An upstart in the edible oil industry is turning out to have outstanding health characteristics and yet few people have ever heard of it. Camelina oil, extracted from a plant sometimes known as wild flax, contains an exceptional amount of omega-3 fatty acids, and an abundance of vitamin E, other natural antioxidants and beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids.
Over the last decade, it has become apparent that the omega-3 family of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are important for optimum health. Perhaps the most significant benefit of omega-3 is the role it plays in heart health, lowering the level of triglycerides (fats) in the blood as well as reducing high blood pressure, both factors in lowering the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, omega-3 regulates heart beat rate and improves blood circulation.
Omega-3 is also known to reduce the level of inflammation in the body which means it helps to alleviate conditions such as gastritis, acid reflux, peptic ulcers and ulcerative colitis. Although the benefits on psychological health are more nebulous, omega-3 appears to aid in improving memory and learning skills (thus lowering the risk for Alzheimer’s disease), and alleviating mood disorders such as depression and attention deficit.
Good sources
When one considers the health benefits of omega-3, it is not a surprise that consumers are looking for good sources of this important nutrient. Indeed, some fatty acids in the omega-3 family are termed “essential fatty acids” since the body can’t manufacture them, but relies on food sources for the necessary supply.
While many foods contain a sprinkling of omega-3, there are relatively few so-called excellent sources. One of the major sources is certain types of fatty fish – with omega-3 found both in tissue and oils (yes, your mom was right in giving you a daily dose of cod liver oil). While fish such as salmon, sardines and anchovies have the advantage of containing the most nutritionally available variety of omega-3’s, how many consumers include sardines and anchovies in their diets on a regular basis? Salmon is more popular no doubt, but what many diners don’t realize is that only wild salmon (as opposed to farm-raised) contains an appreciable amount of omega-3.
In addition, fish oils these days suffer from contamination with PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and mercury. These toxic substances from industrial run-off tend to accumulate in the fatty tissues of fish. One should realize that eating a small amount of fish is likely harmless, but we cannot rely on them as a good source of omega-3.
Visual similarity
Foods that contain noteworthy amounts of omega-3’s in addition to fish are walnuts and flax seed with lesser amounts in navy beans, kidney beans, beef and tofu. Now camelina, the wild cousin of flax – also with a high content of omega-3 – has made its reappearance. Often found growing together with common flax – and indeed, displaying a visual similarity – camelina was a traditional crop raised for vegetable oils until supplanted by other oilseeds. Well adapted to cold semiarid climates, it is now being raised on the prairies.
While flax seed is an excellent source of omega-3, the oil from this seed is low in natural antioxidants which makes it very susceptible to rancidity. Camelina supplies almost as many omega-3 fatty acids, but at the same time is far more stable due to its high antioxidant content.
Golden-coloured camelina oil, which contains a significant proportion of heart healthy monounsaturated fatty acids in addition to omega-3, has a delicate almond flavour, a long shelf life and a high smoke point, making it an ideal cooking oil.
