Camelina oil: benefits for men and women, composition

Camelina oil is obtained not from mushrooms, as it seems at first glance, but from an oilseed crop - camelina. Until the mid-20th century, this crop, known as false flax, was cultivated on an industrial scale. Over time, camelina oil was completely replaced by sunflower oil. The product continues to be used in cosmetology, traditional medicine recipes, and soap making. In industry, camelina seed oil is used in the production of biodiesel and paint and varnish products.

In Europe and Asia, camelina is found in the wild. The plant is quite unpretentious and resistant to weather changes. Externally, the culture looks like a shepherd's purse. The main difference is the yellow small flowers collected in tassels at the top of the stem. From them small amber-colored seeds are formed, from which valuable camelina oil is subsequently extracted. Supporters of proper, healthy nutrition know that camelina oil is in many ways superior to sunflower, flaxseed or sesame oil. In some sources it is mentioned under the original name “German sesame”.

What does camelina oil look like and what is it made from?

In the language of botany, camelina sativa sounds like Camelina sativa. This is a herb belonging to the Brassica family. In Russia, camelina is grown mainly in ecologically clean areas of Siberia. The plant is common in the middle zone, but here it is perceived as a weed. Common camelina can be found in fields, meadows, and roadsides. It is easily recognized by its long, slightly hairy stem and a cap of small yellow flowers at the top.

The oil is obtained from seeds that look like miniature boxes, the size of which does not exceed 2 mm. The color of the product varies from deep yellow to bright orange, depending on the degree of purification. Refined camelina oil is much lighter in color.

The taste of camelina oil depends on the type of processing. The product obtained by first pressing is characterized by a sesame aroma and bitter taste notes. Depending on the perception of the taste buds, you can feel the aftertaste of mustard or radish. After final refining, camelina oil loses its taste and specific smell.

How does camelina oil differ from other types of oils?

Scientists and nutritionists conducted a comparative analysis of camelina oil with oils squeezed from grape seeds, hemp seeds, avocado and coconut. The result showed that Camelina oil has ideal proportions of valuable fatty acids.

Compared to olive oil, camelina oil has a much higher smoke point. This means that it is safe to use camelina oil in cooking. Even at extremely high cooking temperatures, it does not emit combustion products and retains the original taste of the food.

Due to the high concentration of vitamin E, camelina oil is stored much longer than other vegetable oils. The oil production mechanism preserves natural antioxidants, which increase shelf life. It is noteworthy that in a closed container, Camelina oil does not disintegrate and does not release free radicals, unlike, for example, flaxseed oil.

Compound

To fully understand what camelina oil is and what features it has, you need to find out what it consists of. The presented product contains a large number of useful microelements.

The fatty acid composition of the oil is as follows:

It also contains vitamins:

In terms of its nutritional characteristics, oil made from camelina seeds has a certain similarity to sesame oil. It has a spicy, slightly spicy taste and an extraordinary aroma.

Useful and healing properties of camelina oil

Biologically active compounds in Camelina oil have a beneficial effect on blood vessels. Vitamins in combination with fatty acids provide:

• Elasticity, density of the vascular wall.
• Reducing “bad” cholesterol.
• Normalization of blood pressure.
• Improved blood quality - normal hemoglobin level, coagulation indicators.

Considering this property, camelina oil is recommended for patients with atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, and hypertension.

Camelina sativa oil contains substances whose effect is similar to antibacterial. The use of the product ensures rapid restoration of the mucous membranes of the digestive organs with:

• Gastritis.
• Colitis of various origins.
• Enterocolitis.
• Gastric ulcer.

Fatty acids from camelina sativa heal the liver and bile ducts. There is evidence that Camelina oil helps with malignant tumors, gets rid of helminthic infestations, and is effective in the treatment of gynecological and urological problems and hormonal disorders.

Composition and calorie content

The structure of camelina oil is similar to cedar oil. They contain a high concentration of fatty acids, valuable microelements, and vitamins.

Unlike most plant products, camelina oil is a real record holder for vitamin E content. One spoon of the product provides a person’s daily need for this essential compound.

