Inka Peanut

Evidence: Limited
Botanical

Useful mainly for people wanting a plant-based omega-3 (ALA) source, especially to support blood lipids.

Quick decision guide

May help most

people wanting a plant-based omega-3 (ALA) source, especially to support blood lipids

Common dosing range

Often 10–15 mL oil/day or several grams of seed/protein (varies by product)

When to expect effects

Weeks (biomarker changes)

Watch out for

Provides ALA, which converts poorly to EPA/DHA; not a substitute for fish-oil omega-3s

What is it

Inka peanut, better known as sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis), is an Amazonian seed unusually rich in the plant omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), plus protein and antioxidants. It is consumed as roasted seeds, oil, or protein powder.

Is it worth it for you?

Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.

Worth considering if…

You want a vegan ALA-rich oil/seed and a protein source
You are mainly interested in modest lipid (biomarker) effects

Probably skip if…

You need EPA/DHA specifically (consider algae or fish oil)
You expect proven cardiovascular outcome benefits
You have a tree-nut/seed allergy that may cross-react

Evidence at a glance

GoalEvidenceEffectBest fitTime
blood lipid profileLimitedModestadults seeking a plant omega-3 source to improve lipidsWeeks

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

blood lipid profile

Biomarker support
Limited

Small human studies of sacha inchi oil report improvements in lipid markers, such as higher HDL and favorable changes in cholesterol, attributable to its high ALA content. Trials are few and small, and these are biomarker changes rather than demonstrated cardiovascular outcomes.

Effect size: Modest
Time to effect: Weeks
Best fit: adults seeking a plant omega-3 source to improve lipids

Bottom line: Sacha inchi oil can modestly improve lipid biomarkers, but the evidence is small and limited to surrogate markers.

Evidence is mixed

Few small trials with varied designs; some report mild GI intolerance and effects are not consistent across all lipid measures.

SourceAlayón et al., 2019 — PubMed· conflictingGarmendia et al., 2011 — PubMed· conflicting
SourceAlayón et al., 2019 — PubMedGarmendia et al., 2011 — PubMed

How to take it

Typical dose
~10–15 mL oil/day, or several grams of seeds/protein
Timing
With meals
With food
With food
How long to try
8–12 weeks to see lipid changes

What to track

  • LDL and HDL cholesterol
  • Triglycerides
  • GI tolerance

Safety

Common side effects

Nausea or GI upset with the oil in some people

Who should avoid it

  • People with seed/nut allergies that may cross-react

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Likely fine as a food; no specific supplemental-dose safety data in pregnancy.

Choosing a product

Look for

  • ALA (omega-3) content per serving
  • Cold-pressed oil or clearly identified Plukenetia volubilis

Be skeptical of

  • 'Same as fish oil'
  • 'Complete omega-3' / implies EPA-DHA
  • 'Heart-attack prevention'

References by claim

blood lipid profile

  • Alayón et al., 2019 — PubMed (2019) link
  • Garmendia et al., 2011 — PubMed (2011) link

Track Inka Peanut with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·Evidence current as of May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.