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What is Sacha Inchi? Origin, Composition, and Uses
What is Sacha Inchi?
Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is an oilseed plant native to the Colombian and Peruvian Amazon whose cold-pressed seeds produce one of the most concentrated plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids known to science. The oil contains between 44 and 54% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), depending on growing region and extraction method — a range confirmed across multiple peer-reviewed studies.
At Dafee, sacha inchi oil is the single ingredient behind both products — taken internally for cholesterol and applied externally for the skin barrier.
Where does sacha inchi come from?
Sacha inchi is native to the tropical rainforest regions of Colombia and Peru and the broader Amazon basin, where it has been cultivated for over 3,000 years. The name comes from Quechua — the language of the Inca civilisation. "Sacha" means wild or forest. "Inchi" means peanut. It is also known as the Inca peanut or mountain peanut.
The plant is a climbing vine that produces star-shaped seed pods, each containing 4 to 7 seeds. The seeds are harvested, dried, and cold-pressed to extract the oil.
What does sacha inchi oil contain?
Cold-pressed sacha inchi oil contains the following fatty acids:
- 44–54% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) — omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid
- 33–36% linoleic acid — omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid
- 8–9% oleic acid — omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid
- Tocopherols (vitamin E) — particularly gamma-tocopherol and delta-tocopherol, which act as natural antioxidants and extend shelf stability
The variation in ALA content — between 44 and 54% — reflects differences in growing region, climate, and extraction method across published studies. Cold-pressed extraction preserves the full fatty acid profile; heat-based extraction degrades polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduces nutritional value.
Sources: Samrit et al., MDPI Pharmaceuticals 2024 (44.73% ALA); IJRSI Bibliometric Analysis 2023 (53.8% ALA); Chirinos et al., Food Chemistry 2012
Why does the omega-3 content of sacha inchi matter?
ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is an essential fatty acid — the human body cannot produce it and must obtain it from diet. In the European Union, ALA is approved by EFSA for contributing to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels at a daily intake of 2g (EU Regulation 432/2012). This is one of the few omega-3 claims with full EU regulatory authorisation.
Beyond cholesterol, ALA is a structural component of cell membranes throughout the body. When incorporated into phospholipids, it influences membrane fluidity — the property that allows cells to communicate, receive signals, and function correctly. Membranes that are too rigid, due to a diet high in saturated fatty acids, are less efficient at these processes.
What is sacha inchi used for?
As a nutritional supplement: Sacha inchi oil is drizzled over salads, mixed into yogurt or smoothies, or added to cold dishes. It should not be used for high-heat cooking — heat degrades polyunsaturated fatty acids. A daily intake of 5ml provides 2g of ALA which contributes to normal cholesterol levels under EFSA Regulation 432/2012.
As a topical skincare oil: Applied to clean, slightly damp skin, sacha inchi oil contributes fatty acids that support the skin's lipid barrier — the structural layer responsible for moisture retention and protection. Its fatty acid profile is compatible with the composition of the skin's natural lipid matrix.
Emerging research: Peer-reviewed literature has explored sacha inchi's potential in anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant applications. These areas require further clinical evidence before specific health claims can be made.
Summary
Sacha inchi is an ancient Amazonian oilseed whose cold-pressed oil contains one of the highest concentrations of omega-3 ALA found in any plant source — between 44 and 54% depending on origin and extraction. Its fatty acid composition makes it relevant to both lipid metabolism and skin barrier function, and its EFSA-approved ALA claim gives it a regulatory standing that most plant oils lack.
At Dafee, sacha inchi oil is the foundation of Daily-Feed (internal, cholesterol) and Daily-Feel (external, skin barrier) — two products built on the same biological principle.
Written by the Dafee Science Team — published 29/05/2026. Dafeepedia content is developed from peer-reviewed scientific literature and European regulatory sources, and reviewed for accuracy before publication.
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