Unliker other oils, it is not derived from the seeds. Avocado oil is pressed from the pulp of Persea Americana fruit also known as avocado. It has high smoke point both refined and unrefined. The smoking point of refined form is 520°F (271 °C) whereas unrefined form has 480 °F (249 °C). The refined oil has the yellow color with strong smell and unrefined oil has green color with rich and fatty odor. The oil is contained of healthy fats such as essential fatty acids and oleic acid. It is rich in oleic acid, Vitamin A, D, E and monounsaturated fats. It is also comprised of antioxidants and magnesium. It is used as cooking oil and as an ingredient in various dishes. Besides culinary uses, it has beauty benefits so it is used in cosmetics for moisturizing and regenerative properties. It is gaining much popularity nowadays. It is usually bleached, refined and deodorized after extracting to use it in the hair and skin care products.

History

It is a native plant of Central America and Southern Mexico. The term “avocado” is derived from Aztec word “ahuacatl” which means testicle that represents its shape. The historical records show that the cultivation of avocado was started in 6000 B.C. The fruits have yellowish or greenish flesh with buttery consistency and nutty taste. The oil extracted from avocado is green in color but when refined it becomes yellowish with strong smell.

Avocado got introduced in 1871 to California and Santa Barbara. In 1918, British Imperial Institute of England figured out the edible uses of avocado oil.

Nutritional value

Avocado oil is packed with fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E, C and minerals. It also contains the lipids such as 25.201 g of total saturated fatty acids, 23.762 g of palmitic acid, 1.439 g of stearic acid, 153.808 g of total monounsaturated fatty acids, 5.81 g of palmitoleic acid, 147.998 g of oleic acid, 29.399 g of total polyunsaturated fatty acids, 27.315 g of linoleic acid and 2.086 g of linolenic acid.

Health Benefits of Avocado oil

Avocado is regarded as the healthiest food for the health. The consumption of avocado enhances skin, circulatory functions and balance hormones. As it is extracted from the flesh of avocado, it is loaded with medicinal and nutritional benefits. It has high content of Vitamin E in comparison to olive oil. The high smoking point of avocado oil makes it suitable for cooking purposes.

1. Neutralize free radicals

The research shows that bolsters of fruit cells helps to eliminate free radicals. The environmental factors such as radiation, cigarette smoke and pollution convert mitochondria into free radicals. It is related with aging and various health ailments such as diabetes and hypertension. The research shows that avocado oil has protective effects against free radicals. It reduce the level of cholesterol and fats which are increased in diabetic patients and could result in heart attack and stroke. (1)

2. Lowers cholesterol

Avocado has the ability to lower bad cholesterol level in obese and overweight people. It keeps the cardiovascular ailments at bay. In comparison to the cholesterol lowering diets and avocado diet, the diet of avocado lowers the total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and others. Avocado is the nutrient rich diet which could be consumed with vegetables, salads and sandwiches. (2)

3. Healthy fat

It is the oil which is extracted by pressing the pulp of avocado. It has heart healthy oleic acid which is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that derives various health benefits. About 12% of avocado oil consists of saturated fat whereas 13% contains polyunsaturated fat.

4. Healthy eyes

This oil is a great source of lutein which is a carotenoid found in eye naturally. It has antioxidant properties which is vital for maintaining eye health. It lowers the chances of macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye related diseases. Lutein should be obtained from the diet as the body does not produce lutein.

5. Enhance absorption

The study shows that intake of avocado oil with salad of carrots, spinach and romaine lettuce increase the carotenoid absorption.

6. Treat arthritis

Arthritis has become a common health problem in the world. Osteoarthritis is also a common form of arthritis which is related with cartilage breakdown in joints. The study shows that avocado oil lowers the stiffness and pain related with osteoarthritis. It is helpful for the people having knee and hip osteoarthritis.

7. Keep gum problems at bay

The avocado oil helps to prevent the chances of periodontal disease which is a gum related disease. It has the symptoms such as bleeding of gums, breakdown of tissue and bone around teeth and bad breathe. It could result in tooth loss as well.

8. Heal wounds

Avocado has fatty acids which is essential for the skin health. The study shows that avocado oil treats skin injuries and also speeds up the healing process of wounds.

9. Assist digestion

The addition of avocado oil to the diet helps to get relief from poor digestion, gas and bloating. The presence of minerals, vitamins and monounsaturated fatty acids supports digestive tracts in the food processing.

10. Weight loss

Avocado oil has high content of oleic acid that assist in losing weight if used with regular exercise and healthy diet. It has powerful nutrients that makes us full faster and for longer time period.

