5 Reasons Why Avocado Oil is Good for You

image

Avocado oil, made from the pressing of the flesh of the avocadoes, is a great oil to have in your pantry, excellent for both culinary and cosmetic purposes. For instance, since it has a high smoking point, this oil is useful for high-temperature frying and grilling and women are just discovering how beneficial it can be for the hair, skin and nails. Below are the five top reasons why this oil is so very good for you.

Lowers Cholesterol

Avocado oil is incredibly good for your heart, since it is a rich source of monounsaturated oleic acid (OA) that blocks the absorption of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. OA lowers the levels of both the cholesterol and triglycerides and this in turn can reduce the chances of plaque buildup in the arteries, a causative factor for heart attacks and strokes. In addition, OA helps to raise the HDL or “good” cholesterol levels in the blood.

Supports Blood Vessel Integrity

This oil has high levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and that, in combination with its high amounts of Vitamin E, helps to remove free radicals and fatty deposits from the blood vessels and reduces the oxidative damage that can come with aging. This combination of nutrients has also been shown to strengthen the vessel walls while at the same time making them more flexible and thus able to tolerate changes in blood pressure. Overall, this can greatly reduce the risk of developing conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) or arterial thrombosis.

Decreases Cancer Risk

Avocado oil is also high in alpha linolenic acid (ALA) which is a particular Omega-3 fatty acid that has been known to reduce tumor growth and has been found to be particularly useful in treating cancers of the colon and breast. Vitamin E, also a nutrient in the oil, has been shown to be effective with lung and prostate cancer treatment and prevention.

Promotes Healing

Because it is high in Vitamins A, D and E, avocado oil is excellent for promoting skin cell regeneration and renewal and is thus wonderful for promoting the healing of wounds and other skin maladies. In is additionally useful for this because its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties both reduce the chance of infection and any swelling or edema around the affected area which can interfere with the healing process.

Moisturizes Skin and Hair

The component which makes avocado oil such an excellent moisturizer for skin and hair is the lecithin, an emollient and lubricant which can wrap around the hair follicles of the skin and lock in moisture, decreasing dryness and irritation without doing any damage. It also contains sterolin, which is another effective moisturizer.

Avocado oil, whether taken internally or used as a topical treatment, is excellent for a variety of ailments and can promote everything from heart health to strong and nourished skin and hair. For these reasons, it certainly has a place in the pantry for anyone interested in leading a truly healthy lifestyle.

More From Mayimina:

The Best and Worst Nuts for Your Health

6 Affordable superfoods to add to your grocery list

10 Ways to Use Leftover Banana Peels

Mayimina
Mayimina has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.