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Savi Seed: The Inca Peanut…as seen on Dr. OZ
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What is it?
When we say SaviSeed, we mean premium, organic sacha inchi seeds – the super food of the ancient Inca peoples. Not just your average seed, sacha inchi seeds are native to the Amazon rainforest and have been cultivated and consumed for centuries in Peru under the name ‘Inca Peanut’. SaviSeeds are the fruit of sacha inchi plants, herbaceous vines that produce star-shaped green pods which yield edible seeds – SaviSeeds. Our premium SaviSeeds are sustainably and organically grown and proudly produced in partnership with indigenous Peruvian farmers.
History
SaviSeed brings the wonders of an ancient Peruvian food source to you. Also known as the Inca Peanut, sacha inchi’s scientific name is Plukenetia volubilis. Sacha inchi has been known by the natives of Peru and other indigenous peoples of the Amazon for centuries. Historians believe the plant has probably been used by the Incas over 3000 years ago, which is evident from the interpretation of the plant on vessels in Incan tombs.
Sacha inchi has been used traditionally by communities in the Amazon in different meals, such as the inchicapi, a regional soup and as cooked seeds ground up in a sauce. The oil and roasted seeds are common ingredients in cities and towns throughout Peru’s jungle. It is also used externally by Peruvian people as a rejuvenating cream applied on the skin. This treasure of the Amazon has a rich history which you can now have access to in the form of SaviSeed – the best tasting, richest source of Omega 3!
How is it grown?
Growth
| Beneath the high peaks of the Peruvian Andes Mountains lie highland jungles filled with lush vegetation. Amid the many tropical plant species there grow woody, twining vines bearing green pods and small seeds. These shrub-like vines are sacha inchi plants, the source of SaviSeeds. Cultivated in small plantation farms, they grow in rows to a height of 2-3 meters, supported by wooden posts.
The soil in which SaviSeeds are produced is notably rich and full of minerals and nutrients – another reason why they provide so many nutritional benefits. Sacha inchi plants thrive in high humidity, high sunlight exposure and heat. The sacha inchi fruit is a star shaped green pod, covered in 3 layers of shell – with each pod containing 3-7 seeds. |
Harvest and Transport
The first crop harvest comes just 7-8 months from the time of planting. After the first harvest, sacha inchi plants produce crops several times throughout the year, and depending on conditions, can produce for as long as ten years. When the sacha inchi pods are ready to pick, they make cracking sounds and turn from green to brown in color. Teams working in fields then pick the star shaped pods from the plants and place into baskets. After being picked, the pods are placed on drying beds (long tables with wire mesh), where they dry in the warm sunshine until the seeds are exposed.
From there, the pods are pressed, removing layers to get to the seed. Once removed, seeds are put into sacks and stored. When sacha inchi farmers have a large enough volume of seeds stored, it’s time to bring them to market. The sacks of seed are transported from the farmer’s land by cart to Lima, from which they are then imported into Canada.
Where does it come from?
The Amazon rainforest is one of the most valuable and important places in the world – in fact, it is the largest forest on the planet representing one-fifth of the world’s fresh water and containing thousands of animal and plant species.Sacha inchi plants are native to this amazing rainforest, grown deep in the lowland regions of Peru.
SaviSeeds are the fruit of many harvests. In Peru, farmers grow sacha inchi plants on small plots of land in high and abundant jungle regions, often in addition to their other crops. The yields of many of these small sacha inchi plantations are combined to become SaviSeeds. In this way, the production of SaviSeed allows Peruvian communities to band together, as they collectively raise sacha inchi seeds to earn a living and support their families. Learn more about the fair trade of SaviSeeds with indigenous farmers in Peru.
Nutritional Profile
SaviSeeds are rich in nutrients – making them a healthy but indulgent snack. Here’s why they are called a superfood:
Omega 3: Sacha inchi seeds are the richest source of Omega 3 on the planet! At 7000mg of heart-healthy Omega 3 per one ounce serving, they offer 13 times more Omega 3 than an ounce of wild salmon – without having to deal with unpleasant fishy flavors and aftertastes!
Protein: SaviSeeds are an exceptional source of plant-based protein with 8 grams of complete protein per ounce – more than most nuts and seeds. This highly digestible protein is very useful in tissue regeneration and muscle development, and it’s easily digestible… no irritation, gas, or acidity.
Tryptophan: This ancient food source is also a particularly abundant source of tryptophan, an amino acid that can help promote a positive mood – containing about 29 mg of tryptophan per gram of protein, which is more than 8 times higher than roasted turkey.
Antioxidants: Sacha inchi seeds have a high concentration of powerful natural antioxidants like Vitamin E, which helps to ward off cardiovascular disease and cancer by protecting cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Gluten-free: All those with gluten intolerances and allergies can also enjoy this nutritious and yummy snack! SaviSeeds are tested and approved to meet international guidelines for gluten free status.
Fiber: A mere one ounce serving of SaviSeed will easily provide you with 5 grams of dietary fiber, which is 20% of recommended daily intake.
Certified Organic: SaviSeeds are organically certified by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), meaning that no chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides or herbicides are used during production. Precautions are taken even during transportation and storage to avoid cross contamination between organic sacha inchi and any crops that may not be organic.
Omega 3
SaviSeeds are the richest source of Omega 3 on the planet! At 7000mg of heart-healthy Omega 3 per one ounce serving, they offer 13 times more Omega 3 than an ounce of wild salmon – and with SaviSeeds, you’ll have no fishy aftertaste!
Since Omega 3 is not naturally produced by the body, it’s essential to consume Omega-3 rich foods like SaviSeed to reduce inflammation and promote heart, joint and mental health , and even help to prevent cancer and disease.
