Camelina oil: beneficial properties and contraindications, what it is made from, can it be harmful, how to take it, review of reviews, composition and use in cosmetology

What is camelina oil made from?

The name of the oil is very unusual. Do you think the name has something in common with the camelina mushroom? Not at all! Camelina oil has nothing to do with mushrooms. It is extracted from the annual oily plant “camelina sativum” from the cruciferous family, which grows in many areas of the Northern Hemisphere.

Camelina does not require any special conditions to grow; it used to be grown quite widely. Oil from it was part of the diet, it was used for treatment, and lamps were fueled with it.

At the beginning of the last century, camelina was cultivated in many provinces of Russia and in some European countries. Then they began to use more economically profitable sunflower as a raw material for oil. Camelina crops remained in Siberia and in several European countries.

Oil production stages

The seeds of the yellow-orange plant are used to produce oil by pressing them. The process itself occurs in 2 stages:

The first, cold pressing, involves isolating 20% of the useful raw material from the raw material. Cold pressed oil is the healthiest because it retains all the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
The second stage is hot spin. Consists of heating the raw material, during which difficult fractions are extracted. When raw materials are heated, beneficial substances are partially destroyed, and harmful impurities are formed, which are removed by refining. Refined product is less healthy.

For medicinal or cosmetic purposes, it is best to buy unrefined, cold-pressed oil, since its benefits are much higher. During the refining process, the benefits of the product are reduced by 30–40%.

Camelina oil is called the “king of oils” for its beneficial properties and wide range of applications. In addition to its use in cosmetology, medicine and cooking, this product is often used in everyday life: perfumery, soap making, and the production of paints and varnishes.

Let's watch the video “What is camelina oil made from?” And here there is a comparison of this oil with olive and linseed. What's healthier?

Where to buy camelina oil

Despite the fact that the product has unique biological activity, it is not a medicine. In pharmacies it can be found as a dietary supplement - liquid or in capsules. The cost of 100 capsules starts from 100 rubles.

Supermarkets can also boast of this product on their shelves. You just need to take a closer look at the assortment. The color of the product is almost indistinguishable from other plant products. But it is not difficult to identify it by the label: as a rule, it depicts yellow flowers, and large letters will definitely explain what kind of product it is.

If it is difficult to find camelina oil in small towns, you can turn to online stores; fortunately, there are plenty of trusted and conscientious suppliers here, for example, here is a store with good recommendations.

Before consuming camelina oil, you should carefully study its composition: a quality product does not contain any additives! And, although the shelf life of the product is quite long, you should not buy something where it is coming to an end, even if the price of the product is reduced. Good camelina oil, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are now known to you, will definitely be loved by the whole family. And not only for its pleasant taste, but also for its healing properties.

Composition of camelina oil

Camelina oil has a unique and rich composition, which contains valuable vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and other nutrients. Deserves special attention:

vitamins A, E, D, F, K;
Omega-3 and Omega-6;
beta-carotene;
chlorophyll;
phytosterol;
magnesium;
phosphorus;
potassium;
calcium;
iron;
stearic and palmitic acid.

There is a lot of vitamin E in camelina oil. In terms of the concentration of this natural antioxidant, the product is ahead of cedar and linseed oils.

Camelina oil contains many polyunsaturated acids. These are Omega-3 linolenic and Omega-6 linoleic. The value, benefits and peculiarity of camelina oil lie in the balance of these compounds. Omega-3 is twice as much as -6, and this is the optimal ratio for humans. This oil also contains small amounts of monounsaturated oleic acid (Omega-9).

Camelina oil is especially rich in magnesium. By itself and in combination with vitamins, it will be useful for many body systems.

Thanks to its rich chemical composition, it is quite beneficial for health, helps cope with various disorders in the body, and reduces the risk of developing a number of diseases.

