If we're talking about the "most popular" ingredient in kitchens these days, olive oil is undoubtedly the top choice. Nutritionists, fitness enthusiasts, and even restaurant chefs all readily proclaim, "Olive oil is a good friend to your heart." But did you know that...?
In traditional Chinese recipes, there's actually a treasure trove hailed as the "olive oil of the East"—camellia oil, also known as camellia seed oil. It has a clear color, a delicate flavor, and crucially, its nutritional value is in no way inferior to olive oil, and in some aspects, it even surpasses it.
A study published in the journal *Food Science* compared the effects of camellia oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, and olive oil on blood lipids in mice. The results showed that camellia oil was the most effective at lowering triglycerides and total cholesterol, and also resulted in the least amount of fat deposition in the liver. Researchers believe this is related to the abundance of polyphenols, squalene, phytosterols, and other active ingredients in camellia oil.
The journal "China Oils and Fats" also points out that camellia oil has certain anti-tumor effects. Camellia saponins contained in it can inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Of course, this still needs more human experiments to verify, but its potential should not be underestimated.Camellia oil can also be used externally. For dry, itchy skin, infant eczema, and stretch marks during pregnancy, a gentle application of camellia oil provides moisturization without irritation. Studies have found that the fatty acid structure of camellia oil is very similar to human sebum, resulting in strong penetration and good absorption, making it a natural skincare product.
Camellia oil isn't an antique; it's a "health doctor" living in our kitchens. If you don't recognize it, it lies quietly on the shelf; once you use it, it subtly and gently helps you maintain your health.
