Camelina oil: benefits, harm, application

A nutritious oil is obtained from an unsightly herb in the cabbage family called camelina. In terms of fatty acid content, the product is equated to valuable flaxseed oil. It stores well and has a pleasant taste, reminiscent of sesame seeds. Active use in cosmetology and cooking indicates the high usefulness of the product.

What is camelina oil made from?

The product is made from the seeds of the camelina cereal. The product gained great popularity in Russia in the early years of the 20th century. The annual camelina is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and ease of cultivation. Can grow on loamy or sandy loam soils. The cereal belongs to the cruciferous family. The plant has inconspicuous yellow flowers and a tall stem. Today the plant is grown in the vast expanses of Siberia and many European countries: Belgium, Germany, Sweden, France.

The oil is obtained from camelina seeds by pressing. Industrial waste also finds its use as plant feed for animals. Spent stems are used in the manufacture of brushes and packaging materials.

Benefits of camelina oil

The product can have a restorative and restorative effect on the body. Its unique composition is similar to flax seed oil. The main components are:

• Vitamin A is involved in fat and protein metabolic processes, improves the condition of mucous membranes, and promotes wound healing.
• Vitamins D and K are necessary for metabolic processes.
• Magnesium helps maintain optimal blood sugar levels, has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory effects, and promotes relaxation. Used to prevent osteoporosis in combination with vitamins K and D.
• Complex of saturated fatty acids, including Omega-3 (more than 35% mass fraction), Omega-6. The most optimal ratio of acids is 1:2. Acids activate the functioning of the brain and cardiovascular system, increase joint mobility. 
• Vitamin E, which has a strong antioxidant effect. It helps neutralize the negative effects of free radicals, strengthens the immune system and protects against early aging. A high concentration of this component ensures a long shelf life of the product.

Camelina seed oil is rich in chlorophyll, phytosterols, and phospholipids. Phospholipids are necessary for the normal functioning of fat and carbohydrate metabolism and improve liver function. Chlorophyll increases hemoglobin levels, improves the functioning of the respiratory, digestive, and endocrine systems. Phytosterols regulate hormonal balance, prevent prostatitis and adenoma.

Regular consumption of the product normalizes blood pressure, lowers cholesterol levels, improves immunity and overall tone. If you have stomach diseases, the oil helps heal damage to the internal mucosa.

For problems with the reproductive system, oil is prescribed; it improves hormonal levels and relieves inflammation. If the product is applied externally, it has a wound-healing effect and helps in the treatment of skin diseases.

Harm of camelina oil

The product has no contraindications for use by children, pregnant or lactating women. If you follow the intake norm of no more than 2 tablespoons of the product per day, the oil has a healing and strengthening effect. But it is worth considering that the benefit comes from an unrefined, cold-pressed product that has a normal shelf life.

Relative harm can occur if the consumption rate is exceeded due to the high calorie content of the product, especially for people with excess body weight. In diseases of the pancreas and gallbladder, exacerbation is possible due to increased production of pancreatic secretions and bile.

Uses of camelina oil

The popularity of the product is constantly growing. The product is used in various fields of cooking, therapy, and cosmetology.

• In cooking, it is used when mixing salad sauces with the addition of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and dried tomatoes. Pure oil is suitable for marinades, cooking porridges, potatoes, and baking. Cold sauces add a piquant flavor to vegetable salads. All beneficial properties are preserved with minimal heat treatment. 
• The vitamins and fatty acids it contains strengthen blood vessels and lower cholesterol levels. To stabilize pressure, treatment of atherosclerosis, anemia, thrombophlebitis oil intake is prescribed.
• For diseases of the digestive system, the product ensures healing of wounds on the mucous membrane and has a bactericidal effect. The use of oil has an antihelminthic effect.
• Women suffering from menopause, premenstrual syndrome, pregnant and lactating women restore their hormonal levels by consuming a product containing many phytohormones.
• The active antioxidant effect of the product helps cleanse the body of waste, toxins, and heavy metal salts.
• For cosmetic purposes, the product is used to moisturize the skin, increase its firmness, elasticity, prevent early aging and hyperpigmentation. The skin is restored and moisturized, hair follicles are strengthened.
• In dermatology, the product is used in the treatment of skin diseases: psoriasis, eczema, diathesis, neurodermatitis, urticaria.
• Oil is added to mixtures for aroma lamps and massages. 
• If there is diaper rash in infants, apply oil to the damaged areas.

How to take camelina oil

For medicinal purposes, the product is taken in the morning before meals. One tablespoon of the product at room temperature is washed down with 100 g of warm water. The subsequent breakfast should be no earlier than 30-40 minutes later. As a result of this intake, a slight laxative effect may be observed. 

If there are diseases of the pancreas, stomach, or intestines, then the oil should not be consumed on an empty stomach. It is added to food throughout the day along with salads and main courses.

When using camelina seed oil for cosmetic purposes, it is slightly heated. The warm product quickly penetrates the skin and hair. A few drops of the product are added to creams, masks, hair balms, oil massage mixtures.

Contraindications for camelina oil

The product has no contraindications except for individual intolerance. If the permitted intake is exceeded, side effects may occur.

Healthy oil from the common camelina cereal has a wide range of uses. Active consumption of food will provide the body with healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and microelements.