benefits

Sacha Inchi is hailed as the ‘truffle of nuts’ for its rich umami flavor. But even more amazing is its nutritional content. Despite being a fairly recent discovery in the health community of the United States, sacha inchi seeds benefits have 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. Its health benefits include the ability to improve skin appearance, regulate blood pressure, aid in weight loss, and more.

Native to Peru and cultivated in the amazon, this seed is one of the few complete protein plant-based foods; meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids (proteins that must be supplied in your diet, as our body can’t produce them). This is great news for vegetarians, right? It is indeed, however, sacha inchi seeds are such a nutrition powerhouse, that anyone will benefit from incorporating it in their diet. 

That being said, it is important to know sacha inchi seeds benefits.

1. Cholesterol 

Sacha Inchi seeds benefits include the ability to lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol. Adding “good” fats to the body is the fastest way to reduce your LDL cholesterol levels, which cause coronary heart disease and plaque deposition in the arteries.

2. Well Being

Sacha Inchi seeds benefits include a good amount of tryptophan, a precursor for serotonin. Known as “the happy hormone,” serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is thought to stabilize mood and contribute to a sense of happiness and wellbeing. Sacha Inchi is also high in Omega 3s, which fights brain inflammation. By combatting inflammation, this nutritive seed is combatting headaches, mood shifts, and even depression.

3. Weight Loss

Although there is a significant level of calories in sacha inchi seeds, there is also a huge amount of dietary fiber. Even a handful of these seeds can satiate your appetite and prevent overeating and snack between meals. This can be a major boost to your weight loss efforts, while also providing a wide range of other essential nutrients.

4. Brain Health

The majority of the brain is comprised of fats. This is yet another reason why essential fatty acids are crucial for optimal health. sacha inchi seeds contains high levels of essential fatty acids. These help to decrease inflammation in the brain and have the potential to protect against diseases such as dementia and alzheimers.

5. Heart Health

As well as its ability to improve cholesterol levels, sacha inchi seeds can have a positive effect on the heart’s overall health. This effect owes a great deal to the presence of essential omega-3 fatty acids which are known to have cardio-protective benefits. Although not from an animal source like fish, the omega-3s that come from sacha inchi seeds and other nuts are just as effective according to studies done on the matter.

6. Diabetes

Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to lowering levels of blood sugar in the body, in conjunction with dietary fiber, which can regulate the amount of insulin and glucose being released into the body. Together, these two substances in sacha inchi seeds can prevent diabetes in those who are at a high risk. They can also reduce the risk of spikes and drops in blood sugar for those who have already been diagnosed.

7. Bone Health

Omega 3s help the body absorb calcium. Foods rich in omega 3 improve bone density, staving off some of the deterioration that occurs as we age.

8. Vision

With high levels of vitamin A and beta-carotene, sacha inchi seeds can help boost vision health by preventing macular degeneration and slowing the onset of cataracts as we age.

9. Joint Health

Sacha inchi seeds may be an effective food when it comes to dealing with the pain of arthritis and rheumatism. They have excellent anti-inflammatory effects and the oil can be combined with other anti-inflammatory products like turmeric and ginger for even greater benefits.

10. Skin

With a high level of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as various antioxidants, these tasty seeds can be an excellent addition to your skincare regimen. They are able to help in improving the appearance of the skin, while also reducing wrinkles, age spots, and blemishes. In addition, they have soothing anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent psoriasis and eczema.

11. Hair

Sacha inchi seeds benefits can be a great addition to a natural hair care regime. The reasons it’s so great for hair are very similar to the benefits for skin. The high omega 3 content can help keep hair conditioned by locking in moisture. This can also help relieve the irritation from a dry, itchy scalp.

12. Muscles and other tissues

Sacha inchi seeds benefits extend to its protein content. Protein is an important macronutrient that helps all the tissues in the body to repair. It plays an important role in workout recovery and also in satiety. At approximately 25% protein, sacha inchi seeds provide a good source of protein. The combination of good proteins levels and essential fatty acids makes it a great addition to a vegan diet.

13. Sleep

One of the overlooked nutrients in sacha inchi is tryptophan, an important amino acid that can speed the release of serotonin, which is a “feel good” hormone. In conjunction with the magnesium in sacha inchi, this can induce relaxation for people who struggle with sleep disorders and insomnia.

Side Effects of Sacha Inchi

This new “superfood” has a lot of potential health benefits, but there are some side effects to be aware of, such as nausea and mood swings.

Nausea – Some people experience nausea and gastrointestinal distress as a result of eating sacha inchi, but this tends to be when people consume too many of these seeds. Due to their nutrient density, only a small number of these seeds need to be eaten for their benefits to take effect.

Mood – The mood-altering effects of sacha inchi are well-known, primarily due to their impact on certain key neurotransmitters in your body. This may interfere with other medications that are prescribed and may result in emotional swings that can be disconcerting. If severe mood swings occur, stop eating these seeds immediately.