Health Benefits of Avocado Oil

Posted on 08/18/2017 by AHMC Anaheim Regional Medical Center

Avocados are packed with a wide range of nutrients and a lot of health benefits. While many of us are more familiar with consuming avocado in guacamole, there are better ways to reap the rewards of this beloved fruit. Avocado oil ranks high as one of the healthiest foods in the world, which recently lead to its prescription drug status in France, particularly due to its proven ability to counter the negative effects of arthritis. Of course, this is not the only known benefit of avocado oil.

Here are some reasons why you might want to consider stocking this oil in your cupboard:

Lowers Blood Pressure: If you are looking for natural ways to either lower your blood pressure or maintain a healthy blood pressure, avocado oil is a wise choice. It contains monounsaturated fats, which can have a positive effect on blood pressure when consumed in moderation and in place of saturated or trans-fat. A partial substitution of carbohydrates with protein or monounsaturated fats can not only lower blood pressure, but improve lipid levels and reduce one's cardiovascular risks.

Improve Arthritis Symptoms: Osteoarthritis, which is a form of arthritis, occurs when the cartilage between joints wears down, leading to inflammation and pain. It typically manifests in joints we frequently use, such as the knees, hips, spine, and hands. Numerous studies have proven that extracts from avocado and soybean oil, often referred to as ASU, can be used to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with this condition.

Psoriasis and Other Skin Problems: Psoriasis, a skin condition that causes a buildup of dry and dead skin cells, can develop at any age. It creates the appearance of raised, reddish-pink areas covered with silvery scales and red borders. Recent studies have revealed the proven benefits of avocado oil in treating this skin condition. Additionally, unlike medications used to treat psoriasis, it lacks the risk of side effects often present in other common treatments.

Improved Heart Health and Lower Cholesterol: Due to the high level of monounsaturated oleic acid content, avocado oil is a cholesterol-lowering food. Like other omega-9s, oleic acid reduces the risk of heart disease by raising the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is also known as the body's "good" cholesterol. It can also lower your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), otherwise known as "bad" cholesterol.

Nutrient Absorption: According to the Journal of Nutrition, adding avocado to a meal can help improve the absorption of carotenoids in food. Carotenoids are antioxidants that are fat-soluble and depend on dietary fats for absorption. They are believed to decrease the risk of disease, especially certain eye cancers and eye diseases.

If you decide to use avocado oil, be sure to purchase a product that is 100% pure. Avocado oil can be found in most grocery stores or health stores. To achieve the most benefits, look for organic, extra virgin, unrefined, and cold-pressed avocado oil. When cooking with unrefined avocado oil, bear in mind that it has a medium smoke point, so it is best to stick with lower heat cooking or unheated recipes. Refined avocado oil is excellent for high-heat cooking due to its high smoke point.

Unopened avocado oil has a shelf life of about 2 years. When opened, it has a shelf life of about 6 months. Always remember to store it in a cool and dry place, away from heat and light.

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This article contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis of a physician. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.