Camelina Seeds and Oil: Where to Buy

Whole or powdered camelina seeds and camelina oil extracted from the seeds of the Camelina sativa plant are among the best sources of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Hundred grams of camelina seeds provides about 33 grams of alpha-linolenic acid, an amount that is comparable to or even higher than the amount of alpha-linolenic acid found in seeds like chia seeds or flax seeds. Buying some camelina seeds (or oil) and making them part of your regular diet is one of the easiest ways to up your intake of this extraordinary, health-boosting omega-3 fatty acid.

But before we provide some tips on where to buy camelina seeds and oil, let's have a quick look at health benefits of alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. While research on the health effects of ALA is still in its infancy, emerging evidence suggests that this short-chain omega-3 fatty acid might offer some protection against cardiovascular disease, improve asthma control in some people, exert anti-inflammatory effects, reduce the risk of breast cancer in women, keep your bones strong, and perhaps even provide some benefits for pregnant women.

It is also worth noting that not only are camelina seeds rich in ALA, they also a good source of vitamin E, just like most other oil-rich seeds. An adequate intake of vitamin E from natural foods like camelina seeds helps protect your body against the damaging effects of free radicals which are unstable molecules that have been linked to a wide range of chronic diseases as well as the aging process. These molecules are formed as a result of normal metabolic processes, but also things like environmental toxins from pollutants, high stress levels, poor dietary habits, and the sun's ultraviolet radiation can increase the levels of free radicals in your body.

In addition to acting as an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, vitamin E is involved in immune function, certain enzymatic activities, gene expression, and inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Where to Buy Camelina Seeds

At the moment, camelina seeds are not as easy to find in the grocery stores as for example chia seeds or flax seeds, but as people become more aware of the wonderful nutritional benefits of camelina, it might become easier to find these nutritional powerhouse seeds in regular health food stores. For now, however, your best bet is to head to a well-stocked online store such as Amazon. These organic camelina seeds are available from Amazon and they can be added raw or toasted to salads and baked goods.

Where to Buy Food-Grade Camelina Oil

Not only is camelina oil used for culinary purposes, it is also used as an ingredient in cosmetics because of its moisturizing properties. In countries like the US and the UK, camelina oil is typically easier to find than whole camelina seeds or camelina seed powder, but before your buy a bottle of camelina oil, make sure it is food-grade. Available from Amazon, this camelina oil is suitable for both culinary and cosmetic applications.