The benefits and harms of camelina oil

Camelina oil: beneficial properties and contraindications. Our ancestors used oil for cooking, in folk medicine and for lighting their homes. The scope of use of camelina oil in the 21st century can be determined by the fact that in 2011, the fuel that fueled a transatlantic airliner flying from the United States to France included camelina seed oil. In addition to its use in cooking, pharmacology, the food-flavoring industry, and cosmetology, camelina oil is used in mechanical engineering, paint and varnish, and the chemical industry.

Beneficial properties of camelina oil

Camelina oil: beneficial properties and contraindications. The use of camelina oil is indicated for vein diseases, because fatty acids in combination with vitamins A and E protect the walls of blood vessels and strengthen their elasticity. The oil is used to prevent heart diseases and gastrointestinal pathologies, such as colitis and gastritis. A course of taking the oil is useful for preventing problems with the functioning of internal organs. Camelina oil is part of antiparasitic complexes based on plant components. The oil is effective in nutrition aimed at strengthening muscle fibers and losing weight.

Contraindications

It is necessary to stop consuming camelina seed oil in cases of signs of gastrointestinal distress, or acute pain in the hypochondrium or back. Only a doctor can recommend the use of camelina oil to women expecting a baby. There are no clear recommendations for the use of oil in children's diets. You should not take oil or formulations containing it if you are allergic to camelina seed oil. Camelina oil must be alternated with other vegetable oils to avoid exceeding the level of linoleic acid in the body.

Beneficial features

Camelina oil cannot be classified as medicinal, but clinical trials and careful study of its composition make it possible to use it as a prophylactic agent in the fight against a wide variety of ailments. Let's look at the beneficial properties of camelina oil.

The oil has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, choleretic, bactericidal and antioxidant effect. Systematic use allows you to have the following effects on the body:

increases the elasticity of blood vessels, strengthens their walls;
reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood;
promotes rapid healing of wounds;
has a laxative effect;
normalizes lipid metabolism;
improves hormonal levels;
increases immune defense;
improves blood composition;
cleanses the liver of toxins and poisons;
stimulates brain function;
increases performance;
slows down the aging process.

Some sources claim that camelina oil has an antitumor effect, copes well with helminthic infestations, effectively treats gastrointestinal diseases, and helps in the fight against gynecological diseases and prostate pathologies in men.

Its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect allows it to be used in the treatment of skin diseases. External use of the oil returns the skin a healthy appearance and shine, slows down the aging process, smoothes out superficial and deep wrinkles.

It is also widely used to restore damaged hair. Products based on camelina oil accelerate hair growth, give it smoothness, and protect it from all kinds of negative factors.

Composition and properties

Unrefined camelina oil has a rich golden color and a slight mustard flavor. The smell is reminiscent of black radish. The physical properties of the oil after refining are somewhat weakened. The purified product acquires a light yellow color.

When refined, refined camelina seed oil loses some of its beneficial substances, but its shelf life increases from 4 months to 1 year.

The glycemic index of vegetable fat is zero. This means that when consumed, a person’s blood sugar level does not increase. Camelina oil has a high calorie content - 900 kcal per 100 g. The benefits of the food product are explained by the composition of minerals:

Calcium. Responsible for the strength of human bones and the conduction of nerve impulses. Promotes elasticity of blood vessels.
Phosphorus. Helps absorb calcium. Participates in the formation of proteins and carbohydrates.
Zinc. Participant in the body's metabolic processes, the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
Magnesium is an important element in cell energy metabolism. Stabilizes the functioning of the vascular and nervous systems. Maintains normal blood glucose levels. Prevents diabetes.

Camelina oil is rich in vitamins:

E is a powerful antioxidant that prevents premature aging. Together with other vitamins and microelements, it helps eliminate free radicals and other toxic substances from the body. Regulates the functioning of the reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems. To get the daily requirement of vitamin E, a person needs to consume 1 tablespoon of camelina oil daily.
A – supports visual acuity. An important component of lipid and protein metabolism in the body. The percentage of vitamin A in the camelina seed squeeze is higher than in soybean and sunflower oils.
D – stimulates cell renewal. Activates the work of the endocrine glands. Participant in metabolism and regulator of blood sugar levels. Prevents infection from multiplying in the body.

