Sacha Inchi Protein Powder

Some of the Benefits of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia voubilis)
Sacha Inchi has been cultivated by local communities in Peru for many centuries, with evidence of this being an important food source dating right back to the time of the Inca tribes. Due to its high protein and Omega 3 fatty acid content it is now being widely sought after as a newly emerging superfood.
 
Packing a Punch – Protein Boost
Sacha inchi is increasingly being recognised as an important source of high quality protein since it contains all the essential amino acids (EAAs) in well balanced proportions. This is unusual since often a mix of protein sources are required to provide the full complement of EAAs (i.e. lysine is usually missing from grains but is present in legumes which is why rice protein is usually combined with pea protein to achieve the complete set of EAAs). The below shows the ideal balance of EAAs according the established RDIs and the balance provided by the proteins in Sacha Inchi.

In addition to the EAAs, Sacha Inchi contains many of the non-essential amino acids that also play an important role. For example, glutamine is very important for healing and it is for this reason that it is sought after by body builders who need to repair muscle after exercise. Of all the amino acids present in Sacha Inchi, glutamine is found in the highest concentrations, at 133mg per g of protein.
 
Bioavailability
The bioavailability of proteins is measured on a scale called the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) with 1.0 being the highest score. Sacha Inchi scores 0.9 on this scale, coming well above pea (0.73) and rice (0.47). The fact that Sacha Inchi has such a good content of fats alongside its protein also helps, since the presence of lipids improves the bioavailability of the protein.
 
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
Sacha Inchi provides one of the few vegetal sources of Omega-3 in high concentrations, with around 50% of its fat content being comprised by the Omega-3 fatty acid ALA. Sacha Inchi Oil is therefore a great source of this heart-healthy fat, as is the powder with 20% fat. Fat soluble vitamins A and E, both present in Sacha Inchi, along with the high concentrations of magnesium and phosphorous round off Sacha Inchi’s impressive nutritional profile.
 
For more information contact Sally Ostick on mobile: 021 2234268 or email: sally@belletech.co.nz
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