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Sacha Inchik, Amazonian Superfood
Sacha Inchik
Sacha Inchik, Amazonian Superfood.
Contemporary food culture is reshaping people’s ideas of consumption. Products are value by their nutritious quality, and by the farming techniques, treatments, and certifications by which they are produced. Consumers are currently aware of this; they use the means at their disposal to identify foods that meet these requirements and offer guarantees of a healthy and rewarding diet. In this regard, TORONTANA offers a variety of food possibilities with high quality standards, in products obtained from Sacha Inchik.
Sacha Inchik has been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years by indigenous people of the Amazon; it is regarded as a treasure of the Amazon basin. It was classified by Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus in 1753 as Plukenetia Volubilis, however it is known by many popular names, one such name is Inca nut (“Maní del Inca”). The indigenous people of the Amazon and ancient explorers attributed exceptional nutritional and healing properties to it. In 1980, a scientific research conducted at Cornell University analyzed Sacha Inchik’s fatty acid and protein content and concluded that it has a high concentration of oils and omega 3, 6, 9, higher than those found in other plant and animal species, it surpasses that of blue fish like salmon. In addition, it has a high content of vitamin A and E that function as antioxidants. Sacha Inchik is in the category of a SUPERFOOD; due to the various benefits it offers for nutrition and health. Source: Hazen & Sidewessand, 1980
A 2007 study by Gómez and Ríos, demonstrated the supremacy of Sacha Inchik, by comparing it with other market oleaginous seeds used for oil extraction, due to their exceptional nutritional composition. The seeds have a high protein content, low content of saturated fatty acids and 93% concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, Omega 3, 6, and 9. See the table below for a summary of the research findings. Source: Gómez y Ríos 2007.
Follegatti-Romero, in 2009, were able to verify the significantly rich presence of tocopherols in Sacha Inchik oil, up to 50%, making it an efficient antioxidant, since peroxidation contributes to the degradation of lipids of any nature. Source: Hazen & Sidewessand, 1980.
A 2007 study by Gómez and Ríos, demonstrated the supremacy of Sacha Inchik, by comparing it with other market oleaginous seeds used for oil extraction, due to their exceptional nutritional composition. The seeds have a high protein content, low content of saturated fatty acids and 93% concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, Omega 3, 6, and 9. See the table below for a summary of the research findings. Source: Gómez y Ríos 2007.
Follegatti-Romero, in 2009, were able to verify the significantly rich presence of tocopherols in Sacha Inchik oil, up to 50%, making it an efficient antioxidant, since peroxidation contributes to the degradation of lipids of any nature.
An ancestral culinary experience.
TORONTANA conceives Sacha Inchik as a manna, the connection that is created around its knowledge and consumption, the perceptions of an ancestral worldview of the Amazon, its connection with nature, and the sensations of peace and inner harmony, open a portal to a new culinary experience. The obtaining of the oilseed, the treatment and manufacture of different products, and even the marketing, is done following the principles of sustainable development and maintaining an equilibrium with mother nature, compatible with the intrinsic value of the products that are offered.
Sacha Inchik, Fruit of the Lung of the Planet.
The Amazon is the geographical area par excellence where Sacha Inchik is found. It can be found wildly on the north and south banks of the Amazon River, this location presents ideal climatic conditions for its growth and cultivation, currently the initiatives related to the farming and harvesting of the Sacha Inchik are carried out in the countries that are part of the Amazon basin: Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Venezuela. TORONTANA has been investing in this primary production sector, to provide the optimal natural conditions for the growth of Sacha Inchik and thus achieve genetically powerful seeds, which facilitate the improvement of the species in terms of quality and crop yield.
Biological Characteristics.
Plukenetia Volubilis, scientific name of the Sacha Inchik plant, is a perennial herbaceous, oleaginous, monecious species with abundant heart-shaped leaves, from whose flowers (male and female) fructify a nut, where seeds are encapsulated. These seeds when mature have a dark brown color and are easily adapted to any terrain. According to research, the climatic factors where it best thrives for cultivation are between 200 and 1,100 meters above sea level. Since, it is very resistant to pests, you don’t need fungicides.
Properties of Sacha Inchik Components.
Research by Hazen and Sidewessand, 1980, at Cornell University, determined the composition of Sacha Inchik, finding a variety and rich concentration of proteins and unsaturated fatty acids, that characterizes it with a high nutritional value. See the table below for a composition breakdown.
Source: Hazen & Sidewessand, 1980.
A 2007 study by Gómez and Ríos, demonstrated the supremacy of Sacha Inchik, by comparing it with other market oleaginous seeds used for oil extraction, due to their exceptional nutritional composition. The seeds have a high protein content, low content of saturated fatty acids and 93% concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, Omega 3, 6, and 9. See the table below for a summary of the research findings.
Source: Gómez y Ríos 2007.
