Avocado oil - healthier than coconut oil?
Get the skinny on this healthy fat!
Avocado oil is beginning to pop up in many healthy food ingredients and even beauty! It has a very mild flavor and minimal scent. So is avocado oil a great alternative? The answer is: YES!
Avocado oil is a plant oil extracted from the flesh of the plant. Avocados have more potassium than bananas, and more protein and fat than any other fruit. It can be compared to coconut oil in popularity, but is nutritionally similar to olive oil.
Avocados are one of the only sources of beta-sitosterol, which is a phytosterol that positively impacts lipid and cholesterol levels in the body. It has the unique ability to penetrate down into the mitochondria as shown in this study. The mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells, having effects on aging and immunity.
In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2005, researchers found that avocado oil increased the absorption of caretenoids (antioxidants) as much as 15x! So just by adding some avocado oil to your salad, you increase your nutrient absorption! It is also heart-healthy by the type of fats it contains by improving insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels.
How to use it?
Avocado has a high smoking point of 400°F (204°C). This makes it extremely adaptable in the kitchen for anything from sautéing to stir-fry, baking to salads.
Substitute for butter or vegetable oil in baking
Stir Fry base
Add vinegar and spices for salad dressing
Use on grilled meats or veggies
Mix with olive oil for dressing
Substitute for oils in mayo