Avocado oil is a highly versatile substance that offers many different uses. The oil is sourced by pressing the pulp of the avocado fruit and the benefits it offers are vast. Although it is not as well-known as olive oil, the oil is just as delicious and offers numerous health benefits which can be credited to the high content of antioxidants and healthy fats present in avocados.

1. Controlling Cholesterol

One of the biggest health benefits that avocado oil offers is that it can regulate and reduce cholesterol in the body. Avocado oil has unsaturated fatty acids which are known to be able to improve heart health. There have been studies conducted regarding this and the results found that avocado oil reduced the levels of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol without affecting HDL (good) cholesterol.

2. Enabling Better Absorption of Other Nutrients

The human body can absorb some nutrients better when they’re combined with fat such as the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin are not efficiently absorbed without fat. Fruits and vegetables which have high carotenoid content lack fat therefore adding avocado oil to the meal can be beneficial. It is one of the best oil for skin. There are many avocado oil benefits for skin, one of which is it allows for better absorption of other nutrients.

3. Oleic Acid, a Healthy Fat

Studies have found that nearly 70% of avocado oil contains oleic acid which is a good fat and beneficial for the heart. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid and is also the main component of olive oil. Avocado oil also has high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Health experts agree that unsaturated fats are good for the health and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart problems and dementia.

4. Improved Eyesight

Lutein is a carotenoid and antioxidant that is found in the eyes. It also occurs naturally in avocados. The consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin, which is another carotenoid, can improve eye health while reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. These problems occur frequently, especially amongst the elderly.

5. Treating Arthritis

While there are many types of arthritis, the most commonly occurring is osteoarthritis which causes the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Arthritis causes painful inflammation of the joints and affects millions of people around the world. Avocado unsaponifiable (ASU), which is an extract of avocado oil, can reduce the pain, inflammation and stiffness experienced by patients of arthritis. The consumption of avocado oil can be particularly helpful for those who have hip and knee osteoarthritis.

6. Clear Skin and Better Healing of Wounds

Fatty acids, which are found almost abundantly in avocado oil, are excellent for the skin. Avocado oil is also an excellent source of vitamins A and E and these are important for the health of the skin membrane. The consumption of avocado oil can also result in a reduction of symptoms of psoriasis.

7. Abundance of Antioxidants

Antioxidants help to battle against free radicals, which are unstable compounds that can damage cells over time. An imbalance can cause oxidative stress which can lead to conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Avocado oil contains numerous antioxidants including carotenoids, tocopherols (forms of vitamin E), and various plant sterols.

8. Ease of Use

While this is not strictly a health benefit, avocado oil is extremely versatile and easy to incorporate into a diet. It can be consumed cold but is also safe to be used as a cooking oil as the fatty acids are stable at high heat. It can be added to a smoothie, drizzled over a salad, used as a marinade or be used in homemade mayonnaise to name a few methods of implementing it into the diet. It can also be made into an essential oil blend if combined with a carrier oil, similar to how other essential oils, such as rosemary essential oils, are made.