Calories 901 Kcal

• Omega-3:
  37%
• Omega-6:
  19%
• Omega-9:
  17%
• Eicosene:
  14%
• Palmitic:
  6%
• Rest:
  7%

The table below shows more detailed numbers according to the research.

In addition, the following were found in camelina oil:

• Antioxidants.
• Chlorophyll.
• Minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus).
• Vitamins A, F, K, D.
• Amino acids.
• Phospholipids.
• Phytosterols.

In terms of mineral value, camelina oil is superior to sunflower, mustard and flaxseed oil. It contains rare compounds that are more commonly found in avocados. A large amount of provitamin A ensures the synthesis of beta-carotene in a volume that fully covers the body's needs.

TOP 11 beneficial properties of camelina oil

Camelina oil has a unique taste that enriches culinary dishes. Much more important is that the product is endowed with beneficial properties that alleviate the symptoms of a number of diseases and improve the condition of the body.

1. Controls cholesterol levels. Sterols, which are found in excess in camelina oil, block the absorption of cholesterol. One experiment involved giving people with elevated total cholesterol levels Camelina oil daily. In the control group, participants received olive oil. As a result, in the first group, all participants showed a decrease in blood cholesterol.

   The polyunsaturated fats in camelina support healthy cell development and function. A minimum content of saturated fat reduces the risk of heart disease due to elevated cholesterol levels [1].

2. Improves skin condition. Camelina oil can be used as a base for body massage. Pleasant aroma and soft texture provide relaxation during a massage session. During manual treatment, vitamin E and omega fatty acids penetrate sufficiently into the layers of the skin. The combined action of active substances provides skin hydration, nutrition, and protection from the destructive effects of free radicals. To maintain hydration, smooth structure and healthy skin, regular massage courses with camelina oil are recommended.
3. Heals hair. Warmed camelina sativa oil is used to massage the scalp. The procedure is the same as with olive oil. A course of massage treatments guarantees complete nutrition of the scalp, elimination of dandruff and scales, and soothing of itching. The hot massage method provokes the release of antioxidant compounds from camelina oil. They protect hair shafts from root to tip from destruction by free radicals, mechanical damage, and the influence of chemicals. After a hot oil massage, hair becomes soft and moisturized.
4. Maintains heart health. Camelina oil affects the lipid profile of a person. When introducing the product into the daily diet, it is possible to reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels to an acceptable level. Controlling cholesterol helps prevent heart and vascular disease.
5. Eases the course of arthritis. External rubbing of camelina oil for arthritis can significantly alleviate the symptoms of inflammation. Oral intake of oil provides the supply of omega acids that suppress inflammatory foci. Objectively, patients with arthritis note a decrease in pain and swelling in the joint area. Improved mobility of affected joints is explained by restoration of the elasticity of cartilage tissue.

   To massage sore joints, you can use a mixture of camelina and rosemary oils. In this case, camelina oil is the base oil, ensuring the conduction of the active substances of rosemary deep into the tissue.

6. Heals the brain, nerve fibers, eyes. It is impossible to maintain healthy brain tissue without omega fatty acids. All types of omega-3 (ALA, EPA, DHA) support the integrity of the nerve membranes, parts of the brain, and eyes. Medical observations have shown that systematic consumption of camelina oil protects the brain from pathologies accompanied by cognitive impairment. Based on the results obtained, camelina oil is recommended for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, macular degeneration, and damage to nerve fibers due to the inflammatory process.
7. Prevents the development of inflammation. Camelina oil is recommended for people whose daily activities involve a risk of injury and those suffering from chronic pain syndrome. The active ingredients of the oil have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. The product is taken internally and externally as a basis for massage. This is especially important for patients with degenerative, deforming joint pathologies.
8. Supports immunity. The vitamins and antioxidants in camelina oil provide powerful support to the immune system.
9. Slows down age-related changes. Fatty acids in camelina oil inhibit age-related changes in the skin and internal organs. Omega acids maintain high performance of muscle fibers and protect the myelin sheaths of nerves. The introduction of camelina oil into the diet preserves the quality of tooth enamel and bone density, which is very important in adulthood and old age.
10. Contains a lot of vitamin E. High concentrations of vitamin E prevent camelina oil from going rancid. Vegetable oils are susceptible to oxidation, which negatively affects their taste. Free radicals formed in the oil neutralize the healing properties and can cause a number of pathologies. These features have nothing to do with camelina oil. The presence of vitamin E ensures resistance to high temperatures and the realization of valuable effects. Camelina oil provides the body with vitamin E, prevents the development of cancer, vascular and heart diseases, which remain the main cause of mortality.
11. Provides the body with omega-3. Camelina oil contains a record amount of omega-3 fatty acids. The product is ideal for people who are deficient in omega-3 and follow a vegetarian diet. A standard diet provides the body with omega-6, so it is important to maintain a balance between different fatty acids. A sufficient supply of omega-3 prevents diseases of the cardiovascular system, helps cope with the symptoms of inflammatory reactions, and improves the health of the central nervous system.

