Since there are so many oils available on the market today, it can be confusing to know what is best for you. But avocado oil in Kenya has started gaining a share in the market.
What is Avocado Oil?
Oil from an avocado is produced by pressing the pulp surrounding the pit. You can buy either unrefined or refined avocado oil.
Avocados are cold pressed to produce unrefined or extra virgin oil. This kind of oil is naturally extracted at low temperatures to maintain a high level of nutrients, flavor, colour and smell. Refined avocado oil is extracted using heat and sometimes chemical solvents.
Benefits of Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has benefits you need to know about, including:
- Healthy for the heart
Avocado oil is high in oleic acid. This healthy fatty acid has been linked to
- Lowering bad cholesterol
- Lowering blood pressure
- Good for the eyes
Avocado oil is a great source of lutein. This nutrient improves eye health and may lower the risk of age-related eye diseases.
- Good for the gums
Researchers say that avocado oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe inflamed gums and even prevent gum disease.
- Promotes wound healing
Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A and E. These vitamins:
- Enhance wound healing
- Improve skin health
- Prevent skin damage from UV rays from the sun
- Moisturize dry skin
- Promotes healthy digestion
Some nutrients need fat so as to be absorbed by the body. The healthy fats in avocado oil nourish the gut. By increasing the health of the gut, you are able to better absorb nutrients found in other healthy foods.
- May reduce symptoms of arthritis
Multiple studies have found that extracts from avocado and soybean oil called avocado and soybean unsaponifiables may reduce the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
- Healthy hair
Avocado oil is a light oil that can penetrate deeply into your hair. The fatty acids like oleic acid (omega 9) and linoleic acid (omega 6) in avocado oil nourish hair and can:
- Moisturize hair
- Reduce dandruff
- Prevent hair breakage
- Make hair shine more
- Prevents cancer
Avocado oil contains a high number of antioxidants such as Vitamin E, carotenoids and omega 3 fatty acids. These antioxidants help in:
- Lowering the risk of certain cancers
- Preventing cells from damage
- Repairing muscles during recovery from exercise
- Boosting immune system
- Diet Friendly
Avocado oil is a great choice for anyone with digestive issues. The healthy fats found in avocado oil may work for even those who are on a particular diet.
Why You Need to Cook with Avocado Oil
It is very easy to use avocado oil in the kitchen. Here are the benefits of cooking with avocado oil:
- Versatility
Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than other healthy oils like olive oil or coconut oil. A smoke point is the temperature at which the oil will begin to smoke, degrade and release harmful compounds.
Since avocado oil is a good for high heat cooking, it can be used for:
- Frying
- Grilling
- Roasting
- Baking
- Sautéing
- Searing
- Delicious taste
Avocado oil is light and doesn’t infuse too much flavor to:
- Salad dressing
- Marinated meat
- Homemade sauces
- Substitute for Unhealthy Oils
Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for other unhealthy cooking oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil.
How to Use Avocado Oil on Your Skin
- Avocado oil can be used as facial and body moisturizer
- Use it as scalp massage
- Use it in bath oils or shower gels