Researchers tested a special oil called sacha inchi oil to see if it could help bodies handle fatty foods better. They gave rats different diets—some normal, some high in fat—and some groups got the special oil added to their food. After six weeks, the rats that got the sacha inchi oil had better cholesterol and fat levels in their blood, and their bodies showed signs of less inflammation. This oil is packed with healthy fats that might help protect our hearts when we eat lots of fatty foods.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding sacha inchi oil (a special plant oil) to food could improve how the body handles fat and cholesterol, especially when eating a high-fat diet.
  • Who participated: 24 laboratory rats divided into 4 groups. Each group ate different diets for 6 weeks: normal food, normal food with oil added, high-fat food, or high-fat food with oil added.
  • Key finding: Rats that ate sacha inchi oil had significantly lower triglycerides (a type of fat in blood) and better cholesterol ratios, regardless of whether they ate normal or high-fat diets. The oil also reduced inflammation markers in their bodies.
  • What it means for you: This suggests sacha inchi oil might help protect heart health when eating fatty foods, but this is early research in animals. More studies in humans are needed before making dietary changes. Talk to a doctor before trying new supplements.

The Research Details

Scientists divided 24 rats into four equal groups and fed them different diets for six weeks. One group ate normal food without any supplement. Another group ate normal food with sacha inchi oil mixed in. A third group ate a high-fat diet without the oil, and the fourth group ate a high-fat diet with the oil added. This setup let researchers compare how the oil affected rats on both regular and fatty diets.

Before and after the study, researchers tested the rats’ blood to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation markers. They also analyzed the sacha inchi oil itself to understand exactly what healthy fats it contained. This careful measurement approach helped them see exactly what the oil did to the rats’ bodies.

Using this comparison method (called a controlled study) is important because it lets scientists see what the oil actually does, separate from other factors. By testing rats on both normal and high-fat diets, they could see if the oil helps specifically when eating lots of fat. This type of study is a good first step before testing in humans.

This study was well-designed with clear groups and careful measurements. However, it was done in rats, not humans, so results might not apply the same way to people. The study was relatively short (6 weeks), so we don’t know if benefits last longer. The researchers used reliable lab methods to measure blood fats and inflammation, which makes the measurements trustworthy.

What the Results Show

The sacha inchi oil worked best at lowering triglycerides (a harmful fat in blood) when rats ate a high-fat diet. Rats getting the oil had triglyceride levels that were noticeably lower than rats eating high-fat food without the oil. The oil also improved the ratio between triglycerides and HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol), which is important for heart health.

The oil also reduced VLDL cholesterol, which is the ‘bad’ cholesterol that carries fat through your blood. When combined with the triglyceride improvements, this suggests the oil helps the body process and manage fat better. The oil appeared to work this way because it’s very high in two specific healthy fats called alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, which make up 82% of the oil.

Beyond the main cholesterol improvements, the oil also affected inflammation in the rats’ bodies. It increased levels of a protective substance called IL-10, which helps calm inflammation. The oil slightly improved other inflammation markers like IL-6 and a healing substance called resolvin-D1. These changes suggest the oil doesn’t just help with cholesterol—it might also reduce harmful inflammation that damages blood vessels and the heart.

This research fits with what scientists already know about omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (the healthy fats in sacha inchi oil). Previous studies have shown these fats help reduce triglycerides and improve cholesterol. This study confirms those benefits work in sacha inchi oil specifically and shows the oil might be particularly helpful when eating high-fat diets. However, most previous research was done in humans or used different oils, so this adds new information about this specific plant oil.

This study was done in rats, not people, so we can’t be sure the same benefits would happen in humans. The study only lasted 6 weeks, which is relatively short—we don’t know if the benefits continue longer or if the body adapts over time. The study didn’t test different amounts of the oil, so we don’t know the best dose. Finally, the study measured inflammation markers that are important in rats but might work differently in human bodies.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, sacha inchi oil appears promising for heart health, but it’s too early to make strong recommendations. If you’re interested in trying sacha inchi oil, talk to your doctor first, especially if you take blood-thinning medications or have heart conditions. Start with small amounts and monitor how you feel. This research suggests potential benefits, but human studies are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.

People concerned about heart health, high triglycerides, or cholesterol might find this interesting. However, this is animal research, so it’s most relevant to researchers developing new treatments. People with bleeding disorders, those taking blood thinners, or anyone with serious health conditions should consult doctors before trying sacha inchi oil. Healthy people curious about supplements should also check with healthcare providers.

In the rat study, benefits appeared after 6 weeks of daily consumption. If similar effects occur in humans, you might expect to see changes in blood work after 4-8 weeks of regular use. However, individual results vary greatly, and human bodies may respond differently than rat bodies. Don’t expect overnight changes—consistent use over weeks or months would be necessary to see potential benefits.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If trying sacha inchi oil, track daily intake (amount in grams or milliliters) and note any digestive changes or side effects. Record energy levels and how you feel. Most importantly, get blood work done before starting and again after 6-8 weeks to measure triglycerides, HDL, and LDL cholesterol—the actual markers this oil affects.
  • Start by adding 1 teaspoon of sacha inchi oil daily to salads, smoothies, or other foods (don’t cook with it, as heat damages the healthy fats). Set a daily reminder in your app to take it at the same time each day. Track whether you’re consistently taking it, as benefits only appear with regular use.
  • Use the app to log weekly notes about digestion, energy, and overall feeling. Schedule blood work reminders at 6-week and 12-week marks to measure actual changes in triglycerides and cholesterol. Compare results to your baseline. If you notice digestive issues, reduce the amount and increase gradually. Share results with your doctor to determine if the oil is working for your specific situation.

This research was conducted in rats and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to replace medical advice or treatment. Before starting sacha inchi oil or any supplement, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have heart disease, take blood-thinning medications, have bleeding disorders, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Supplements are not regulated the same way as medications, and quality varies between brands. This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.