Camelina seeds contain fatty acids:

Polyunsaturated. Essential acids Omega 6 and 3 are the main components of cell membranes. These lipid compounds are powerful antioxidants. Prevents atherosclerosis, participates in cholesterol metabolism. Increase brain activity. The lack of polyunsaturated acids negatively affects the condition of the skin, nails, and hair.
Monounsaturated. Oleic acid reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood and lowers blood pressure. Protects against myocardial infarction and obesity. The share of erucic acid in camelina oil pomace is 2-4%. Its effect on human health has not been fully studied. It is believed that a lipid component content of more than 5% can negatively affect the functioning of the heart muscle.
Saturated. Palmitic and stearic acids are energy suppliers for cells. If a person takes carbohydrate foods in doses, these compounds lower the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. Otherwise, saturated acids are deposited in the tissues of the body.

Article on the topic: Vaccination against hepatitis for newborns

The food product made from camelina contains active biological substances:

Phospholipids. Stimulate metabolism, prevent obesity of tissues and organs. Improves liver activity and protects it from cirrhosis.
Chlorophyll. Regulates the normal activity of hormones. Helps remove mucus from the lungs. Together with magnesium, this substance prevents the occurrence of urolithiasis. Vitamin E and chlorophyll are responsible for normal levels of leukocytes, hemoglobin, and blood clotting.
Phytosterols. Prevents the development of cancer cells and sclerosis. Protects the endocrine system from disruptions.

What diseases does camelina oil treat?

The scope of application is quite wide. Traditional medicine uses it in the treatment of a large number of diseases as a therapeutic or preventive product. Recommended use for:

vascular atherosclerosis;
varicose veins, thrombophlebitis;
angina pectoris;
hypertension;
anemia;
gastritis, stomach ulcer;
seborrhea, psoriasis, dermatitis;
hepatitis;
diabetes;
obesity;
urolithiasis disease;
osteoporosis.

The oil effectively copes with helminths in children and adults, also improves immunity, and is recommended for restoring the body after serious illnesses. It can be considered a universal product, since the uniqueness and richness of its composition helps solve almost any health problem. Let's look at the health benefits of camelina oil and how to use it.

Benefits for the heart and blood vessels

The composition of camelina oil has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. The product is enriched with magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6, which are essential for the proper functioning of the myocardium. Its use helps strengthen blood vessels, increases their elasticity, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the oil reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of developing vascular atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Cardiologists, as well as nutritionists, recommend including camelina oil in the diet therapy of patients with vascular and cardiac diseases.

Benefits for the stomach and digestive system

Unrefined camelina oil is rich in various nutritional components that have a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Its use stimulates appetite, protects the gastric mucosa from damage, and promotes its healing. Carboxylic acids in the composition normalize the process of food digestion, eliminate constipation, colic and bloating.

In practice, it is recommended for erosive and ulcerative pathologies; it also helps with colitis, enteritis, gastritis, and duodenitis. It can be used for both medicinal and preventive purposes. It is recommended to use 1 tablespoon 1 time per day for 28 days.

What are the benefits of camelina oil?

The complex effect on the entire body is the beneficial properties of the natural extract. When used regularly, the oil:

lowers cholesterol, normalizes blood pressure, strengthens blood vessels and the cardiac system;
supports liver function, accelerates metabolism;
improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and promotes the healing of ulcers;
helps fight inflammation and allergic irritations;
removes parasites from the body;
balances hormonal levels.

For women

The benefits of camelina oil for the female body are as follows:

the product makes it easier to endure discomfort during menstruation;
taking the extract increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood, and this eliminates the feeling of weakness and relieves pain;
During menopause, the product restores healthy hormonal balance.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy, the product is not only possible, but also necessary to be added to food. The benefits will be enormous - the oil will saturate the body with vitamins and essential fatty acids, improve the woman’s well-being and strengthen the fetus.

