Colombia's fight against drug trafficking goes back decades, although it has been in recent years that it has achieved a greater level of success. Among the measures to be adopted, new crops have been sought that allow society to have a decent and legal livelihood. He Sacha Inchi, Already qualified as a superfood, it seems like the perfect solution.
Also called wild peanuts, they are a healthy food that aspires to replace coca crops in the country, and could replace olive oil in cooking.
What is sacha inchi?
This Amazonian seed is present in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.
The plant has these characteristics:
- Size and structure. It is a climbing variety that can reach up to three meters in length. Its stem is thin and flexible and has the ability to get tangled in trees or supports available in its environment.
- Leaves. It is a plant with large leaves, with a triangular shape that may resemble a heart. Their color is intense green and they have serrated edges. They are arranged alternately along the stems.
- Flowers. The flowers of sacha inchi are small, with a color that can range from white to pale yellow, although the central color is always more intense. Depending on the variety, they can appear individually or grouped in inflorescences.
- Fruits. The fruits are oval-shaped capsules with a diameter of three to five centimeters. As they mature, they turn dark in color and dry out, allowing access to the seeds.
- Seeds. They are the most valuable of this plant. They are small and oval and, depending on how you look at them, you can see the shape of a starfish. They are edible seeds and have a high oil content.
How is sacha inchi oil obtained?
Once the fruits have dried, it is possible to collect the seeds. Afterwards, these are subjected to a drying process so that all their moisture evaporates. To do this, they are placed in special machines, or simply left in the sun.
The next step is degumming. Are seeds have a layer of gum or mucilage that covers them, and it must be eliminated to be able to access its oil. For this reason, they are subjected to an intensive washing process.
They are then ground into a thick paste which is then cold pressed to obtain the oil. This cold process is considered best for preserving the nutrients of sacha inchi and prevent the final product degrades due to heat.
Once the oil is obtained, it is filtered and packaged for consumption.
Properties of sacha inchi oil
The flavor of this oil is indefinite, and there seems to be no agreement on exactly what it is like. There are those who claim that it tastes like cod and others say that It is more like the flavor of a nut.
Regardless of its flavor, what does seem clear is that this is a superfood.
The indigenous people of the Amazon have cultivated this seed for centuries, and in Colombia it has been planted since the 90s of the last century. But it is now when this product is becoming popular, as its properties become known.
Essential fatty acids
The oil obtained from the sacha inchi seed has a high content of essential fatty acids, particularly alpha-linoleic acid (omega 3) and linoleic acid (omega 6). Both are essential for the proper functioning of the body, and the body is not capable of producing them on its own.
These oils take care of cardiovascular health, help reduce inflammation and support the immune system. In addition, it has been proven that they contribute to maintaining brain function in optimal conditions.
Balanced lipid profile
As the proportion of essential fatty acids that sacha inchi has is quite balanced, it turns out to be a healthy source of fats that is highly recommended in all types of diets.
High content of antioxidants
Sacha inchi oil is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, carotenoids and polyphenols. All of them are essential to combat oxidative stress and protect cells against the action of free radicals.
Taking antioxidants helps reduce the risk of suffering from chronic diseases and is also useful against premature aging.
Anti-inflammatory properties
The omega 3 present in these seeds helps reduce inflation in the body. Being especially helpful in inflammatory pathologies such as arthritis.
Cardiovascular Health Benefits
There are studies that show that regularly consuming this oil can help reduce “bad” cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the blood. So it is an ally of cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Mental health support
Omega 3 is positive for brain health. Not only does it improve cognitive function, but can help improve mood.
Benefits for the skin
This is a very hydrating and nourishing oil. Applied to the skin, it helps improve its elasticity, reduces dryness and hydration, and promotes cell regeneration.
Since it has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help Soothe skin that has suffered burns or insect bites.
From coca cultivation to sacha inchi cultivation
The Colombian authorities are trying to achieve a change of mentality among the country's farmers, so that they stop dedicating themselves to coca cultivation and switch to sacha inchi.
Coca cultivation requires the application of salts and chemical products that are usually handled without any protection, so Farmers' health can be seriously affected. Furthermore, the income received from this crop is limited and irregular.
What the government is trying to do is convince farmers to switch to legal and safe crops like sacha inchi. That can provide them with a source of stable income and does not compromise your health.
Sacha inchi can mark a before and after in the history of Colombia and, as you have seen, its oil is a very healthy food that is a good idea to add to our diet.