First, a confession. I didn’t get into avocados until I was in my mid-20’s. As a kid, I gave it a shot, but always thought of it as a kind of tasteless fruit. Well, its flavor and texture are debatable, but what is not up for debate is the fact that avocado is one of the healthiest foods around. The fruit’s oil is considered one of the most beneficial natural oils we have, and it can be used in many ways.
Avocado Oil Hair Benefits
Avocado oil contains many nutrients, including amino acids, iron, copper, magnesium, protein, folic acid, and vitamins A, B, D and E. Because of this, it does an exceptionally great job at hydrating and nourishing dry, damaged, or broken hair. The oil’s consistency makes it easier to penetrate and be absorbed by the hair and scalp.
Avocado oil acts as a treatment for (and prevention of) dandruff, as a mild conditioner, and as a moisturizer. It even acts as a natural protector from the sun’s potentially-harmful rays. Plus, the nutrients and high fat content promote healthy hair growth, aid in the prevention of hair loss, and ease the discomfort of a dry or itchy scalp. Many shampoos include avocado oil in their list of ingredients, for this precise reason.
Skin Benefits
The avocado’s oil – especially when cold-pressed – possesses many attributes which are great for your skin. You can apply avocado oil directly to the skin to help it stay smooth. It can also play a part in preventing inflammation and unpleasant skin-related conditions.
This oil can also act as an all-natural moisturizer. This is a much more natural alternative to the typical, run-of-the-mill moisturizers out there, which are often laden with chemicals, fragrances, or preservatives. This way, not only are you getting quicker and more positive results, but are also minimizing the amount of possible side-effects. We already mentioned this oil’s great skin-penetration capabilities, and they this relatively thick substance to be absorbed faster, and get to work. Softer, healthier, properly-hydrated skin. From an avocado. Don’t you love it?
Avocado Oil Neutralizes Free Radicals
“Free radicals” is the name given to particles within the body which attack the cells, and can cause damage to the body if left unchecked. Normally, the body can handle and regulate these radicals, but with age and with certain nutrition habits comes the chance that free-radical production will get out of hand. Free radicals have been linked to cancer, heart issues, premature aging of the skin, and other conditions.
Avocado oil can help to reign in these radicals, and keep them balanced. Unlike many other fruits and vegetables, avocado (and its oil) has the ability to penetrate deeper into the cell, and offer a higher, more encompassing degree of cellular protection, which translates into better health, overall.
Benefits to Cooking With Avocado Oil
I am not a fan of the word ‘superfood’, but avocado has got to be one. It produces one of best cooking oils out there, though some are not even aware that you can cook with it. Adding this oil to your pantry is not only a refreshing change, but a much healthier option than most other cooking oils.
It has a very high smoking point, which makes it a perfect oil for intense-heat cooking. Remember those free radicals which are inside you? They exist outside of you as well. Avocado oil helps to neutralize the radicals in your cooking, and provides healthier food.
Oil Pulling With Avocado Oil
Studies are still being conducted on oil pulling. It is the practice of holding oil in one’s mouth for 10 or 20 consecutive minutes before spitting it out and rinsing. Those of us who engage in this activity already know it to be one of the greatest (not to mention most interesting!) ways of maintaining proper oral health and hygiene. I don’t do this every day, but I would if I could afford it. I use an excellent sesame oil, and that stuff is expensive!
Oil pulling can be done with a number of oils, and one of the better-tasting ones on that list is avocado oil. I’ve given it a shot, I just prefer it on salad, I guess. Like I said – sesame all the way!
Pulling takes some getting used to. You will be fighting the urge to spit it out. The process can be easier by using the more inviting and generally more palatable avocado oil. One table spoon (start with a little less, like half or three-qaurters), slide it in, let it sit in your mouth for a good few minutes, then swish for a bit, and spit.
NOTE: make sure to avoid using low-quality vegetable oils, low-grade peanut oil, canola oil, and the like. That stuff is just not the way to pull. Those oils are not nearly as beneficial as higher-quality oils such as sesame, coconut, almond, and olive. If you’re gonna do something – do it right.
This method is not for everyone. Oil pulling can get pricey, and some just consider it to be unnatural and icky. It also depends on the oil you choose, which is why avocado is a smart beginner’s choice.
Conclusion
I feel that people overlook and underrate avocados. They just don’t seem to be as popular as they ought to be. Some of this may be due to the avocado’s somewhat-elusive stage of ripening. Maybe it is a question of cost for some people, since they are expensive. One thing is clear – they ain’t just for guacamole anymore. The avocado’s oil can help you live a healthier life, plain and simple. Whether you use it on your hair, on your skin, or in your food – it is natural, tasty, and highly beneficial.
Author Byline: To learn more about the health benefits of avocado, click here. Jonathan is a writer and editor for Maple Holistics.
5 Ways Avocado Oil Will Make You Healthier