[Video] The healing power of camelina oil and its rejuvenating properties:

Benefits for women

Camelina oil is a product that supports the female body during hormonal changes. It significantly alleviates the unpleasant symptoms characteristic of premenstrual syndrome. During menopause, camelina oil helps normalize hormonal levels and alleviate the sensation of hot flashes.

The active compounds of camelina oil have a positive effect on the course of pregnancy and fetal development. It should be introduced into the diet as early as possible after conception. After childbirth, microelements and vitamins normalize hormone levels, improve the composition of the mother’s blood, and improve the quality of breast milk.

Due to its ability to renew and regenerate the skin, women use camelina oil for facial rejuvenation. Omega-3 fatty acids protect blood vessels from varicose veins, which women are more susceptible to than men.

Benefits for men

Most men love fried foods, so they need camelina oil to remove toxins. Herbal components soften the symptoms of cholecystitis and liver diseases. In the daily diet, camelina oil is necessary for men experiencing hormonal problems. Regular intake of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins helps to avoid problems with prostate dysfunction and hyperplasia over the age of 40.

Benefits for hair

The effect of camelina oil on hair health has been studied for a long time. During this period, it was possible to formulate recommendations that help achieve high therapeutic and cosmetic effects:

• Normalize the functions of the sebaceous glands, get rid of oily roots.
• Fully moisturize the hair along the entire length, preventing split ends.
• Provide the skin with essential nutrients.
• Protect hair from high temperatures when styling with a hairdryer or curling iron.
• Prevent damage from chemical dyes.
• Strengthen the structure of curls, obtain the desired volume of hair.
• Prevent uncontrolled hair loss - baldness.
• Eliminate dandruff.

The components of the oil soothe itching, suppress inflammation of the scalp, and relieve the symptoms of allergic reactions. For ease of use, you can add a little camelina oil to your shampoo or hair conditioner, or you can rub it into your hair roots in its pure form. The main condition is to use cold-pressed camelina oil.

To strengthen your hair, just mix a little baby shampoo with 15 ml of vodka and a teaspoon of camelina oil. The composition is applied to clean, damp hair, massaged and rinsed with water in the usual way.

If your goal is to speed up hair growth, prepare a mask from equal parts of several oils:

• Ryzhikovy.
• Olive.
• Burdock.

Apply the mask over the entire length of your hair, put on a plastic cap, and insulate with a towel. After an hour, wash your hair with neutral shampoo.

To increase hair thickness, you can use a mask of a couple of tablespoons of camelina oil and one egg yolk. The mixture is applied to the hair for 30 minutes, after which it is washed off with shampoo.

Dry, dye-damaged hair can be brought back to life. To do this, camelina oil is heated in a water bath to 40°C. Warm oil is distributed from roots to ends and wrapped. In 30 minutes, the follicles are saturated with valuable substances, the scales of the shaft open, minerals, vitamins and other oil elements enter them. After half an hour, wash your hair with baby shampoo.

To get rid of split ends , it is not at all necessary to cut them. Try applying camelina oil to damaged strands at night. In the morning, wash off any remaining oil with warm water and shampoo. In a couple of weeks, your hair will become healthier.

Benefits for the skin

Camelina oil has an amazing effect on the skin, which is confirmed by dermatological studies. Systematic external use of the product contributes to:

• Eliminate signs of cellulite.
• Strengthening and saturating the skin with nutrients.
• Getting rid of acne, scars, and dermatitis.
• Prevention of stretch marks in pregnant women.
• Protection against photoaging caused by UV radiation from the sun.
• Stimulation of restoration processes at the cellular level.
• Regulation of the functions of the skin glands.
• Normalization of water-fat balance.
• Improvement of the capillary network of blood vessels that penetrates all layers of the skin.

