Avocado Oil Health and Beauty Benefits
The avocado is a tree native to the highland regions of south–central Mexico to Guatemala. It is a member of the flowering plant family Lauraceae. The fruit of the plant, called an avocado, is a large berry containing a single large seed. Avocado trees are self–pollinating, and are propagated through grafting to maintain fruit quality and quantity. The fruit of domestic varieties has a buttery pulp when ripe. Depending on the variety, avocado skin can vary in color from green, brown, purple, to black, and may vary in shape from pear, oblong, to round.
The high fat and smooth texture of avocados make it a diverse food in different cuisines, and is traditionally important in Mexican cuisine. The nutrient–dense value and concentration of healthy fats, make avocados a commonly used food in vegan and vegetarian dishes and is prized for its health benefits. Avocado oil is one of few edible essential oils not derived from seeds; it is pressed from the fleshy pulp of the fruit of the avocado tree.
Avocado oil is used as an edible oil both raw and for cooking, where it is noted for its high smoke point. It is also used for lubrication and in cosmetics. Avocado oil has a high smoke point (the temperature at which oil or fat begins to smoke and burn): 250°C (482°F) unrefined, and 271°C (520°F) refined. Edible cold–pressed avocado oil is generally unrefined, like extra virgin olive oil, so it retains the rich and unctuous flavor and green color characteristics of the fruit flesh, read on for some suggested therapeutic uses of avocado oil.
Persea americana grows to 20 m (66 ft.), with alternately arranged leaves 12–25 cm (5–10 in.) long. Panicles of flowers arise from new growth of leaves. The flowers are green–yellow, about 5–10 mm (⅛–⅜ in.) wide. The species is variable due to human selection in order to produce larger, fleshier fruits with a thinner exocarp (skin). The pear–shaped fruit is usually 7–20 cm (3–8 in.) long, weighs between 100 and 1,000g (3½ and 35½ oz.), and has a single large central seed, 5–6.4 cm (2–2½ in) long.
Properties of Cultivars
The Hass avocado has a dark green–colored, bumpy skin. It was first grown and sold in Southern California by Rudolph Hass, who gave it its name. Unrefined avocado oil from the “Hass” cultivar is high in monounsaturated fatty acids. “Hass” cold–pressed avocado oil is a brilliant emerald green when extracted; a color that is attributed to high levels of chlorophylls and carotenoids; it has been described as having grassy, butter–like and mushroom–like flavors. Other varieties can produce oils with different flavor profiles, such as “Fuerte”.
Climate Change and Avocado Production
Avocados are cultivated in the tropical and Mediterranean climates of many countries. Mexico is the leading producer, supplying 32% of the world’s total in 2019. Avocado production is one of the most environmentally intensive, using 70 liters (18 US gallons) of water per avocado, and producing over 400g of CO2 emissions.
In major production regions like Chile, Mexico and California, water demands for avocados puts pressure on overall water resources. There are additional concerns with avocado production, including environmental justice, human rights violations, deforestation and connections with organized crime. Climate change is expected to cause significant changes in the growing zones for avocados putting additional pressure on water resources and production.
| Name | Scientific Name | Origin | Benefits | Caution | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avocado | Persea americana | Native to the highland regions of south–central Mexico to Guatemala | Neutralizes free radicals, Lowers cholesterol, Healthy fats, Eye health, Enhances absorption | Should be kept out of reach of children, should not be brought in direct contact with eyes. A patch test should be performed before applying. | Airtight dark glass kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. |
The History of the Avocado
Persea americana is thought to have originated in the Tehuacan Valley in the state of Puebla, Mexico, although there is fossil evidence of similar species more widespread millions of years ago. Three separate domestications of the avocado could have resulted in the current Mexican (aoacatl), Guatemalan (quilaoacatl), and West Indian (tlacacolaocatl) landraces.
The Mexican and Guatemalan landraces originated in the highlands of those countries, while the West Indian landrace is a lowland variety that ranges from Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador to Peru, being widespread by Indigenous peoples in pre–Columbian America.
Large fruits function by seed dispersal, which they accomplish because their mildly toxic pit is swallowed whole by large animals and excreted with their dung, ready to sprout. The native, undomesticated variety of avocado is known as a criollo. It is small with dark black skin, and contains a single large seed. It probably coevolved with Pleistocene megafauna, because no existing animal species is large enough to disperse the avocado seeds in this fashion.
