Sacha Inchi Oil

Sacha Inchi Oil is the essential oil extraction of the seeds and flesh of the Sacha Inchi or Sacha Peanut fruits. This highly nutritious oil is rich in various beneficial fatty acids. Sacha Inchi organic vegetable oil is used for diverse edible and medicinal purposes.

Sacha Inchi Scientific Name

The scientific name for the Sacha Inchi plants is Plukenetia volubilis.

Sacha Inchi Oil History

The native people of Peru and the Amazon basin have known the perennial Sacha Inchi plants and the oil for thousands of years. Interpretation of these plants on the Incan tomb vessels proves that the Incas used these plants over 3000 years ago. Other tribal groups like the Chancas Indians used the Sacha Inchi oil extraction for culinary purposes.

Sacha Inchi Oil Description

Here is a general description of this edible oil:

Picture 1 – Sacha Inchi Oil

Color: The color of this transparent oil ranges from golden amber to yellow.

Aroma: This nutritious oil has a pleasant aroma.

Taste: It has a delicious nutty flavor and taste.

Sacha Inchi Oil Properties

Some of the main properties of this oil are given below:

Density: The density of this vegetable oil is 0.9187 g/cm³

Viscosity: It has a viscosity of 35.4 mPa.s.

Sacha Inchi Plant Distribution

The Sacha Inchi plants are native to the Amazon Rainforest. The indigenous people of this area have been cultivating these plants for many centuries. These plants grow in warm climates at elevations up to 5,500 feet from the sea level.

Sacha Inchi Oil Composition

It contains very high amounts of essential fatty acids. The main constituents of the Sacha Inchi Oil are:

• Oleic acid (Omega 9): 35-75%
• Linoleic acid (Omega 6): 10-25%
• Behenic acid: 10-25%
• Lignoceric acid: 10-15%
• Palmitic acid:  Less than 5%
• Palmitoleic acid: Less than 5%
• Stearic acid: Less than 5%
• Eicosenoic acid: Less than 1.5%
• Erucic acid: Less than 1%

Sacha Inchi Oil Extraction

Oil is extracted from the Sacha Inchi seeds using the cold press method. This organic vegetable oil does not contain any chemical additives after it is extracted. Due to this reason, there is no need to refine it before using it in foods.

Sacha Inchi Oil Nutritional Information

Here is the nutritional information for 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of this vegetable oil:

Picture 2 – Sacha Inchi Oil Photo

Sacha Inchi Oil Health Benefits

It has numerous health benefits to offer:

• It is rich in various proteins, vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants which help to improve the immunity of human body.
• It reduces the chances of coronary heart diseases by helping the saturated fatty acids to flow freely in the blood stream and preventing blood clotting.
• This cholesterol-free oil lowers the level of HDL cholesterols.
• This oil is beneficial for people with hypertension as it reduces triglyceride levels.
• It can regulate blood sugar levels which makes it beneficial for diabetes.
• This oil reduces bone loss and maintains proper bone density by helping in calcium absorption.
• Sacha Inchi Oil is also beneficial for the nervous system.
• This vegetable oil improves brain function and memory.
• It helps in proper functioning of the kidneys.
• This oil reduces the risks of cancer.
• It is also beneficial for dry and damaged hair.

Sacha Inchi Oil Uses

This nutritious oil has numerous edible and medicinal applications. However, this cold pressed oil should not be heated for cooking.

Picture 3 – Sacha Inchi Oil Capsules

Edible Uses

• It is widely used as a salad dressing.
• This oil is often sprinkled on cooked vegetables and pastas for adding a special flavor to the food.
• Sacha Inchi Oil adds a delicious nutty aroma to juices and smoothies.
• It is also used for making various bread dips.

Medicinal Uses

• This oil extraction is used for fighting diabetes.
• It is also used for relieving anxiety, depression and hyperactivity.
• It is used for reducing arterial inflammation.
• Sacha Inchi Oil is useful for relieving various symptoms of asthma.
• This essential oil extraction is used for alleviating various digestive disorders like Crohn’s Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• It is sometimes directly applied on cuts and sores.

Other Uses

• This oil is widely used for making various cosmetics.
• It is used for curing various skin and nail problems.

How to Store Sacha Inchi Oil?

This vegetable oil should be stored in tightly sealed bottles in a cool and dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.

Using Sacha Inchi Oil during Pregnancy

Not much is known about the effects of this vegetable oil during pregnancy. So, it is advisable to avoid this oil in any form during pregnancy.

Sacha Inchi Oil Side Effects

There are no known side effects of this oil as it does not contain any toxic components. However, one should consult a doctor before taking this oil if undergoing some special medication. It is advisable to stop using Sacha Inchi Oil in case of any adverse health effects.

Where to Buy Sacha Inchi Oil

One can buy the Sacha Inchi essential oil in stores as well as online. The price for 250 ml of this oil ranges between $ 20 and $ 30. Sacha Inchi Oil supplementary capsules are also available in medicine stores and online.

Sacha Inchi Oil Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about this highly beneficial essential oil:

• The unsaturated fatty acid content of this oil is highest (96%) among all other essential oils.
• It received the gold medal for its excellent organoleptic qualities at the World Edible Oils competition held in Paris in 2004.
• This oil can be eaten without refining it as it does not contain any harmful elements.

Sacha Inchi Oil Pictures

Here are some images of this wonderful essential oil.

Picture 4 – Sacha Inchi Oil Picture

Picture 5 – Sacha Inchi Oil Image

Sacha Inchi Oil is considered to be one of the most popular and nutritious vegetable oil used for edible and medicinal purposes. The commercially available supplements of this oil are also quite popular as health supplements.

References:

https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/75634

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Plukenetia+volubilis

http://www.totalimagefitness.ca/sacha-inchi-oil

http://www.inkanatural.com/en/sachainchi/sacha_inchi_oil.html

https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/75634