Not only are SaviSeeds amazingly rich in Omega 3, they also contain Omega 6 and 9 in an optimally balanced ratio. Modern day diets have significantly raised levels of Omega 6, as it is found in grains, poultry and eggs. Consuming foods like SaviSeed with higher levels of Omega-3 will balance fatty acid ratios for optimum health.
So how does SaviSeed compare to other commonly known sources of Omega 3? This chart is a great reference – comparing SaviSeed to seeds, nuts and fish! As you can see below, one ounce of Oh Natural SaviSeeds contain 7000 mg of Omega 3 which exceeds even flax seeds’ 6400 mg. While the numbers are close, SaviSeeds are far easier to consume as they don’t require grinding to access nutrients and are far more snackable!
|
SEEDS |
NUTS |
FISH |
||||||||
| 1 ounce of… |
SaviSeed |
Chia |
Flax |
Hemp |
Almonds |
Walnuts |
Pecans |
Salmon |
Herring |
Mackerel |
| Calories |
190 |
137 |
150 |
160 |
161 |
173 |
193 |
40 |
45 |
57 |
| Fat (g) |
15 |
9 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
17 |
20 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| Protein (g) |
8 |
4 |
5 |
10 |
6 |
7 |
3 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
| Omega 3 (mg) |
7000 |
4915 |
6388 |
2400 |
2 |
2542 |
276 |
565 |
488 |
748 |
| Fiber (g) |
5 |
11 |
8 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
16 Comments »
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Josie
How many seeds in one serving? How many seeds in an ounce?
Thanks for the information.Jan 22,2012 @ 7:46 pm -
Chantelle
Hello, are you loving these seeds? To answer your question It goes by weight. 1oz for small for 5oz in lrg. Size if seed varies naturally. 10-15 in a 1oz serving.
thank you!
Jan 24,2012 @ 1:55 pm -
Janet
Unless you provide the omega 3:6 ratio, it is difficult to determine the benefit of adding this product to our diet. Could you please provide this info?
additionally, how can this oil be used? For example, what is its smoking point?
Looking forward to your response – thanks!
Jul 18,2012 @ 9:11 pm -
Chantelle
Hello Janet,
Thank you so much for the question. Omega 3 supplementation is recommended for everyone due to the high amounts of health benefits. Majority of diets are high in omega 6 consumption, therefor requiring the needed increase in Omega 3.
This oil is contained in the seed and absorbed through eating it. There is no smoking point as it is not in an oil form.
Thank you so much for the comment.
Jul 19,2012 @ 10:04 am -
Sharon
Good Day, please advise if deliver to Australia, thank you!
Sep 25,2012 @ 4:34 pm -
Chantelle
Hello,
Thank you for your question. Currently we are only able to ship the North America.
Thank you.Oct 1,2012 @ 9:28 am -
Beth White
I ate 5 seeds and got very sick out of both ends for hours. Some internet sites said a percentage of people have that reaction, but they don’t know why. Do you know any more about that?
Oct 29,2012 @ 8:09 pm -
Chantelle
Hello thank you for the comment. Unfortunately we do not have a direct answer other than because it is a seed it can simply cause an allergic response in some select people. There are many people who are allergic to only a select seed or nut while others are do not affect them.
Thank you again.
Oct 30,2012 @ 11:36 am -
Ronda
I also become violently ill after consuming Savi Seed. It has been very difficult to determine why, but it seems to be a fairly common reaction. Also, some shake/smoothie mixes are adding Savi Seed to their formulas, so buyer beware. These seeds are not for everyone!
Nov 8,2012 @ 12:00 am -
Chantelle
Thank you for the comment,
The seed is newer to the North American market and some are finding that they are allergic to it.
Thank you again.Nov 8,2012 @ 11:39 am -
Elizabeth
I bought some Savi seed-coca kissed. Ate a couple and felt kind a sick but thought I was just tired. Later ate some more and got VIOLENTLY ill. Vomiting and diarrhea. I am not allergic to anything so I just didn’t think about that but apparently there is something in these seeds. There should be some sort of warning about this since they are fairly new to the US market.
Jan 19,2013 @ 7:28 am -
Lauren
I also tried these since they seemed like an awesome superfood, and got very ill after eating them. I’m also not allergic to anything, I’m athletic and very active, and I rarely get sick.
But these made me vomit a couple hours eating them, and gave me diarrhea as well. They literally made me feel physically awful. I am still kind of dumbfounded about it, and still feel nauseous just thinking about them. I wonder what is in them that is making some people have such a strong sick reaction.Feb 28,2013 @ 12:26 am -
Nature's Fare Markets
Hello,
We have spoken to the company about this question as we have had a couple of customers respond with the same story. They have two possible reasons;1. It is such a new food item for North America that it could be food allergy/sensitivity related. Not all food allergies involve hives and swelling but some simply induce sever reactions through vomits and diarrhea.
2. They are extremely high in Omega oils. If you are not used to taking these oils then there could be some stomach upset, but not being violently ill. The upset stomach can be increased if these are taken at a higher quantity or on an empty stomach.
Mar 1,2013 @ 4:36 pm -
Debbie
I’m another one that had the severe reaction. I was violently ill , vomiting and diarrhea. It comes on suddenly. There should be a warning on the label. I didn’t know what hit me.
Mar 7,2013 @ 4:45 am -
ren
I became very , very sick after eating the
Saviseeds..I believe after reading all the reviews that this is very common.Apr 23,2013 @ 7:40 am -
Grace C. Beebe
I was just thinking these remind me of corn nuts which I sorely miss. Once I start eating the serving I can’t stop it is like a new addiction. I love the carmelized ones. One thing I noticed is my mood is better. I found this odd. I also think the Omega oil content may be just the lift my guts needed. I am sure glad that I found these so far.
Jun 6,2013 @ 10:28 pm
