If you’ve ever felt depressed, sluggish or forgetful, there could be one simple reason for it. It’s a vital nutrient that has been proven in countless studies to not only affect brain health, but correlate to the risk for heart disease. The lack of it could even be the reason your skin is dry.The nutrient in question is collectively known as omega-3 essential fatty acids. These fats are called “essential” because they must be acquired through diet and are vital to your health. The Standard American Diet is typically imbalanced with too many omega-6s and not nearly enough omega-3s. If you’re not deliberately making sure you’re getting your omega-3s, chances are you’re not getting enough.According to researchers at Harvard University, a lack of omega-3 intake is the sixth leading cause of deaths from preventable diseases in the US, with 72,000-96,000 deaths annually.₍₁₎ Symptoms of omega-3 deficiency include "fatigue, poor memory, mood swings, and depression," to name a few.₍₂₎ Beyond brain health, omega-3 levels are connected to heart health, and even the condition of your skin...

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Secret of the Amazon

An Amazonian vine known as sacha inchi has been used by indigenous cultures for hundreds of years for its health-giving properties. The oil from the star-shaped sacha inchi seed is one of the highest plant sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids on the planet. Raw and sustainably grown, our cholesterol-free sacha inchi oil is one of nature’s best sources of omega-3s, with 48% total content.

Feed Your Brain

One study concluded that supplementation with the long chain omega-3 fatty acid found in the brain known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) “improved memory and the response time of memory in healthy, young adults whose habitual diets were low in DHA.”₍₃₎ Researchers have also found that low levels of DHA can present a "risk factor for the development of AD [Alzheimer’s Disease], [as well as] "dementia and cognitive impairment."₍₄₎ Similarly, people suffering from "major depression" were found to have a "deficiency of omega3" when compared to healthy volunteers.₍₅₎ If that weren’t enough, depression has been associated with "accelerated cellular aging,"₍₆₎ once again bringing us back to the importance of getting your omega-3s to feed your brain!

Feed Your Heart

Countless studies have shown the correlation between heart health and omega-3 levels. Omega-3s have been shown to "reduce CVD [cardiovascular disease] risk," as well as "inflammatory responses" in the cardiovascular system, "arrhythmia," and "stroke."₍₇₎ Because of the large body of scientific research associating omega-3 intake with decreased risk of heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends that adults eat fish at least twice a week. For those who are vegetarian, vegan, or simply concerned with the fact that mercury is a "global pollutant" to which human exposure "primarily results from consumption of estuarine and marine fish,"₍₈₎ sacha inchi oil is a safe, healthful solution to get your omega-3s without ingesting the toxins found in fish.

Feed Your Skin

Your skin is a reflection of what is going on inside your body. Omega-3 deficiency has been shown to result in "dry skin."₍₂₎ With its rich omega-3 content, sacha inchi oil can help hydrate your dry skin from the inside out. If your skin cells are strong and full of moisture with adequate omega-3s, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can decrease. Our sacha inchi oil is best taken internally, and it is even light enough to be applied topically to your skin to maximize its anti-aging properties.

 

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“Truly one of the most delicate oils I've ever tasted. The flavor is so light and heavenly! As expected, great when applied topically also. Amazing oil all around.” – Kristya “This stuff replaced my fish oil – much healthier and nothing harmed in its process. It also made my skin glow.” – Rena

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Ways to Enjoy Sacha Inchi Oil

Sacha inchi oil has a delicious, mild nutty flavor. It’s perfect for drizzling over salads, mixing in with soups, or making a homemade salad dressing…check out our scrumptious recipe for Creamy Carrot Ginger Soup!

“I love sachi inchi oil and use it every day in my morning smoothie. It has a great mild, nutty flavor and is full of omegas.” – Beth

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The Sunfood Difference

Most sacha inchi products are roasted, which can damage delicate oils and nutrients. Our sustainably grown sacha inchi oil is created using a low-temperature, cold-press process that keeps nutrients intact. When you and your family enjoy sacha inchi oil, you’re getting your omega-3s and helping to protect the endangered fertile land in the Amazonian rainforest from being razed for raw materials that are less sustainable. It’s good for you, and the planet!

Key to Health

With our sacha inchi oil, you’ll never be deficient in omega-3s again!

 

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Sources: 1 – “The preventable causes of death in the United States: comparative risk assessment of dietary, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors.” Harvard School of Public Health, 2009. 2 – “Omega-3 Fatty Acids” University of Maryland Medical Center, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide. 3 – “DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2013. 4 – “Fatty acid analysis of blood plasma of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, other types of dementia, and cognitive impairment.” University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, 2000. 5 – “Lowered omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids and cholesteryl esters of depressed patients.” Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Belgium, 1999. 6 – “Major depressive disorder and accelerated cellular aging: results from a large psychiatric cohort study.” VU University Medical Centre, The Netherlands, 2013. 7 – “Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: New Recommendations From the American Heart Association.” Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ, 2003. 8 - “Mercury as a global pollutant: sources, pathways, and effects.” Environmental Science & Technology Journal. May 21, 2013.