Camelina oil: Everything you need to know

Camelina oil has gained popularity as a health product, and it is marketed particularly as a heart-healthy oil due to its omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy components. Although some research has been conducted on the benefits of camelina oil, its true health benefits remain controversial, and many experts question its effects compared to other vegetable oils, such as canola or flaxseed oil. This article discusses camelina oil, its composition, potential benefits, and how it relates to cholesterol and overall health.

Camelina oil, also known as gold-of-pleasure oil, is obtained from the plant Camelina sativa, which belongs to the cruciferous family.This crop is native to Europe and is particularly known for having been cultivated for thousands of years. The distinctive feature of camelina oil is its high omega-3 fatty acid content, especially in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid.

The flavor of camelina oil is mild, nutty, and slightly grassy, making it a versatile oil for cooking and salad dressings. Its high smoke point (around 245 °C) also allows for its use in frying, unlike many other omega-3-rich oils that lose their nutritional value at high temperatures.

The popularity of camelina oil has increased particularly due to its health claims. The oil is often marketed as an alternative to other vegetable oils because of its high omega-3 content.Omega-3 fatty acids are known to promote heart health, and many believe that camelina oil can help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and improve vascular health. Additionally, its moderate omega-6 fatty acid content means that it offers a balanced fatty acid profile.

The popularity of camelina oil is also influenced by its environmentally friendly production. Camelina sativa is a sustainable crop that requires less fertilizer and water than many other crops. This makes camelina oil an attractive option for those who value sustainability.

Camelina oil is particularly known for the following nutrients:

1.  Omega-3 fatty acids (ALA): Camelina oil contains approximately 35–45% alpha-linolenic acid, which is a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. ALA is an essential fatty acid that promotes heart health and may reduce inflammation.

2.  Omega-6 fatty acids: Camelina oil contains about 15–20% linoleic acid, which is an important omega-6 fatty acid. Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for cell growth and brain function, but their intake should be balanced with omega-3 fatty acids.

3.  Omega-9 fatty acids: About 35–40% of camelina oil consists of oleic acids, which are monounsaturated fatty acids. Omega-9 fatty acids support heart health and help lower LDL cholesterol.

4.  Vitamin E: Camelina oil is rich in vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and protects cells from damage. Vitamin E is important for skin and immune system health.

Camelina oil is often marketed especially for its cholesterol-lowering properties. Its high omega-3 fatty acid content helps maintain heart health, and some studies suggest that incorporating camelina oil into the diet may help lower LDL cholesterol (the so-called..."bad" cholesterol), while it can improve HDL cholesterol (the so-called "good" cholesterol) levels.

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation and improve blood lipid balance, which decreases plaque buildup in the arteries and lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, it is important to note that most of the omega-3 in camelina oil

is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is less effective than the EPA and DHA fatty acids derived from fish oil. Our bodies convert ALA to EPA and DHA only to a limited extent, so camelina oil is not as effective an omega-3 source as, for example, fatty fish or fish oil supplements.

Although camelina oil has been studied to some extent, the results of studies on its health benefits are still somewhat contradictory.Some studies have shown that camelina oil may improve heart health and help manage cholesterol, but many of these studies have been small and their results have been variable.

Most claims regarding the health benefits of camelina oil relate to its potential impact on heart health. According to some studies, the use of camelina oil may improve blood lipid profiles, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. This is primarily due to its omega-3 fatty acid content. However, as mentioned earlier, ALA

has a limited ability to convert into more effective EPA and DHA fatty acids, which may restrict the heart health benefits of camelina oil.

Some studies suggest that camelina oil may help lower LDL cholesterol, but the evidence is not as strong as that for fish oil or other omega-3-rich products. The effect of camelina oil on HDL cholesterol is not as clear, and in some cases, no significant effect has been observed.

The high vitamin E content of camelina oil provides antioxidant effects that can protect the body's cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This may help prevent chronic diseases and improve skin health, but these effects are not exclusive to camelina oil, as many other vegetable oils also contain high levels of vitamin E.

While camelina oil offers certain health benefits, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, it is important to note that it is not a miracle oil. Its benefits are comparable to other vegetable oils, such as canola and flaxseed oil, but camelina oil does not provide significantly more health advantages. Additionally, the omega-3 fatty acid it contains, ALA, is not as effective as the EPA and DHA provided by fish oil.

While using camelina oil can be part of a healthy diet, its effects on cholesterol management and heart health are limited compared to other omega-3 sources. If you are interested in lowering cholesterol or improving your heart health, it is advisable to consider other options as well.