Avocado oil is produced from the avocado fruit, pressured from the pulp that surrounds the avocado pit. Like avocados, avocado oil is full of healthy fats, including oleic acid and essential fatty acids. It can be used in cooking or in uncooked items such as salads and dips. While most fruits are high in carbohydrates thanks to natural sugar, avocados are unique because they are high in healthy fats. They also contain Vitamin E, which helps promote healthy skin. Avocado oil health benefits include the ability to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure levels, reduce cholesterol levels and more. Adding the healthy fat source to your diet can help boost your cardiovascular health, improve your nutrient absorption and provide natural pain relief from inflammatory conditions.
Avocado Oil Health Benefits
1. Lowers Blood Pressure
Avocado oil health benefits include the ability to naturally lower blood pressure levels. The monounsaturated fats in avocado oil help manage blood pressure levels by improving lipid levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that monounsaturated fats naturally improve lipid levels to improve cardiovascular health. (1)
2. Improves Arthritis Symptoms
Avocado oil health benefits include relief from arthritis symptoms. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis occur when cartilage between the joints wear down, leading to pain and inflammation. Like the fruit, avocado oil boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation in the joints, avocado oil can help reduce pain and swelling caused by arthritis. Avocado health benefits also include relief from other inflammatory conditions. (3)
3. Helps Treat Skin Problems
Avocado oil health benefits include the ability to help treat psoriasis and other skin conditions. A 2011 study published in Dermatology found that a Vitamin B12 cream containing avocado oil had potential as a long-term topical therapy for psoriasis. Th healthy fats in avocado oil work to reduce inflammation in the skin. Avocado oil health benefits also include relief from dry, itchy skin. (3)
4. Improves Heart Health
As a cholesterol-lowering food, avocado oil health benefits include improved heart health. The oleic acid in avocado oil works to reduce the risk of heart disease by increasing levels of HDL or good cholesterol. Oleic acid also helps to lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels. Avocado oil health benefits include a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and blood clots. (4)
5. Boosts Nutrient Absorption
Avocado oil health benefits include the ability to boost the body’s nutrient absorption. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that adding avocado oil to a meal can help boost the body’s absorption of carotenoids in food. Carotenoids are antioxidants that promote a healthy immune system. They are believed to provide significant health benefits to the body, including a decreased risk of eye disease and even certain cancers. (5)