One Superfood, Three Omegas: How This Plant-based Fatty Acid Alternative May Help Support Brain And Body Health
Sacha Inchi oil is rich in omegas 3, 6, and 9, and antioxidants said to support one’s well-being
By The Singapore Women's Weekly -
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A shift in her elderly mother’s health in 2021 – marked by rising cholesterol and blood pressure – sparked Rachael Onn’s journey into health supplements.
Her mother, now 70, had always enjoyed good health and was one of the fortunate few to show little sign of ageing. “Her hair remained mostly black, with only a few grey strands,” recalls Rachael, co-founder of Ark+. “But in 2021, her cholesterol and blood pressure started to rise.,” she says. “I wanted to find a way to help her.”
This led to a year-long search, during which she discovered Sacha Inchi, a superfood also known as the Inca peanut. Native to the Amazon rainforest, this plant has nutrient-rich seeds packed with omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids as well as antioxidants.
According to Rachael, Sacha Inchi oil can help manage the “three highs” – high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol – and may also promote digestive health and appetite control.
“Fish oil contains 35 to 40 per cent omega-3 fatty acids and Sacha Inchi oil has over 90 per cent omega-3, 6 and 9 – making it a potent plant-based source,” she says. “100g of Sacha Inchi oil is equivalent to 17 servings of salmon.”
The Sacha Inchi plant and seeds, native to the Amazon rainforest.
This makes it an option for vegetarians and vegans, who may struggle to obtain enough healthy fats from traditional sources like fish, says Rachael.
She first let her mother try Sacha Inchi in softgel form, and observed improvements in her cholesterol and blood pressure – alongside making other lifestyle changes.
Encouraged by these results, Rachael entered the health supplements space in 2022, hoping to support holistic well-being for those navigating today’s fast-paced lifestyles through Ark+.
Sacha Inchi products come in various forms, including softgel capsules, coffee, tea and cold-pressed oil.
An ancient Amazonian oil for modern-day needs
Sacha Inchi, the flagship product at Ark+ is available in various forms, including softgel and vegan capsules, as well as enzyme jelly, lutein eye jelly, milk tea, white coffee and cold-pressed extra virgin Sacha Inchi oil.
Rachael shares: “Sacha Inchi has a 3,000-year history, and is known to offer benefits for the heart, brain, eyes and overall health. It helps protect cell membranes and has anti-inflammatory properties.”
Coming from a finance background, Rachael works closely with a trusted Taiwanese heritage supplement manufacturer to ensure Ark+ products meet the highest quality standards.
“All Ark+ products are produced under stringent conditions in an in-house laboratory in Taiwan. In Singapore, we further ensure quality and safety through third-party inspection, testing and certification by SGS Singapore. Additionally, we have purchased insurance from Allied World to ensure transparency and provide consumers with peace of mind,” she says.
Supplements including enzyme jelly and lutein bright eye jelly may help improve digestive health and support eye health.
The busy working mum also walks the talk, incorporating Sacha Inchi into her family’s lifestyle through food.
“I add cold-pressed Sacha Inchi oil to salads, vegetables or even drizzle it on my morning beverage and soft-boiled eggs. For my children, I add it to their milk,” she shares. “The omega-3 in the oil helps to support healthy brain function and keeps our minds active.”
For women in their 30s and beyond, Rachael advises them to take charge of their health as early as possible. “No matter how busy we are, we should prioritise our health and maintain a balanced diet, especially as we age,” she says.
Beyond Sacha Inchi, which can also help with improving digestive health, Ark+ has expanded its range to include supplements such as NMN (Nicotinamide mononucleotide), Bone Rescue Support, Lutein Bright Eye Jelly, and Iron+ Vitality Energy Essence to help slow the ageing process, improve bone density and support eye health from within.
Your Debloat Choice can help with fluid retention.
Soon to launch is Your Debloat Choice, a dietary supplement made with a French-patented extract that addresses fluid retention.
“Your Debloat Choice can help with poor digestion, water retention and bloating. It may also be helpful for women who face hormonal fluctuations each month. This ready-to-drink supplement aims to address these common issues,” adds Rachael.
To learn more about Sacha Inchi and Ark+’s health supplements, visit Ark+.