Refined, cold pressed gold of pleasure oil is a clear,
bright yellow oil, with a light odor and good skin feel.
It is particularly valuable as a very rich source of
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's)
Origin
Gold
of Pleasure oil is obtained by expelling the seeds of an
annual plant, commonly known as gold of pleasure (Camelina
Sativa), also known as wild flax as it was often found
growing wild in flax fields. Gold of pleasure has been
grown all over Europe for its fine oil from the Iron
Ages until the beginning of this century when it was
gradually replaced with other, higher yielding oil
crops. Recently there has been renewed interest in this
crop because of its high quality oil, with its unusual
high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Properties
Gold
of Pleasure is a remarkable oil, as it has a high
content of Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) of both
the Omega-6 and Omega-3 families. In fact, it is one of
the richest sources of Omega-3 fatty acids wih 40% of
a-linoleic
acid. In addition it is one of the rare oils with a
significant content (up to 15%) of eicosenoic acid
(C20:1). Both linoleic and
a-linoleic acid
are known as essential fatty acids (EFA's) which
function as precursors for the metabolism of autocoids,
homontype compounds, which influence many physiological
processes in the body
EFA's also have a very clear effect on the skin and act
as "anti-aging" agents by enhancing the barrier function
of the epidermis, reducing the Trans Epidermal Water
loss (TEWL) and improving the elasticity of the skin.
Like other PUFA oils, gold of pleasure oil can be used
as an emollient to soften the skin and protect it
against weather influences.
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