Uses     

• Topically, it is used to provide relief from gout and rheumatism.
• It nourishes the skin deeply and smoothen it by providing relief from skin desquamation.
• It is used to prevent wrinkles, dry skin and promote healing of wounds.
• It is an effective treatment for hair loss.
• It is used to treat eczema and psoriasis.
• It lowers the symptoms of IBS.
• It cures digestion issues, autoimmune conditions, neurological issues and lowers inflammation.
• It prevents cracked and chapping skin.
• It is helpful for stretch marks and promotes hair growth.
• Add few drops of avocado oil to the hand moisture creams which facilitates in soft, healthy and hydrated skin.
• The nightly Avocado oil face rub helps to get rid of age line and wrinkles of the face.
• The use of avocado oil in a spray bottle helps to detangle the hair by eliminating the greasy residue.
• For enrich moisturizing treatment of scalp and hair, add a shower cap after massaging the oil to the scalp.
• Treat the avocado oil regularly to clear the psoriasis and eczema issues.
• The acne could be treated by the avocado oil.
• The daily intake of avocado triggers the menstrual flow.
• Apply the avocado oil with a cotton ball to the affected teeth to relieve toothache.
• The avocado oil also helps to heal small wounds.
• The usage of avocado oil as a sunscreen prevents from harmful UV rays.
• A homemade avocado facial cleanser could be made by making the mixture of half cup milk, one egg yolk and half avocado.
• The mixture of egg white, oats, a tiny bit of lemon juice and avocado oil makes a great skin exfoliator.
• The moisturizing mask treatments could be made by mixing Aloe Vera gel and mashed ripened avocado.
• A dry skin could be treated by using the mixture of avocado oil and wheat germ oil. It moisturizes the dry skin.
• It has the ability to lighten dark circles under eyes.
• Add little avocado oil to the mouthwash. It eliminates bad breathe and bacteria because of its antiseptic properties.
• Add avocado oil to the conditioner and shampoo to get rid of dry and itchy scalp.

5 steps to apply avocado oil on hair

The simple steps to apply the avocado oil on the hair are:

1. In a bottle, make the mixture of 1-2 spoon of avocado oil, 1-2 spoon of glycerin and one quarter of skin soap.
2. The mixing process should be continued for 1-2 minutes. Shake the bottle for better results.
3. The mixed solution should be applied to the hair. The shampoo could be applied if needed and let it remain till it dries.
4. Let it remain for 3-5minutes so that it dries up completely.
5. Then wash the hair with cold water.

Suggested Avocado Oil Uses

• The presence of antiseptic properties destroys the bacteria and eliminates bad breathe, if little amount of Avocado oil is added to the mouthwash.
• Few drops of Avocado Oil should be added to the milkshake to enhance the taste and health.
• Add avocado oil to the shampoo or conditioner so that it helps to eliminate the dry itchy scalp.
• Massage the avocado oil to the sun burn for few days so that it helps to get rid of it.
• Add few drops of avocado oil to the hand moisture creams which facilitates in soft, healthy and hydrated skin.
• The nightly Avocado oil face rub helps to get rid of age line and wrinkles of the face.
• The use of avocado oil in a spray bottle helps to detangle the hair by eliminating the greasy residue.
• For enrich moisturizing treatment of scalp and hair, add a shower cap after massaging the oil to the scalp.
• Treat the avocado oil regularly to clear the psoriasis and eczema issues.
• The acne could be treated by the avocado oil.
• Avocado oil enhances the growth of hair.
• The daily intake of avocado triggers the menstrual flow.
• Apply the avocado oil with a cotton ball to the infected teeth to relieve toothache.
• The avocado oil also helps to heal small wounds.
• Make the energizing drink by adding the avocado to the blender.
• The usage of avocado oil as a sunscreen helps to prevent the harmful UV rays.
• A homemade avocado facial cleanser could be made by making the mixture of half cup milk, one egg yolk and half avocado.
• The mixture of egg white, oats, a tiny bit of lemon juice and avocado oil makes a great skin exfoliator.
• The moisturizing mask treatments could be made by the mixture of Aloe Vera gel and a mash of fully ripened avocado.

Beauty tips using Avocado essential oil

Making a facial mask from avocado oil

• Put the paste of one avocado in a bowl by adding 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in it.
• Wash the face properly and apply the mask of avocado all over the face with spatula. Nose, eyes and mouth should be avoided.
• Sit for 10-15 minutes so that the avocado oil enters to the deep layers of the skin.
• The clean towel should be soaked in the hot water and squeeze it dry. Press the towel over the face.
• The avocado should be removed by pulling the towel downward by applying pressure. Then rinse your face.

Making an age spot massage lotion

• 2 tablespoons of castor oil and 2 tablespoons of avocado oil should be mixed in a bowl. It should be applied with the fingers to the age spots.
• The age spot should be well massaged with the oil and let it remains for 15 minutes.
• Then use warm water to rinse off the oil. Due to the high presence of sterolins in avocado oil, it treats age spots and also moisturizes the skin.

