We’re all avocado-crazy. Avocado toast is the best brunch item since the benedict, avocado on our salads with a squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of salt is heaven, made to order guacamole….don’t even get me started on how good that stuff is!
But, there’s a new avo”kiddo” on the market.
Avocado oil. The second best thing to avocado on your plate and unlike most oils, which are derived from the seed, avocado oil is derived from the fruit itself. Avocado oil has a pleasant taste, it’s milder than coconut oil and it’s as versatile as its source. You can use it to finish dishes, make dressings, and for cooking. In fact, it has a high smoke point, making it a very stable option for roasting, sautéing, and pan-frying.
I’m using it on just about everything, because it’s a plant-based source of goodness with many benefits, avocado oil:
- Boosts nutrient absorption. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, carotenoids in this oil boosts the absorption of carotenoids in food. Carotenoids are fat-soluble antioxidants that need fat in our diet to be absorbed by the body. Avocado oil contains high amounts of carotenoids. In recent studies, both high and low amounts of avocado oil enhanced nutrient absorption, up to 15 times the amount without it added. Add it to your homemade tomato sauce to boost lycopene, your favorite salads to increase nutrient value, and maximize your benefit.
- Supports a healthy heart – Avocado oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which means good things your heart. The fatty acid profile is very similar to olive oil and its monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats help to manage blood pressure and lower bad cholesterol levels – both of these things improve heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease. Research indicates that a diet rich in avocado oil changed levels of fatty acids in the kidneys, which caused the kidneys to regulate blood pressure in a positive way, meaning even more benefit for heart health.
- Gives you glowing, healthier, skin and helps turn back the clock on aging. Avocado oil provides plant based proteins, and healthy fats that benefit the skin, and provides a high concentration of vitamin E. The antioxidants provided also help heal sun-damaged and dry skin and for those of us looking to turn back the clock on aging, when directly applied to the skin, avocado oil promotes the production of collagen and reduce the signs of aging. Avocado oil contains sterolin, which has been shown to soften the skin and reduce the appearance of age spots. It also contains lecithin and potassium two nutrients that keep your skin and hair strong and vibrant. Bonus: Avocado oil can be used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. A study published in, Dermatology, found that a mixture of vitamin B12 and this oil helped to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis over a 12-week study period.
- Cancer Preventative. The combination of omega-3 fatty acid and Alpha Linolenic acid in avocados has been found to supporess tumor growth in colon and breast cancers. In addition, the same skin brightening vitamin E, is another potent anti-cancerous agent. Vitamin E has been studied for it’s effectiveness and preventing and treating prostate cancer and skin cancer, while also lowering risk for development of lung cancer.
- Helps maintain a healthy weight. Many people are surprised and calorie counters are shocked that a food high in fat (and calories) like avocado oil, would be recommended for weight maintenance. Ironically, avocado’s high fatty content is exactly why it’s such a good tool for weight loss – the fatty acids in avocado oil are used as slow burning energy and less likely to be stored as fat. Using avocado oil, also provides feelings of fullness and steady energy, kind of like a healthy appetite suppressant.
*If you’re looking to purchase, check out Primal Avocado’s Avocado Oil, you can order online!
The greatest benefit of adding avocado oil into your diet? Overall health and wellness. Simply put, avocado consumption is directly related with higher nutrient intake and quality of nutrition. Avocado eaters have a higher intake of vitamins and minerals, a higher intake of dietary fiber and healthy fats, and a lower intake of sugar. Reach out to me at info@elissagoodman.com with all your avo-questions!