[Video] Bomb face mask, the effect is visible the first time:

To improve your skin condition, use proven recipes.

1. Scrub . Exfoliating the top layer of skin removes dead skin cells, cleanses pores, and removes excess sebum. A homemade peeling remedy is prepared from 15 ml of camelina oil and 10 g of ground coffee. To moisturize dry skin, add a little heavy cream. The mixture of components is applied to the skin with massage movements for 20-30 seconds, then rinsed with cool water. The same composition can be applied to the face with light movements. In this case, exposure to the skin should not exceed a minute.
2. Rejuvenating mask . To smooth out facial wrinkles and improve skin tone, prepare a mixture of a tablespoon of avocado puree and camelina oil. The mask is applied to clean skin for 20 minutes. After this, wash your face with warm water.
3. The moisturizing mask consists of equal parts of milk, blue clay and a teaspoon of camelina oil. The mixture is applied to cleansed skin for 20-30 minutes and washed off with warm water.
4. an effective remedy for stretch marks and cellulite yourself from:

• 30 ml camelina oil;
• 1 ml orange oil.
• 2 ml lavender oil.
• 2 ml neroli oil.

The composition is applied daily to problem areas after an evening shower. The visible effect is noticeable a few weeks after the first procedure.

Uses of camelina oil

Recommendations for the use of camelina oil cover different areas of human life. With its help, you can alleviate the course of a number of diseases, preserve beauty, and improve the quality of dishes. Whichever method you choose, you are sure to get the desired result.

Use for various diseases

Camelina oil is widely used for the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases accompanied by inflammation and bacterial infection. Active substances promote the processes of regeneration of internal tissues and the rapid healing of all kinds of damage to the mucous membranes.

Camelina oil is introduced into the daily diet for:

• Atherosclerosis.
• Varicose veins, thrombophlebitis.
• Hypertension, ischemia of the heart muscle.
• Problems with hematopoiesis and blood clotting.
• Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Dysfunction of the liver and biliary tract.

Nutrients help patients recover faster after extensive surgery or serious illnesses. Vitamin and antioxidant compounds support the body in the treatment of tumors of various locations.

Omega fatty acids are necessary for patients suffering from obesity and metabolic disorders. Camelina oil helps eliminate harmful toxins, radionuclides, chemicals, and has anthelmintic properties.

Use in cooking

Camelina oil is used in cooking in refined and unrefined form. In any case, it retains all nutrients and is resistant to high temperatures. When heated, the oil does not release decay and combustion products, which means it does not have a carcinogenic effect, like most vegetable oils. It is used for frying meat, fish and vegetables.

In cooking, camelina oil is used to enrich dietary nutrition, vegan and vegetarian diets. It is added to dressings for vegetable dishes, cereal porridges, salads, sauces and gravies. The savory flavor notes go well with baked goods.

Application in cosmetology

Camelina oil is a component that is included in caring and medicinal cosmetics for skin and hair. Due to its hypoallergenicity, it has found application in the production of children's cosmetics.

Recipes for care products based on camelina oil are easy to prepare and use. Make a mask, peeling, massage product available at home. Caring compositions are quickly absorbed into the deep layers of the skin, provide it with nutrients, and protect cells from age-related changes.

Systematic use of camelina oil:

• Helps strengthen the vascular wall of skin capillaries, relieves signs of rosacea.
• Protects against pigmentation.
• Prevents the formation of wrinkles.
• Softens rough and inflamed skin areas.
• Reduces skin sensitivity to allergens.

Camelina oil is a real panacea for those with sensitive skin. It has a gentle composition that is safe for babies.

