they can be a valuable source of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the body to function properly. Nowadays, there are many different oils to choose from, including this one considered the healthiest and cleanest in the world, it is made from the Inca superfood – Sacha Inchi. What is this unusual plant? What properties does it have? How to include its oil in your diet?
Sacha Inchi (Latin A rolling blanket) is a perennial plant native to South America and the Caribbean, also known as the Inca nut and the Inca golden seed. Modern science “rediscovered” it relatively recently, but for the indigenous inhabitants of the Amazon basin it has always been an important pillar of folk medicine. This inconspicuous plant was the first superfood, and its history dates back over 3,000 years. years back.
During the heyday of the Inca country – covering the areas of today’s Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile and Argentina – Sacha Inchi was one of the most important elements of the diet, along with maca root and chicha (a traditional corn drink). Thanks to these products, the Incas were able to live in the extreme conditions of the high Andes.
For us, Sacha Inchi was officially classified by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. It is an evergreen vine from the Euphorbiaceae family, which reaches up to two meters in length. The plant has characteristic heart-shaped leaves and small green flowers. Fruits are star-shaped, during ripening, they turn brown, dry and release seeds with a diameter of approx. 1.5-2 cm. It is from seeds that it is made. This tiny one superfood is a treasure trove of omega-3 and omega-6 acids and high-quality protein.
Originally, Sacha Inchi grew wild in humid lowland forests and in areas up to 1,700 m above sea level. Over time, it began to be cultivated in many regions of America and Asia. It is not demanding – it tolerates temperatures from 10 to 37 degrees Celsius, and produces the first crops 5-12 months after planting.
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Sacha Inchi seeds are packed with health-promoting nutrients. Their most important advantage is extremely high content of unsaturated fatty acids – approx. 93%.which significantly exceeds most vegetable and fish oils, which usually have from 65 to 77 percent. unsaturated fats. The fat profile of this oil is approximately 85%. on polyunsaturated acids. They range from 35.2 to 50.8 percent. omega-3 acid and from 33.4 to 41.0 percent omega-6 acid. Moreover, the proportion of these acids to each other is considered optimal and the most health-promoting.
Regular consumption of Inca seed products brings comprehensive benefits to the circulatory system and metabolism. The acids contained in them lower cholesterol levels, which directly reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction or stroke. In addition, the plant has a hypotensive effect supports the regulation of blood pressurewhile the presence of fiber and protein (constituting over 30% of the dry weight of seeds) they accelerate metabolism and provide a long-lasting feeling of satiety. Moreover, these ingredients have the ability to slowing down the release of glucose into the blood.
The high content of vitamins A and E supports cell structure, improves the condition of skin and hair and protects eyesight. Thanks to the presence of tryptophan, these seeds they help to naturally regulate mood and improve sleep quality. In turn, the plant’s antioxidant effect strengthens the immune system and may be an important element of anticancer prevention.
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The process of creating this product begins after the manual harvesting of ripe fruit. The seeds are dried naturally in the sun or in controlled conditions, which reduces their moisture content and prepares them for further processing. The oil is obtained through cold pressing at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Celsiusthanks to which all fatty acids, vitamins and minerals retain their original properties and the product remains free from the effects of oxidation. After pressing, the oil is naturally filtered without the use of chemicals, which allows it to obtain a clear and golden liquid with slightly nutty flavor.
Thanks to the very high content of vitamin E and natural antioxidants, the oil is characterized by exceptional stability and a long shelf life of up to two years. In addition there is no need to store it in the refrigerator – a cool place away from sunlight is enough. Sacha Inchi seed oil was recognized by the European Union as a “novel food” in 2014 and classified in the same food category as .
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In your daily diet, it is worth using this oil for soups, sauces, spreads, marinades and salads. It can also be consumed directly, one teaspoon a daywhich is absolutely enough to provide the body with essential fatty acids.
This product is considered safe, also for pregnant women. Occasionally, an allergic reaction may occur (especially in people allergic to nuts). In this case, you should refrain from including it in your diet.
Sources: Terazgotuje.pl,zdrowie.interia.pl, elamo.pl