Making a bath oil

• The bath oil should be mixed.
• 2 cups of avocado oil and 1 cup of almond oil should be heated in a saucepan. After removing the pan from the heat, 2 teabags should be placed into the mixture.
• The essential oils such as chamomile, lavender and geranium should be poured to the glass bottle. The mixture of avocado and avocado oil should be added to the bottle. Then place the lid on the bottle.
• The bottle should shake well and then it should be placed in a cool and dark place for 1 day.
• A hot bath should run and 2 ounces of bath oil mixture should be poured into the water. It helps to rejuvenate and moisturize the skin and leaves it soft and supple.

Making a skin rub from avocado oil

• The pure avocado oil should be rubbed to the skin.
• The small amount of avocado oil should be poured to the dry areas of the skin. The avocado oil helps to provide the soothing effect to the eczema sufferers as it lowers the inflammation and itching of the skin.

Making a hair shampoo from avocado oil

• Make the mixture of ¼ cup of aloe vera, ¼ cup of castile soap, ¼ teaspoon of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin in a medium-sized glass bottle.
• After closing the bottle shake it thoroughly.
• The entirety of the bottle should be poured on the hair in the bathtub or over a sink. Let it sit for about 3-5 minutes after massaging the hair with the shampoo.
• Then rinse out with cool water. It provides the healthy hair.

How to Eat         

• It is used as cooking oil.
• Due to its high smoking point, it is used for grilling and frying purposes.
• It is used for baking, deep-fry, stir-fry, sear, barbecue, saute and roast.
• A tablespoon of oil could be added to smoothies.
• Drizzle a slice of cantaloupe with avocado oil and sprinkle sea salt in it.
• It is a great substitute for olive oil to dress salads.
• Add it to curries to enhance its flavor.
• Make the energizing drink by adding avocado to the blender.

 Precautions                                                                                               

• People who are allergic to avocado should avoid the use for external and internal purposes.
• The people allergic to latex allergies (bananas, avocado, chestnuts, passion and kiwi fruit) have the great possibility of being allergic to avocado oil.
• It might lower the effectiveness of warfarin.
• People who take blood thinners should consult the doctor for use.
• Do a patch test before using avocado oil.
• One suffering from the allergies such as hives, anaphylaxis, vomiting, reddening of the skin, itching, eczema, intestinal spasms and bronchial asthma should avoid its use externally and orally.
• The people having improper functions of liver or weak liver should consult the doctor for use.
• To remain on safe side, pregnant or nursing women should avoid it.

Other Facts        

It acts as a great makeup remover.

Avocado oil facts

The oil which is extracted by pressing the pulp of fruit named avocado and its trees are inherent to Caribbean and America. Since 900 A.D. it has been cultivated.  It is a great source of vitamin D, E and A. From centuries, avocado oil is used for skin care and beauty by the inherent North and Central American people. Due to impressive nutrient contents, it is used in skin care products for dehydrated, dry, mature and damaged skin. It is used in hair care products as it contains essential fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids.

Avocado Oil Quick Facts
Name:	Avocado Oil
Origin	It is a native plant of Central America and Southern Mexico.
Colors	Green, yellow
Taste	Lingering
Calories	1927 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients	Total Fat (622.86%)
Health benefits	Neutralize free radicals, Lowers cholesterol, Healthy fat, Healthy eye, Enhance absorption

Name	Avocado Oil
Origin	It is a native plant of Central America and Southern Mexico.
Color	Green, yellow
Texture	Thick, heavy
Odor	Rich, fatty
Flavor	Mild
Taste	Lingering
Smoke point	Unrefined form: 480 °F (249 °C) Refined form: 520 °F (271 °C)
Major Nutritions	Total Fat (lipid) 218 g (622.86%)
Health Benefits	Neutralize free radicals Lowers cholesterol Healthy fat Healthy eyes Enhance absorption Treat arthritis Keep gum problems at bay Heal wounds Assist digestion Weight loss
Calories in 1cup (108 gm)	1927 Kcal.
Uses	It relieves gout and rheumatism. It smoothen skin and provides relief from skin desquamation. It prevents wrinkles, dry skin and enhances healing of wounds. It treats eczema and psoriasis. It cures digestion issues, autoimmune conditions and neurological issues. It helps to treat acne as well. The usage of avocado oil as a sunscreen prevents from harmful UV rays. It moisturizes the dry skin. It lightens dark circles under eyes.
Precautions	Allergic ones should avoid its use. The people with latex allergies have high chances of being allergic to avocado oil. It reduces the effectiveness of warfarin. Patch test should be done before using avocado oil. The people with liver problems should consult the doctor for use. Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid it.
How to Eat	It is used for baking, deep-fry, stir-fry, sear, barbecue, sauté, roast, grilling and frying purposes. It could be added to smoothies. It is a perfect substitute for olive oil. It is added to curries as well.