Step aside, vegetable choices! There is a new (healthier) kid on the edible oil block! Alongside olive oil, avocado oil is becoming super-trendy and offers some serious health benefits. But, what makes it different from other oils? And, why is it so healthy? Read on for all you need to know!
What is Avocado Oil?
Avocado oil is the oil that is extracted from, you guessed it, avocados. Using this oil can add some rich and unique flavor to dishes, and because of the high smoke point, it is a great option to use for sauteing, roasting, and more. And since it is already becoming one of the hottest ingredients to use in the wellness space, you can now find it in products like potato chips, mayonnaise, and salad dressings, allowing people who are limiting or avoiding seed oils to have alternatives.
Using avocado oil is one trend that is certainly worth exploring, especially if you are focused on supporting your overall health. And after reading this article, you will have a better understanding of why this oil is having a moment in the spotlight. So, if you have ever wondered about the benefits of avocado oil, be sure to keep reading.
3 Health Benefits of Avocado Oil
If you have never tried avocado oil, you can likely imagine how rich and delicious it tastes in dishes that call for some added fat. And beyond the flavor benefit, avocado oil offers some serious features and benefits that can help support people’s health goals.
Here are four health benefits of avocado oil, according to research:
It May Support Heart Health
Avocado, and therefore avocado oil, is rich in healthy unsaturated fat. Data shows that eating avocado is linked to a reduction in LDL “bad” cholesterol and an increase in HDL “good” cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends people lean on unsaturated fats instead of saturated options for heart health, highlighting how eating avocado oil can offer some benefits.
It May Support Brain Health
Based on data, lutein has been shown to support brain health. In fact, lutein accounts for nearly 60% of the carotenoid content of the brain. This carotenoid has antioxidant properties, which can be one major reason why lutein is so beneficial for brain health.
RELATED: The Best Snacks to Beat Mid-Day Brain Fog
It Can Help Absorb Certain Nutrients
Fat-soluble nutrients (vitamins A, D, E, and K) lean on fat to help the body absorb it. Avocado oil can act as a healthy fat source that helps the body process these incredibly important nutrients.
RELATED: 7 Reasons to Add Avocado to Your Diet
How to Add Avocado Oil to Your Diet
Ready to hop on the avocado trend but don’t know where to start? To help get you started with enjoying avocado oil in your diet, here are some ideas to do that.
- Use avocado oil in homemade salad dressing recipes
- Use avocado oil in place of vegetable oil in marinade recipes
- Add a drizzle to soups like gazpacho or tomato
- Drizzle it over Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes before roasting
- Spread it on toast
- Use it instead of butter in baked goods recipes
Avocado Oil For Health Support
Including avocado oil is a simple way to add some antioxidants and other plant compounds in a diet in a delicious and convenient way. Loaded with healthy fats and chock-full of unique flavor, avocado oil can be a welcomed addition to salads, marinades, and a slew of other crave-able recipes. Adding avocado oil to a healthy and balanced diet is a simple way to support heart and brain health, and it can add some major flavor to your already delicious recipes too!
