Sacha inchi benefits and contraindications Sacha inchi is a widely used plant in Peru due to its health benefits. However, it also has contraindications that should be known. Below, we detail them:
(Plukenetia volubilis) belongs to the genus Plukenetia, which is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, a botanical group that contains around 7,500 species distributed in more than 300 genera. This family of flowering plants is found primarily in the tropics, and several of its members are economically important, including the Para rubber tree, the castor oil plant, and the Barbados nut.
the plants of Sacha Inchi they have heart-shaped leaves 4.0 to 4.7 in (10-12 cm) long. However, the plant is most recognizable by its star-shaped fruits, which have between four and seven points. Its seeds, which contain most of the nutritional value of the plant, are brown and oval, measuring 0.6 – 0.8 inches (1.5 – 2 cm) in diameter.
Historic information Sacha inchi is believed to have been first cultivated in the Peruvian portion of the Amazon basin. The earliest evidence of its use dates back to 3,000 years BC. C., since sacha inchi seeds appear as a common motif in ceramics belonging to the Chimú and Mochica societies. These ancient civilizations are believed to have settled on today’s Peruvian coast, implying that they brought the plant with them from the Amazon jungle.
The sacha inchi is believed to have acquired medicinal and ceremonial importance even before the rise of the Inca Empire, as the seeds depicted on ceramics have also been found in Chachapoyas cemeteries (circa 800 CE).
Economic data The economic importance of Sacha inchi has increased in recent years after it was discovered that this herb produces higher yields per hectare than other plants used to produce oils and proteins for human consumption.
Sacha inchi is also one of the richest vegetable sources of fatty acids. Omega 3 on Earth, making its production valuable as it is of great interest to the “nutraceutical” industry, vegetarians looking for an alternative protein and omega-3 source, and a growing number of people with high cholesterol levels. due to an unhealthy diet. Sacha inchi production in the Peruvian Amazon is currently increasing.
Other uses Sacha inchi has additional uses in the cosmetics industry, where its oil is used in a variety of products, including soaps and shampoos. Apart from this, its use is limited to the culinary and medicinal world.
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Nutritional properties of Sacha Inchi
Scientific research has shown that sacha inchi seeds are rich in nutrients and should be considered an important dietary source of health-promoting phytochemicals.
Sacha inchi powder provides 4.5 grams of protein per 15g (one tablespoon), which is significantly higher than that found in chia (2.5g/Tbsp) and cooked quinoa (0.6g/Tbsp or 9.6g/cup). . This information uses, as a reference, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults, which is 56 grams/day.
On the other hand, sacha inchi oil contains 47% omega-3, second only to flax seed oil, which provides 57%, and is considered the best plant source of alpha-linolenic acids (ALA).
However, the recommended daily intake of omega-3s is around two grams for healthy adults, and one tablespoon of sacha inchi oil greatly exceeds that amount. Next, let’s see the sacha inchi benefits and contraindications
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Sacha inchi benefits and contraindications
Sacha Inchi Health Benefits
Research on sacha inchi compounds has increased significantly in this decade; In addition, this Amazonian seed has proven to be the most well-known source of vegetable protein. Studies have revealed several promising medicinal uses for the herb, including:
Support muscle building. Due to its impressive concentration of lean protein, sacha inchi has been shown to be effective in maintaining and building muscle mass.
Protect cardiovascular health The amount of omega-3 in sacha inchi helps balance cholesterol levels and lowers blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and metabolic disorders.
Traditionally, natives of the Amazon have used sacha inchi to treat rheumatic pain, but this use has not been verified and is not as common as its cardioprotective applications.
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How does it work
Sacha inchi seeds contain large amounts of essential amino acids and alpha-linolenic acids (ALA), particularly omega-3 fatty acids.
Although diets are expressed as protein, the biological requirement is really for amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein and also intermediate in metabolic functions. There are nine amino acids – histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine – that the human body cannot produce, and they are all provided by sacha inchi seeds.
It was recently discovered that sacha inchi is particularly rich in an essential amino acid called tryptophan (44 mg/g protein), which is crucial for the synthesis of serotonin in the brain, playing an important role in mood, behavior, and cognition. It is commonly used to reduce stress and induce sleep.
On the other hand, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids cannot be produced by the human body, and it is important to consume them from food sources to avoid deficiency. This high fatty acid content gives sacha inchi its cardioprotective properties.
Other herbs particularly rich in omega are chia and flax, while peanuts, quinoa and the amaranth They also promote muscle growth.
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Sacha inchi contraindications, side effects and disadvantages
Do not, under any circumstances, consume raw sacha inchi seeds. In their natural state, sacha inchi seeds contain dangerous phytotoxins.
However, these phytotoxins are safely destroyed during the roasting or heating process, so any powder, oil, or seeds you buy at the store should be perfectly safe to consume.
Some people report that sacha inchi produces a bit of nauseaespecially in large amounts, so gently introduce this new ingredient into your diet.
You should also be especially careful if you are taking any mood-altering medications, as sacha inchi has a powerful effect on emotions due to its high levels of tryptophan.
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