During lactation, camelina extract is also recommended for use. All its benefits will reach the baby through breast milk.

Attention! Although camelina oil is indicated for use by pregnant women and during lactation, you should definitely consult a doctor before taking it.

When losing weight

Is it possible to lose weight on camelina juice, which consists entirely of fat? Yes - after all, there is no need to consume the product in large quantities. And small portions will help speed up your metabolism, and it will be easier to say goodbye to extra pounds.

We recommend reading: Products that restore muscles: which ones relax, relieve pain

During the diet, it is recommended to drink the product in the morning on an empty stomach. Just a teaspoon a day for a month - and the benefits for your figure will be enormous.

What is good for the liver

Clinical trials have shown that camelina oil helps restore liver cells, cleanses it of toxins, accelerates the excretion of bile, and reduces the risk of stones in the bile ducts. This product is recommended for use in cases of alcoholic liver damage, cirrhosis, hepatitis of various etiologies, and gallbladder diseases.

For medicinal purposes, it is recommended to take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is 2 – 3 months. For liver diseases, it is recommended to use virgin camelina oil; it contains a large amount of nutrients.

Use in folk medicine

For the gastrointestinal tract

Indications:

gastritis;
enterocolitis;
ulcers;
constipation;
bloating;
inflammatory processes;
parasites;
problems with microflora.

Course – 28 days, 1 tsp.

For the heart and blood vessels

Indications:

anemia;
varicose veins;
angina pectoris;
as prevention of ischemia;
improves vascular elasticity;
cleanses the walls of cholesterol plaques;
to strengthen the heart muscle.

The duration of the course is no more than 2-3 months. Use 1 tsp. oils on an empty stomach.

For the liver

The product cleanses the organ and helps restore its cells. Indications:

cirrhosis;
cholecystitis;
cholelithiasis.

Take 1 tsp. three times a day for a week, then take a week break. Total duration – 3 months.

For oncology

Camelina oil is used to treat and prevent cancer. However, remember that it is not a panacea and will not replace traditional therapy.

Take 1 tsp. twice a day, 2 weeks, then take a break (7 days) and repeat.

Prevention of vitamin deficiency

It is enough to consume 1.5 tsp. every morning for 2 months, it will strengthen the immune system and saturate the body with vitamins.

Camelina oil for skin problems

Camelina oil can be used not only internally, but also externally for the treatment of dermatological diseases or for the purpose of rejuvenation and elimination of cosmetic defects. Its use allows you to eliminate allergic reactions, moisturize and deeply nourish the skin. It has a good effect in the fight against urticaria, neurodermatitis, seborrhea, eczema and psoriasis.

It is recommended to add it to creams, homemade masks for skin and hair care. This product copes well with cellulite, prevents the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy, and eliminates acne.

For chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis, it can act as an auxiliary therapy to the main treatment. Its use can reduce skin inflammation, reduce the number of psoriatic plaques, nourish and restore the skin.

Benefits for children

Children are recommended to introduce the refined product from 6 months. Virgin oil can be given to children after 3 years of age.

The active components replenish the lack of vitamins, strengthen the immune defense, and ensure the harmonious development of the child’s body. As a therapeutic agent, it is indicated for indigestion and helminthic infestations.

Externally used to soften the skin, prevent and eliminate diaper rash, accelerate the healing of burns, abrasions, scratches and shallow cuts.

How to use

For the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases, it is recommended to use cold-pressed unrefined camelina oil. It contains the maximum amount of useful substances. The refined product is often used in cooking for frying or salad dressing.

How to take camelina oil? For medicinal purposes, it is recommended to take camelina oil for 1 to 3 months, in courses. For one dose, 10 - 15 ml is enough, which is equal to 1 tablespoon.

If necessary, to treat hypertension and lower blood cholesterol levels, the dose can be increased to 20 ml per day for 2 months. Take this remedy on an empty stomach. For preventive purposes, this product is consumed 5-10 ml once a day for 1 month.