Benefits of oil squeeze

Oil strengthens hair and nails

Camelina oil is famous for its beneficial properties, because... has bactericidal, anti-edematous, antitumor, regenerating and anti-inflammatory effects. Its benefits are provided by the components included in the chemical composition:

• a balanced set of acidic compounds of the “omega” group actively participates in lipid metabolism, stabilizes the functioning of the hormonal system, is responsible for strengthening the immune system, strengthens the elasticity of capillaries and blood vessels, eliminates excess cholesterol and is a therapeutic and prophylactic agent against such a serious disease as atherosclerosis;
• retinol (a form of vitamin A) acts as a natural regulator of metabolic processes occurring in the body, stabilizes metabolism and activates regeneration processes in cells, benefiting vision, bones, skin and mucous membranes;
• antioxidant E (vitamin E) is necessary to strengthen hair, nails and skin;
• a mineral set that includes, among other elements, magnesium and potassium, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart muscle, stabilizing heart function and blood pressure, improving the condition of the digestive organs and nerve cells;
• Chlorophyll has a wound-healing and antibacterial effect, increasing the quantitative level of leukocytes and hemoglobin; it is also useful for lung tissue, stomach and thyroid gland;
• the phospholipid composition has a positive effect on liver function, being a means of preventing cirrhosis;
• Phytosterols (phytosterols) have antitumor properties, improve male well-being and regulate the activity of the prostate gland.

How to use camelina oil?

Nutritionists note that the greatest benefit comes from systematic consumption of raw camelina oil. Continuous use of oil is allowed for three months. After a 1-2 month break, taking the product can be resumed.

You can take camelina oil internally in different ways:

• In the morning on an empty stomach. About half an hour before breakfast you should drink one tablespoon. The effect occurs after 2-3 months of use. A person’s heart function objectively improves, blood pressure normalizes, physiological fat metabolism is restored, and the functioning of the nervous system is regulated.
• Several times a day for seasoning ready-made dishes. In this way, you can enrich products with minerals, vitamins, and valuable amino acids. After a few weeks, digestion improves, the body is cleansed of harmful substances, and metabolism is restored.

Camelina oil can be used externally in the form of lotions. The procedures help with burns, dermatitis, eczema, and superficial skin wounds. Camelina oil is a safe remedy for eliminating diaper rash in babies. To make a lotion, take a cotton napkin, soak it in camelina oil and apply it to the damaged area. To get results, carry out the procedure three times a day.

Peculiarities

Camelina oil is used in cooking, is present in the structure of medicines, cosmetic preparations, soap making, perfumery, and the production of paints and varnishes.

The by-products left over from oil production are used to feed animals, and the stems of the cereal are used in the production of packaging materials and brushes.

Watch an interesting video about healthy camelina oil.

How to select and store?

Refining is a special method of processing products carried out to remove impurities. During the refining process, camelina oil loses some of its medicinal properties due to the destruction of antioxidant compounds. For the same reason, after opening the bottle, the shelf life of the product is significantly reduced.

When choosing camelina oil, give preference to unrefined oil, packaged in small bottles. A high-quality product has a pronounced aroma, mild taste, and light yellow color. A responsible manufacturer indicates on the label the expiration date of camelina oil after opening the container. Store the oil in a glass bottle with a tightly closed lid.

Possible harm from consuming camelina oil

According to nutritionists and specialists in various fields of medicine, camelina oil is a safe product. In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published its opinion on the safety of Camelina oil. It says that the product can be used as a substitute for other edible oils for making baked goods, salads, cereal dishes, pasta, milk and dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and soups.

[Video] 7 vegetable oils that are harmful to your health:

Review Reviews

Buyers leave positive reviews about camelina oil. They liked that it was suitable for frying (refined) and was healthy. Women emphasized its cosmetic effect:

• increasing skin elasticity;
• relieving irritation and redness;
• deep hydration;
• strengthens hair and makes it smooth.

Not everyone appreciated the unique taste and aroma. In some regions the product may be difficult to find on sale. But consumers did not find any serious shortcomings. Can you fry in olive oil?

Where to buy camelina oil?

High-quality camelina oil can be bought in supermarkets, health food stores, and farm shops. A number of manufacturers offer camelina oil in online stores. It is important to pay attention to the label, which has special markings on it.

Author of the article:

Kuzmina Vera Valerievna |
Endocrinologist, nutritionist Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after. N.I. Pirogov, specialty “General Medicine” (2004). Residency at the Moscow State Medical and Dental University, diploma in Endocrinology (2006). Our authors