Avocado Oil
Although avocado oil is a relative newcomer to the health food scene, it’s become a fast favourite and it’s not hard to see why. With its mild flavour and impressive health properties, it’s the perfect vehicle for creating delicious salad dressings, savoury meals and sweet baked goods too.
When it came to creating our new keto-friendly salad dressing range, avocado oil was a no-brainer! Avo oil is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, and also enhances the absorption of carotenoids and other nutrients. Learn all about the potential health benefits of avocado oil and how you can introduce it into your diet.
What are the benefits of avocado oil?
Heart Health
Avocado oil is made of almost 70% oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Research suggests that a diet rich in this heart-healthy fat is good for general health, and could even reduce the risk of heart disease and dementia.
Eye Health
Avocado oil is a source of lutein. Research has shown that a diet rich in lutein improves eye health and may lower the risk of age-related eye diseases.
Nutrient Absorption
Some nutrients need to be paired with fats for better absorption, and this is true of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, as well as carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Adding avocado oil, or another healthy fat like extra virgin olive oil, to your meal may help you better absorb these nutrients.
Healthy Skin
Avocado oil is a good source of vitamins E and A, which are linked to skin membrane health. According to Healthline, one study saw improved symptoms of psoriasis after a 12-week topical treatment with a cream containing 20% avocado oil, and vitamin B12. Research suggests the healthful properties of avocado oil could promote wound healing and overall skin health.
How to use avocado oil?
There are so many different ways to use avocado oil. Part of its versatility is in its high smoke point. This means that avocado oil can tolerate very high temperatures – up to 271°C – before the fats begin to break down and release free radicals. In comparison, the smoke point of canola oil is 204ºC, peanut oil is 232ºC and butter is just 150ºC.
Avocado oil can be used in almost everything without losing any of its beneficial health properties. It can be added to smoothies, used in marinades, to bake sweets, roast meat and vegetables, and, most commonly, in salad dressings like our new keto-friendly salad dressing range.
Enjoy all of the goodness avocado oil – and apple cider vinegar – has to offer in our Creamy Caesar, Classic Italian, Manuka Honey & Mustard and Lemon & Turmeric. Shop for them now at independent grocers and online at Aus Pantry.