Avocados are rich in healthy fats, making them ideal for making cooking oil. Although less well-known than olive oil, avocado oil’s flavor and aroma are beloved by many. Today, we’ll explore several key benefits.

Avocado oil can help maintain heart health.

Traditionally, avocado oil is made by pressing the natural oils from the avocado pulp. Nearly 70% of avocado oil is oleic acid, an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid, which is beneficial for the heart.

This fatty acid, also a major component of olive oil, is believed by scientists to support heart health and lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing good cholesterol and decreasing bad cholesterol.

Avocado oil can help protect your eyes.

Scientists believe that avocado oil is a good source of lutein, a carotenoid naturally present in our eyes that has antioxidant and other health benefits.

Although lutein is an essential nutrient, the body cannot produce it on its own and therefore needs to obtain it from food. Having sufficient lutein in the body can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Avocado oil can help improve nutrient absorption.

Some nutrients require the presence of oil for better absorption, including the carotenoids mentioned earlier. While carotenoids can be obtained from plant-based foods, most vegetables and fruits are not rich in oil, so dietary fat is essential for absorption.

One study showed that adding avocado oil to a salad made with carrots, romaine lettuce, and spinach significantly enhanced carotenoid absorption.

Avocado oil can help improve arthritis symptoms.

Arthritis often causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Osteoarthritis is considered the most common type of arthritis and is primarily related to damage to the joint cartilage.

Numerous studies have shown that Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU), an extract of avocado and soybean oils, can help relieve the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

Avocado Oil Can Help Prevent Periodontal Disease

As we mentioned earlier, ASU, extracted from avocado and soybean oils, not only helps relieve arthritis but is also believed by scientists to help prevent periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease refers to bacterial infection of the periodontal tissues, which damages the tissues surrounding the teeth (such as the alveoli and gums). It is accompanied by various inflammatory symptoms, such as redness, swelling, bleeding, bad breath, and, in severe cases, tooth loss.

One study involving bone cells and periodontal tissues showed that ASU can help block IL-1B, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Scientists believe that this cytokine is the primary culprit in tissue and bone damage in periodontal disease patients.

Avocado oil can help maintain skin health and promote wound healing.

Studies have shown that the fatty acids in avocado oil are beneficial for the skin, and scientists believe it’s effective both internally and topically.

One study on psoriasis patients found that applying a cream containing avocado oil and vitamin B12 to patients with inflamed psoriasis for 12 weeks improved their psoriasis symptoms. Furthermore, experiments have shown that moderate avocado oil intake can accelerate wound healing.