NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PHI Group, a U.S. public company focusing on acquisitions and investments in energy, natural resources and special situations (www.phiglobal.com) (OTCMarkets:PHIL), has signed a Business Cooperation Agreement with Nathan Trading Company Ltd., a Thai company specializing in the promotion of the growing of sacha inchi plants and processing seeds into finished products (“NTC”), to develop raw material sources, production, and marketing and sales of sacha inchi products for international markets.
According to the agreement, PHI will initially purchase NTC’s sacha inchi products for sale in several select international markets. NTC and PHI will jointly promote the growing of sacha inchi plants and secure harvests for raw material from Southeast Asia and other compatible geographical areas as well as increase NTC’s production capacity to meet future demand for sacha inchi products. PHI also will design and implement marketing and sales strategies for NTC’s sacha inchi products in the United States and other international markets.
Originally from the Amazon rainforest and the high Andes Mountains of Peru, sacha inchi has been part of the Inca diet for 3,000 years. The sacha inchi plant, plukenetia volubilis, a rainforest vine, with star-shaped seed pods, is currently cultivated primarily in parts of Southeast Asia and South America. Sacha inchi has been recognized for a number of health benefits:
- Weight loss: As one of the richest sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, sacha inchi nuts can help balance cortisol levels. When cortisol levels are controlled, food cravings and mood swings are reduced. In fact, medical personality Dr. Oz lists sacha inchi as one of his best snacks for weight loss.
- Heart health: Medical studies have shown that sacha inchi's high concentration and proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids reduce the risk of heart disease. Its fats are largely monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.
- Complete protein: As a complete protein, sacha inchi contains every amino acid our body needs to function properly. Sacha inchi provides 9 grams of protein per serving.
- Bone health: Since sacha inchi is high in omega-3 fatty acids, it can support bone structure. Omega-3 fatty acids enhance bone mineral content by helping the body absorb calcium. Eating more foods rich in omega-3s can help protect bones as people age.
- Skin and hair: Sacha inchi nuts provide nutrients that promote supple skin and silky hair. Omega-3 fatty acids support hydration and protect against inflammation, while the vitamin E found in sacha inchi prevents free radical damage that can harm skin.
Dr. Chansamone Saiyasak, President and Managing Director of NTC stated: “We look forward to working with PHI Group to promote the cultivation, production and consumption of sacha inchi because of its remarkable multiple health benefits and to make more of its products available to the global markets.”
Henry Fahman, CEO of PHI Group, said, “We are delighted to partner with NTC in this program because sacha inchi fits well into our premium organic farming initiative. Sacha inchi can be a very desirable component of specialty foods and a superior substitute for current regular cooking oil thanks to the benefits of its unparalleled combination of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. U.S. sales of specialty foods surpassed $120 billion in 2015.”
About PHI Group
Founded in 1982, PHI Group primarily focuses on acquisitions as a principal and invests in energy, natural resources and special situations that may substantially enhance shareholder value.
About Nathan Trading Co.
Nathan Trading Company Limited specializes in the promotion of the growth of sacha inchi plant as well as processing its seeds into finished products, certified GMP, HACCP, USDA Organic, EU Organic, Halal, Non-GMO and Thai FDA. The Company owns and operates a sacha inchi processing plant in Nathan District, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand (www.nathantrad.com).
Safe Harbor:
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected on the basis of such forward-looking statements pursuant to the "safe-harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.