Follegatti-Romero, in 2009, were able to verify the significantly rich presence of tocopherols in Sacha Inchik oil, up to 50%, making it an efficient antioxidant, since peroxidation contributes to the degradation of lipids of any nature.
Sacha Inchik and Healthy Lifestyle.
The benefits of Sacha Inchik are significant, the nutritional properties represented by the high protein content, it provides around 28% of the essential amino acids for the human body. Some of the functions of amino acids, are the digestion of food, regeneration of human body tissues, and contribute to the growth and conformation of the body biotype. In addition, the concentration of omega 3, which is not produced by the human body and that it is essential for the disposition and functioning of the cellular system, must be incorporated through the diet. Sacha Inchik contributes to reducing triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood, facilitates blood dilation, and even helps in regulating blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory effect of omega oils has also been demonstrated, which has a satisfactory effect on the immune response. All the above benefits can help reduce the risk of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and attenuate aging in the tissues, muscles and the skeletal system.
Another advantage is the presence of antioxidant compounds, which aids to maintain the membranes of neurons, this helps with cognitive, memory and attention processes, it also helps in the prevention of depressive states, (Envejecimiento Res Rev. (2010).
For pregnant mothers, the consumption of Sacha Inchik, in any form, due to the high concentration of omega oils, favors the formation and development of the immune and neurocognitive apparatus of the embryo and further dissipates the effects of postpartum depression. In this regard, it is important to point out that the mother’s diet is essential for the transfer of nutrients to the fetus, to carry a healthy pregnancy, and after birth through breastfeeding, to promote and nurture the maturation and growth process of the newborn, (Castro , 2002).
An ancestral culinary experience.
TORONTANA conceives Sacha Inchik as a manna, the connection that is created around its knowledge and consumption, the perceptions of an ancestral worldview of the Amazon, its connection with nature, and the sensations of peace and inner harmony, open a portal to a new culinary experience. The obtaining of the oilseed, the treatment and manufacture of different products, and even the marketing, is done following the principles of sustainable development and maintaining an equilibrium with mother nature, compatible with the intrinsic value of the products that are offered.
Sacha Inchik, Fruit of the Lung of the Planet.
The Amazon is the geographical area par excellence where Sacha Inchik is found. It can be found wildly on the north and south banks of the Amazon River, this location presents ideal climatic conditions for its growth and cultivation, currently the initiatives related to the farming and harvesting of the Sacha Inchik are carried out in the countries that are part of the Amazon basin: Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Venezuela. TORONTANA has been investing in this primary production sector, to provide the optimal natural conditions for the growth of Sacha Inchik and thus achieve genetically powerful seeds, which facilitate the improvement of the species in terms of quality and crop yield.
Biological Characteristics.
Plukenetia Volubilis, scientific name of the Sacha Inchik plant, is a perennial herbaceous, oleaginous, monecious species with abundant heart-shaped leaves, from whose flowers (male and female) fructify a nut, where seeds are encapsulated. These seeds when mature have a dark brown color and are easily adapted to any terrain. According to research, the climatic factors where it best thrives for cultivation are between 200 and 1,100 meters above sea level. Since, it is very resistant to pests, you don’t need fungicides.
Properties of Sacha Inchik Components.
Research by Hazen and Sidewessand, 1980, at Cornell University, determined the composition of Sacha Inchik, finding a variety and rich concentration of proteins and unsaturated fatty acids, that characterizes it with a high nutritional value. See the table below for a composition breakdown.
Graph 1.
|
composition |
percentage |
composition |
percentage |
|
shell |
33 |
fiber |
2,6 |
|
almond |
67 |
carbohydrates |
17,7 |
|
protein (almond) |
28,52 |
saturated fatty acids |
7,7 |
|
oil |
54, |
Unsaturated fatty acids |
91,6 |
|
humidity |
6,37 |
energy (kcal/100) |
555,7 |
|
ash |
2,1 |
vitamin E mg |
5,41 |
Graph 1. Source: Hazen & Sidewessand, 1980.
A 2007 study by Gómez and Ríos, demonstrated the supremacy of Sacha Inchik, by comparing it with other market oleaginous seeds used for oil extraction, due to their exceptional nutritional composition. The seeds have a high protein content, low content of saturated fatty acids and 93% concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, Omega 3, 6, and 9. See the table below for a summary of the research findings.
Graph 2.
|
nutrients % |
oleaginous seeds |
||||||
|
sacha inchi |
soy bean |
peanut |
cotton |
sunflower |
olive |
palm |
|
|
Protein |
29 |
28 |
23 |
32,9 |
24 |
1,6 |
0 |
|
unsaturated |
|||||||
|
Oleic ω 9 |
9,6 |
22,3 |
41,3 |
18,7 |
29,3 |
71 |
40 |
|
Linolenic ω 6 |
36,99 |
54,5 |
36,8 |
57,5 |
57,9 |
10 |
10 |
|
Linolenic ω 3 |
42,2 |
8,3 |
0 |
0,5 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
summary |
|||||||
|
Saturated |
8,94 |
13,7 |
14,2 |
21,1 |
12,8 |
16 |
49 |
|
Unsaturated |
88,79 |
85,1 |
79,5 |
77,3 |
87,2 |
82 |
50 |
Graph 2. Source: Gómez y Ríos 2007.
