Health Benefits of Avocado Oil
Avocado is a rare and unique type of fruit that’s high in healthy fats and essential carbohydrates. Avocado oil has numerous powerful and beneficial effects on health, including being high in Vitamin K, Folate, and Potassium. With all it’s nutrient packed power, it’s no wonder why we love to use avocado oil in our natural handmade soaps. Here are the top 5 health benefits of avocado that are supported by scientific research:
1. Avocado is Highly Nutritious
The fruit of the avocado tree called Persea Americana is prized for its incredible nutrient value and is added to a variety of dishes for its rich texture and simple flavor. Avocado is often referred to as a superfood, which is not surprising.
Avocado oil contains some of the most abundant nutrients including Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E. There are also small amounts of Magnesium, Copper, Iron, Vitamin A, B1, B2, and B3. This is coming with 160 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 15 grams of healthy fats. Avocado does not contain any cholesterol or sodium, and is low is saturated fats.
2. Avocado Contains More Potassium Than Bananas
Most people aren’t getting enough Potassium in their diets. This nutrient serves various important functions for the body, including maintaining electrical gradients in the body’s cells and improving the quality of skin.
Avocados are very high in Potassium, containing 14% of the RDA, compared to 10% in bananas. Having a high potassium intake is linked to reduced blood pressure — a major contributor to heart attacks and strokes.
3. Avocado is High in Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocado is a high fat food, but don’t let this fact scare you away from the fruit. Although about 77% of the calories in avocado are from fat, the majority of the fat is oleic acid — this is a monounsaturated fatty acid that’s a major component of olive oil. Oleic acid is linked to reduced inflammation and a strengthened heart.
The fats in avocado oil are also very resistant to heat-induced oxidation, making it a healthy and safe oil for cooking.
4. Avocado Is Loaded With Fiber
In addition to the essential vitamins and minerals found in the fruit, avocado is high in fiber. Fiber is indigestible and can contribute to weight loss and reduced blood sugar highs. A 100 gram (3.5 ounces) serving of avocado is 7 grams of fiber, which is already 27% of the daily recommended amount.
Bottom line: Fiber can have many benefits for weight loss and metabolic health. Add avocado oil to your next salad or pasta to get a healthy dose of fiber.
5. Avocado Is Loaded With Antioxidants
Not only are avocados high in heart-healthy fats and essential to your health and well-being, but they are also high in antioxidants themselves. This includes Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which are very important for eye health. These two important nutrients can lower the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, which are common in elders.
Avocado may also help prevent cancer and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, according to the US National Library of Medicine. Avocado oil has also been shown to weaken the growth of prostate cancer cells. However, like any superfood, healthy moderation over a period of time is recommended to see accurate results.
