This Peruvian seed may be your next favorite superfood.
Sacha inchi, also known as mountain peanut, sacha peanut or Inca nut, comes from an adorable star-shaped fruit that grows in the Amazon rainforest.
Today, you can find the seeds whole, in protein powders, seed butter and oil. There are also hair and skin care creams and oils made with sacha inchi.
The seeds have been eaten and used for oil for thousands of years in the Amazon basin. But in their native Peru, they’re associated more with traditional health remedies than food. Locals use them for cholesterol management, heart health, GI health, arthritis and more.
Could this seed actually help your health across these areas? Here’s what to know about sacha inchi.
What are the benefits of sacha inchi?
Sacha inchi is packed with healthy fat — as much as 50% of the seed is made up of unsaturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
One study showed sacha inchi oil helped lower both blood pressure and cholesterol. This reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
