Avocado and camelina oils: their benefits

See beyond olive oil – avocado and camelina oils : new flavors and unique health benefits.

The fight against fats has taken a crucial turn in recent years, however, better informed Canadians increasingly appreciate the positive role that certain fats play for their health. In 2015, consumers can expect to see Canada taken by storm with a growing number of health oils.

Olive oil, long considered the miracle oil of the Mediterranean diet, is no longer alone. Not only do new oils offer health benefits, but they are also making their way into cooking, bringing diversity and new flavor to sauces, vinaigrettes and marinades.

Over the last year, coconut oil has significantly gained favor and, with the arrival of new diversified products, it will continue its rise this year, but it is in the category of liquid oils that the new trendy products present themselves:

Avocado oil will attract a lot of attention. Avocados are well known for their healthy fats, but the oil extracted from them is rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, crucial nutrients for healthy, radiant skin. Refined avocado oil is also excellent for cooking and sautéing.

Unlike avocado oil, many healthy oils have a low smoke level, meaning that at higher temperatures the healthy fats they contain break down. Avocado oil is a clean oil with a slight nutty flavor that can withstand high temperatures, up to 520°F, making it easier to use for cooking than olive oil or other vegetable oils.

Camelina oil, another “trendy” oil, rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, contains a high proportion of omega-3s favorable to heart health (up to 45%!). Camelina is an ancient grain and oilseed plant valued for its fresh, nutty flavor, healthful properties and heat-resistant characteristics. Natural antioxidants, including vitamin E, give this oil a longer shelf life than olive oil or other vegetable oils.

As for other oils to watch out for, we can mention flaxseed oil, walnut oil and almond oil which will bring variety and new flavors to the kitchen.

No description of oils would be complete without a mention of omega-3s. Innovations in omega-3 supplements have led to higher concentrations and improved flavors of marine-sourced long-chain integral fatty acids EPA and DHA. Omega-3 supplements are among the fastest growing categories in the natural health products industry and their expansion will continue in 2016.