Think flax oil is the be-all end all of fats? Is fish oil the only thing you swear by for contest prep? You may be surprised to hear that neither of those are serving you well.
That’s because even humans who eat well and put a good foot forward in the area of nutrition, as well as performance, don’t get it right all the time. Don’t blame yourself, who hasn’t heard that flax oil is like liquid gold, or that marine oils are the healthiest choice for longevity?
Truth is, there’s a brand new oil in town (that’s been around for centuries) and it’s got none of the downsides of either flax or marine oils. I’m talking about Camelina.
Centuries old camelina is from the mustard family of plants. It’s resistant to almost all poor growing conditions and adversities, such as weather, soil, noxious weeds and pestilence – like you, it’s a strong little sucker.
The real revival of interest in camelina oil is due to its high linolenic acid (38%) content. Remember, linolenic acid is one of the omega-3 fatty acids that are also found in substantial commercial quantities in linseed (flax) and fish oils. But camelina oil contains 35 to 40% linolenic acid compared to 8% in canola and 1% or less in soy bean and corn oils. It also contains a better ratio of Omega-3 and 6, which is healthier. In fact, 38% of its total fatty acid content is comprised of healthier Omega-3. Flax and fish oil still contain more Omega-6 than it should in its ratio to the Omega-3s.
The great thing about camelina oil is that it does not deteriorate during refining or storage like flax oil (linseed). Flax is quite sensitive and the taste can range from nutty (high lignan) to ghastly. If it’s not kept away from light, it’s also unstable. Fish oil can deteriorate quite easily and degenerate into an unhealthy oil. Fish oil has also been criticized for its potential high mercury content. Because of its stability, camelina can be used in a number of oil based products such as spreads and salad dressings, because unlike flax and fish oil, it is oxidatively stable and palatable.
The best news for bodybuilders is that it is a medium chain triglyceride – the type that is more easily digested than other fats. These have been shown to produce the least fat storage and the most energy because they are a direct energy source for the body and actually mimic carbohydrates in the diet. They have also been linked to higher anabolic activity.
Endurance athletes, hard gainers and those more than 30 pounds overweight benefit from medium chain triglycerides. But unlike coconut oil – thought to be the best MCT out there – this is actually a healthy fat. Coconut oil is stable because of its high saturated fat content, whereas other oils that are healthier are polyunsaturated. Camelina is monounsaturated, and is still stable, and has an appropriate – almost perfect ratio – of Omega-6 to Omega-3s. But here’s the kicker: Camelina is also being tested as a viable biodiesel fuel for our country’s future in energy. One day, you may be filling your tank, and your car’s tank, with this amazing oil.