What is Sacha Inchi?

Sacha inchi, also called the Inca Peanut, is a highly nutritious plant that grows in the South America, especially in the Peruvian highlands. The indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountains began cultivating sacha inchi at least 3000 years ago. In fact, archaeologists have even found evidence of the plant in carvings on ancient Incan tombs. Originally used as a food source only locally in its native homeland, it is now cultivated for commercial use because of its many health benefits. Sacha inchi grows best in warm conditions and can flourish even at heights of 1700 meters.

Benefits of Sacha Inchi

Packed with numerous vitamins and minerals, including vitamins E and A and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, sacha inchi is also unusually high in tryptophan, the amino acid that promotes serotonin production, and thus may subsequently promote appetite regulation. In addition, studies indicate that sacha inchi may have “feel-good” effects that help fight depression and be good for overall health among other health benefits:

• Helps reduce abdominal fat
• Promotes weight loss
• Moderates cholesterol