The general scheme is something like this:

for children 3-10 years old - 1 tsp, 10-14 years old - 2 tsp;
for adults and teenagers - 15 ml (1 tbsp);
for older people - up to 20 ml.

Description

What are they made from?

Interestingly, the mushrooms of the same name - saffron milk caps - have nothing to do with the production of oil. The raw materials for the product are the seeds of the camelina seed, a plant that grows in the forests and fields of central Russia. This is a member of the cabbage family, an upright plant with thin leaves and small flowers collected in an elongated inflorescence. The seeds are bright orange, which is what gave the humble weed its name.

Production is carried out in two ways:

cold;
hot.

The first method is preferable because it allows you to preserve the maximum of nutrients. When using the second option, the product undergoes refining, after which it is not used for medicinal purposes and is only suitable for frying or salad dressing.

Taste, color

The product has a sunny yellow or orange color, the refined one is much lighter than the natural one, and the taste is somewhat bitter.

Composition, calorie content

You should not abuse this gift of nature - 100 grams contain 900 kcal.

But its composition is unusual:

Vitamins: A, E, D, as well as rare F and K.
Minerals: potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium.
Fatty acids: Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9.
Phospholipids.
Phytosterols.

Application in cosmetology

To eliminate skin defects and rejuvenate the skin, an unrefined product is used. It can be taken internally or externally. In cosmetology, this product is often added to creams, masks for facial skin and hair. Its use allows:

regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands;
eliminate excess oily skin;
stimulate hair growth;
protect hair from damage;
prevents alopecia;
get rid of dandruff.
protect the dermis from the UV rays of the sun;
normalizes water-fat balance.

Camelina oil helps rejuvenate the skin, restoring its healthy appearance and shine. Well nourishes the scalp, prevents hair loss, and perfectly restores it along its entire length. There are many recipes using camelina oil. You can easily prepare them at home by adding other ingredients.

Face and body scrub

This scrub removes dead skin cells, cleanses it of dirt and excess sebum. To prepare you will need:

15 ml camelina oil;
5-10 g ground coffee.
heavy cream (15 ml).

Mix everything well, apply to the skin and massage it in a circular motion for about 15 - 30 seconds. Afterwards, wash off with warm water. It is recommended to cleanse once a week.

Mask for the face

A face mask with this oil deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin, smoothes out shallow wrinkles. You will need:

puree 1/3 avocado;
15 ml camelina oil.

Mix both components, add a little water, apply to the skin for 20 minutes, and rinse with water.

Moisturizing mask

This mask restores skin elasticity, deeply nourishes, smooths out wrinkles. To prepare it you need to take:

whole milk (15 ml);
blue clay (15 g);
camelina oil (5 ml).

All components are mixed, applied to the skin, kept for 20 minutes, and washed off with running water.

Nail care

To nourish and strengthen the nail plates, oil is rubbed into them and added to herbal or salt baths. Try this recipe for those who have flaking nails.

50 g warm butter;
2 drops of iodine;
4 drops of lemon juice.

Fingertips are immersed in the mixture for 15 minutes, then wiped with a napkin.

Hair care

The oil strengthens hair, gives a healthy shine, softens the scalp, and helps with dandruff. To enhance growth, rub it into the roots, and to eliminate brittleness, apply along the entire length, rinsing off after 2 hours.

Using camelina oil, you can prepare other cosmetics that will help restore youth and a healthy appearance to your skin. A few drops of this natural product can be added to your favorite cream or shampoo. Use every time you apply to the skin or wash your hair.

Camelina oil in cosmetology and dermatology

The presence of vitamins, fatty acids, chlorophyll and phytoncides in the product makes it an excellent cosmetic product. Camelina extract:

softens the skin;
helps remove aesthetic defects - pimples, blackheads, blackheads;
helps smooth out wrinkles;
helps heal inflammation and allergic irritations;
protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation and the appearance of age spots.

Advice! For cosmetic purposes, it is better to use purified, odorless oil - it is absorbed into the skin and hair better, and the benefits appear faster.

