Health benefits of Sacha Inchi
Sacha Inchi is greeted as the ‘truffle of nuts’ for its rich umami flavor. But even more amazing is its nutritional content. This super seed, which grows in the pristine rain forest regions of Southeast Asia, is similar to a nut in flavor, but has a much denser nutrient profile. It has more protein, omega oils, and iron than many nuts and seeds. With these nutrients comes a spectrum of health benefits. Listed here are the top health benefits of Sacha Inchi seeds
1. Builds Muscles
2. Satisfies Hunger
Sacha Inchi is a powerhouse of nutrition; it is an extremely dense food that satisfies your hunger cravings. Nutrients like healthy fats, protein, and fiber increases satiety while meeting your nutritional needs. With 13 grams of healthy fats, more than 8 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber, it is the perfect snack for help you feel full. Plus, its high fiber content will help you feel full for a longer period of time.
3. Enhances Mood
Sacha Inchi is full of tryptophan, a precursor for serotonin. Known as “the happy hormone,” serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is supposed to stabilize mood and contribute to a sense of happiness and well-being. Sacha Inchi is also high in Omega 3s, which fights brain inflammation. By combating inflammation, this nutritive seed is combating headaches, mood shifts, and even depression.
4. Promotes Healthy Weight
Sacha Inchi is effective with promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. This super seed is a great snack because its significant tryptophan content plays a role in appetite regulation. Not only are you hungry less often, but when it is time for lunch, you can satisfy your hunger more easily by incorporating Sacha Inchi seeds into your meal. Its nutrient density satisfies hunger and helps you feel fuller, longer. Therefore, you tend to eat less.
5. Regulates Biological Processes
With its high protein and iron content, Sacha Inchi seeds can help in regulating biological processes. Protein plays a role in creating enzymes, hormones, and other biological chemicals while iron is needed to generate dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These essential neurotransmitters and chemicals affect everything from sleep to energy to adrenaline to digestion and more.
6. Supports Digestive Health
With more fiber than broccoli, apples, and even chickpeas, Sacha Inchi seeds offer a significant source of fiber to aid digestive health. Fiber boosts regular bowel movements by adding bulk to your stools. This prevents constipation by enabling waste to move through your intestines which allows your body rids itself of toxins.
7. Improves Heart Health
Rich in Omega fatty acids, particularly Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA), Sacha Inchi is one of the best sources of plant based Omega 3 Oils in the world. There are many omega oils derived from animals, but those meat sources typically contain saturated fats and carnitine, which have both been linked to heart disease. On the other hand, plants based Omega 3s have been used to prevent heart attacks, lower high blood pressure, and reverse the hardening of blood vessels. ALA is also thought to help maintain normal heart rhythm and heart pumping.
8. Boosts Brain Function
Sacha Inchi is composed of 20% Omega fatty acids by weight. The majority of our brains are composed of fat, which means we need healthy fats from food sources like Sacha Inchi to build brain cell membrane, nourish our brain cells, and fight inflammation.
Omega 3 fats may boost cognitive function and protect against brain disorders such depression and dementia. By reducing inflammation, Omega 3s consumption may also reduce brain fog, memory loss, and fatigue. Not only is Sacha Inchi full of Omega oils, but it also contains iron. One of iron’s health benefits is its ability to aid the proper flow of blood to the brain which can stimulate cognitive activity and even create new neural pathways.
9. Combats Inflammation
Sacha Inchi seeds may help to combat inflammation because of its significant Omega 3 content. These healthy fatty acids prevent inflammation by blocking the formation of the compounds that promote it. Inflammation is the common cause of many chronic ailments including muscle stiffness, bronchitis, asthma, eczema, swollen joints, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
10. Bolsters Immune System
Considered a super seed, Sacha Inchi’s nourishing properties can bolster your immune system. It offers complete protein, which functions to form antibodies that help prevent illness, infection, and disease. The protein also works with other immune system cells to identify and assist in destroying certain bacteria and viruses. These other immune cells need the iron in Sacha Inchi to proliferate and mature in order to fight off diseases.