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Avocado Oil Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

The name “Avocado” in Aztec is ahuacatl, meaning testicle, which is in reference to the shape. The Avocado is a fruit from the flowering plant family of Lauraceae. With over 80 varieties of Avocados the most common one is the Hass; mainly due to the fact that it is available year round. The original tree of the Haas is still rooted in California.

The green skin and shape of the Avocado has made it also known as the Alligator Pear. California and Florida are the two main producers in the U.S. of the Avocado. The Avocado was brought here by European sailors that originally had used it in place of butter.

The seed of the Avocado is not used in making the oil; the oil is actually pressed from the fruit of the Avocado. With the high tolerance against heat, the Avocado oil makes a great healthy choice for cooking oil.

Avocado Oil Benefits

Just half of an Avocado has 160 calories with 15 grams of healthy unsaturated fat and only 2 grams of saturated fat. With just a third of an Avocado you will get a third of your daily requirement of Vitamin C and half a daily requirement of Vitamin K. Some of the greatest Avocado Oil Benefits are that it is a great source of potassium, fiber, folate, and B6.

  • Healthy Heart – due to the B6, folic acid, Vitamin E, glutathione, and monounsaturated fat content.
  • Lower Cholesterol Levels –being rich in the compound beta-sitosterol has been effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels.
  • Promote Eye Health – the carotenoid lutein helps protect against cataracts and macular degeneration.
  • Control Blood Pressure – being a great source of potassium to better control blood pressure levels.
  • Anti-Inflammatory – the compounds of polyphenols and flavonoids reduce the risk of inflammatory and degenerative disorders.
  • Prevent birth Defeats – due to the richness of folate and folic acid.
  • Regulate blood Sugar Levels – the soluble fiber helps the body keep a steady blood sugar level.
  • Reduce Risk of Strokes – the folate richness provides great protection against strokes.
  • Cancer Protection – with the oleic acid content makes effective breast cancer prevention and inhibits the growth of prostate cancer.
  • Bad Breath Remedy – the avocado is great for cleaning the intestine that coats our tongue and gives us bad breath.
  • Fights Free Radicals – containing glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant and also creates a healthier nervous system.
  • Anti-Aging – the antioxidants are what are needed to help slow down aging symptoms.
  • Nutrient Absorption – the Avocado aids with increasing the absorption of other nutrients into our body.

With an excess of over 25 essential nutrients makes the Avocado one of the healthiest foods in the world. Some of these nutrients that can protect against disease and illness that the Avocado give us is – Vitamins A, B, C, E, & K, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and potassium. There is also fiber, protein, and several beneficial phytochemicals such as beta-sitosterol, glutathione and lutein found in the Avocado. The Avocado Oil taste is clean and mild with just a hint of nuttiness.

Avocado Oil Uses

  • Adding a little Avocado Oil to our mouthwash will help kill bacteria and bad breath due to its antiseptic properties.
  • For milkshake lovers, just a few drops of Avocado Oil in for that little healthy lift and taste.
  • Get rid of that dry itchy scalp by adding Avocado Oil to your shampoo and conditioner.
  • Been in the sun too long, just keep massaging the Avocado Oil in for a few days depending on how bad the burn is.
  • Keep your skin healthier, softer, and hydrated by adding a few drop to your hand moisture creams.
  • A simple and refreshing way to rid your face of age lines and wrinkles is with a nightly Avocado Oil face rub.
  • Avocado oil in a spray bottle is great for detangling your hair without a greasy residue.
  • Massage the oil into your scalp and adding a shower cap will be an enriching moisturizing treatment for your hair and scalp.
  • Psoriasis and eczema issues can be cleared away with a daily Avocado Oil treatment.
  • Forget all those acne treatments with all those chemicals, just reach for you Avocado Oil.
  • Avocado Oil will also promote hair growth.
  • Adding avocado in your diet can help stimulate menstrual flow.
  • Have a toothache; just try soothing it with an Avocado oiled cotton ball for relief.
  • You can also help heal small wounds.
  • Pop some avocado in the blender for an energizing great drink.
  • Keep those harmful UV rays out by using your Avocado Oil as a sunscreen.
  • For a homemade avocado facial cleanser, just mix one egg yolk, half cup milk and half avocado.
  • Exfoliating your skin is so easy by adding oats, egg white, and tiny bit of lemon juice with your Avocado Oil.
  • Your own moisturizing masks treatments any time; just mash up a fully ripened avocado and combine it with Aloe Vera gel.

Avocado Oil Side Effects

Avocado oil does not seem to produce any side effects, but always use a patch test if you suspect you’re sensitive to a particular oil.

Frances Masters

Frances Masters is a BACP accredited psychotherapist with over 30,000 client hours of experience. Follow her @fusioncoachuk, or visit The Integrated Coaching Academy for details about up coming training.