Follegatti-Romero, in 2009, were able to verify the significantly rich presence of tocopherols in Sacha Inchik oil, up to 50%, making it an efficient antioxidant, since peroxidation contributes to the degradation of lipids of any nature.
Sacha Inchik and Healthy Lifestyle.
The benefits of Sacha Inchik are significant, the nutritional properties represented by the high protein content, it provides around 28% of the essential amino acids for the human body. Some of the functions of amino acids, are the digestion of food, regeneration of human body tissues, and contribute to the growth and conformation of the body biotype. In addition, the concentration of omega 3, which is not produced by the human body and that it is essential for the disposition and functioning of the cellular system, must be incorporated through the diet. Sacha Inchik contributes to reducing triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood, facilitates blood dilation, and even helps in regulating blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory effect of omega oils has also been demonstrated, which has a satisfactory effect on the immune response. All the above benefits can help reduce the risk of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and attenuate aging in the tissues, muscles and the skeletal system.
Another advantage is the presence of antioxidant compounds, which aids to maintain the membranes of neurons, this helps with cognitive, memory and attention processes, it also helps in the prevention of depressive states, (Envejecimiento Res Rev. (2010).
For pregnant mothers, the consumption of Sacha Inchik, in any form, due to the high concentration of omega oils, favors the formation and development of the immune and neurocognitive apparatus of the embryo and further dissipates the effects of postpartum depression. In this regard, it is important to point out that the mother’s diet is essential for the transfer of nutrients to the fetus, to carry a healthy pregnancy, and after birth through breastfeeding, to promote and nurture the maturation and growth process of the newborn, (Castro , 2002).
Cosmetic and Food Products of Sacha Inchik.
From Sacha Inchik different products can be achieved in the cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical and phytopharmaceutical sectors, due to the great potential of its composition, which allows it to be use in various forms, without losing its natural essence. The oils obtained from the Sacha Inchik seed, function as surfactant humectants, they form an organic film on the skin surface which protects from exposure to the sun or wind, but also absorbs vitamins A and E without leaving oily traces. The skin acquires a smooth and lush appearance. The TORONTANA line of aesthetic products offers this alternative, omitting the chemical additives that alter the natural properties of Sacha Inchik.
Through the cold pressing procedure to maintain the benefits of the Sacha Inchik seed, virgin and extra-virgin oil is obtained. Highly appreciated in haute cuisine, it can be consumed in preparation of gourmet culinary salads. Although it is not recommended in sautéed vegetables, since temperatures above 75 degrees make it lose its nutritional value. Children and adults can take it as a syrup, one tablespoon daily, its virgin and extra-virgin quality guarantee safety for the consumer, the taste is pleasant. Nevertheless, the daily quantity and frequency of consumption should be consulted with a specialist.
The Sacha Inchik seed can be offered as nuts, since it maintains the originality of the nut, that is 9 grams of protein, 3g of Omega 3, 4% of calcium, 16% of fiber and 8% of iron. It can also be combined with other natural products and consume in the form of peanuts, almonds, nougat, granola, or simply as a snack.
After a natural drying process, the Sacha Inchik seed is converted into powder or flour that preserves its nutritional properties, rich in iron, calcium and Omega 3,6,9, with a nutty flavor. It is used in the preparation of “Leche merengada” or meringued milk, salads, and baked goods, due to its versatility and exoticness, have potential for culinary creativity.
Another product manufactured from Sacha Inchik, are capsules in supplement formulas since it allows to concentrate all the benefits of the seed for people with cardiovascular diseases or other pathologies.
A residual cake is obtained from the cold pressing of the Sacha Inchik seeds, which still contains all the nutritional elements, and it is highly valued in animal, bovine, swine and fish feed, this use was demonstrated in a scientific investigation developed by Vásquez in in 2016, where the use of the Sacha Inchik byproducts is proposed.
The Future of Sacha Inchik.
The trends of the generation of healthy and natural foods consumption point towards the use of raw materials that are distinguished by their nutritional value and that come from promising crops, which is a reason why projects linked to Sacha Inchik cultivation and consumption have been growing. Furthermore, it has called the attention of the scientific community and research is been carried out in biology and chemistry with applications in the seed cultivation and processing sector. Furthermore, marketing is also a sector that is expanding because of the scope and extent of Sacha Inchik. The superfood status is just the beginning of this story … and TORONTANA is its new the protagonist.
Copyright@ Torontana Corp. Canada Autor: Julio Perez Vera julepeve@gmail.com