Face masks

Camelina oil helps against wrinkles. A mask made of 3 ingredients - 2 oils and grape seeds - will have a smoothing and nourishing effect.

To 2 tablespoons of camelina oil add 1 tablespoon of peach oil.
Add 3 tablespoons of crushed grape seeds to the mixture.
The mask is thoroughly mixed and distributed over the face for 20 minutes.

You can also treat your skin with camelina seed extract alone. But the benefits of the mask will be greater if you add other components to it.

For hair

In order for hair to split less and grow thicker, it should be regularly treated with camelina seed extract. For example:

Lubricate your hair at night 3 times a week and rinse it off in the morning. Before going to bed, you can wrap your hair in a towel.
When washing your hair, add a tablespoon of camelina extract to the shampoo.
From time to time, make a strengthening hair mask by adding 1 egg yolk to 5 tablespoons of oil.

For cellulite

The beneficial properties of the extract help you lose weight not only when taken orally. They can be used to treat the skin to get rid of unsightly cellulite deposits. To do this you need:

mix 2 oils - from camelina and wheat germ - in equal proportions;
add a couple of drops of orange essential oil to the mixture;
Thoroughly rub the mixture into clean skin using massage movements.

We recommend reading: Is table vinegar harmful, composition and properties

For diaper rash in children

Babies often experience diaper rash, an irritation caused by the friction of wet skin. Camelina seed extract helps in their rapid healing. It is enough to gently rub the product into cleanly washed skin several times a day.

Use in cooking

Unrefined camelina oil has a specific smell and taste, so it is used only as a dressing for sauces, salads or gravies.

Is it possible to fry with camelina oil?

This product is not suitable for frying, as it will produce a pronounced bitterness. For preparing fried foods, chefs recommend using a refined product.

It goes great with meat dishes of lamb, chicken, and goes well with stewed vegetables, mushrooms or pilaf. During the heat treatment of oil, it partially loses its positive properties.

Contraindications and possible harm

It is not recommended to take this herbal product if you have inflammation of the gallbladder and pancreas. Individual intolerance can be considered as a contraindication.

There is no need to talk about the dangers of this product, but if you consume this vegetable oil in too much quantity, then it, like all similar products in such cases, will have a laxative effect on the human intestines. And excessive consumption of dishes with high-calorie camelina oil will lead to unwanted weight gain.

Otherwise, harm can only come from a falsified or improperly stored product whose quality has deteriorated. Therefore, you can only use it when you purchase it from a reliable seller.

How to take for weight loss

When it comes to losing weight, of course, our wisdom is needed here, right? Well, how can you lose weight just by introducing one thing, even a super drug? Here we need to change all our eating habits, reconsider our diet and move, of course. But, of course, it can and should be added to our diet, which will help us improve digestion, get rid of constipation, and carry out a comprehensive cleansing of the body.

Camelina oil contains no substances that affect the process of breaking down fatty deposits. Therefore, taking it as a means of losing weight is not rational, and due to its high calorie content, it is even dangerous. Using no more than 1 tbsp. for dressing vegetable salads, you can include it in the diet menu. You can also use the product as a mild laxative, but this technique should be used after consultation with a nutritionist.

And another plus in this oil for everyone who is slimming: thanks to its specific taste, there is no need to use spices that delay the excretion of fluid.

Basic recommendations

Strictly adhere to a restrictive diet.
Completely avoid consuming other vegetable oils and animal fats.
Do not expose to heat, add to prepared dishes.
Do not take more than 1 tbsp. l. per day.
The oil can be replaced with other home remedies obtained from camelina seeds.

How to store

To preserve all the positive qualities of camelina oil, it must be stored at a temperature of 5 - 15 degrees, in a dark place. High or low temperatures affect the quality of the product, which will quickly begin to deteriorate. It is best to keep the butter in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf.

Camelina oil is one of the high-quality products, the use of which has a positive effect on the body. However, when using it for medicinal purposes, you should consult a doctor.