The plant was introduced to Spain in 1601, Indonesia around 1750, Mauritius in 1780, Brazil in 1809, South Africa and Australia in the late 19th Century, and the Ottoman Empire in 1908. In the U.S., the avocado was introduced to the mainland in 1825, to Florida and Hawaii in 1833 and California in 1856.
In California before 1915, the avocado was commonly referred to as ahuacate and in Florida as alligator pear. In 1915, the California Avocado Association, now the California Avocado Society (CAS) introduced the innovative term “avocado” to refer to both plant and fruit.
The Health Benefits of Avocado Oil
Avocado is regarded as a superfood because it is so nutrient–dense. Avocado oil functions well as a carrier oil for other flavors. Avocado oil has a similar monounsaturated fat profile to olive oil and is naturally low acidic. If you’re looking for ideas on ways you can incorporate this beneficial fruit into your daily life, read our post 3 Uses for Avocados.
Aside from its health and culinary applications, avocado oil has beauty benefits as well, which is why it has gained popularity of late. It is used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and regenerative properties. When used in hair and skin care products it is usually refined, and the color and scent are removed after extracting. For some DIY skin and hair beneficial homemade products incorporating this wonderful ingredient, read our post 5 Beauty Treatments Using Avocado Oil.
Quality Control
A study performed at the University of California, Davis in 2020 determined that a majority of the domestic and imported avocado oil sold in the U.S. is rancid before its expiration date or is adulterated with other oils. In some cases, the researchers found that bottles labeled as “pure” or “extra virgin” avocado oil contained nearly 100% soybean oil.
It is high in Vitamins A, D, E, antioxidants and magnesium, and enhances the absorption of carotenoids (also called tetraterpenoids, the yellow, orange, and red organic pigments produced by plants) and other nutrients. Each 30 mL of avocado oil contains 3.6 mg of Vitamin E and 146.1 mg of beta–sitosterol. Consumption of avocado and avocado oil improves skin and eye health, circulatory function and balances hormones. If you’re interested in greater detail, read this PDF on the Health and Beauty Benefits of Avocado Oil. Avocado oil has many health benefits discussed below.
Therapeutic Uses of Avocado Oil
- When applied topically, it can provide relief from gout and rheumatism.
- It can resolve digestive issues, autoimmune conditions and lower inflammation.
- When ingested, it can reduce the symptoms of IBS.
- It moisturizes and nourishes skin deeply providing relief from dry skin. It prevents cracked and chapped skin. Add a few drops of avocado oil to hand creams and lotions for soft, healthy and hydrated skin.
- It is used to prevent wrinkles, fine lines and stretch marks. A nightly avocado oil face application helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
- It makes a great makeup remover.
- A homemade avocado facial cleanser can be made by mixing ½ cup milk, 1 egg yolk and ½ large avocado.
- A mixture of egg whites, oats, and a dash of lemon juice and avocado oil makes a great skin exfoliator.
- A moisturizing facial mask can be made by mixing aloe vera gel with mashed ripened avocado pulp.
- A dry skin moisturizing oil blend can be made by mixing avocado and wheat germ oils.
- When applied topically, it can lighten dark under eye circles.
- Apply avocado oil to skin regularly to clear symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.
- Avocado oil used topically can be used to treat acne.
- It is used to promote healing of wounds.
- Using avocado oil as sunscreen can protect skin from harmful UV rays.
- Massage avocado oil to a sun burn for few days to promote skin healing and skin desquamation.
- It is an effective treatment for hair loss, and promotes new healthy hair growth.
- The use of a few drops of avocado oil mixed with water in a spray bottle helps to detangle hair by smoothing the hair shaft.
- Add avocado oil to shampoo and conditioner to treat a dry and itchy scalp.
- For a moisturizing hair mask, massage the oil on the scalp and cover with a shower cap.
- Add a few drops avocado oil to mouthwash. Its antiseptic properties can eliminate bacteria and bad breath.
- Apply avocado oil with a cotton ball to an infected tooth to relieve a toothache.
- Daily intake of avocado can regulate the menstrual cycle.
- A few drops of avocado oil can be added to smoothies to enhance their nutrition.
- Make a nutritious and energizing smoothie by adding 1–2 oz. avocado.
Nutritional Value of Avocado Oil
| Proximity | Amount | % DV |
| Serving Size | 1 cup, 218g | N/D |
| Calories | 1927 Kcal. | N/D |
| Calories from Fat | 1962 Kcal. | N/D |
| Energy | 8064 kJ | N/D |
| Total Fat (lipid) | 218g | 622.86% |
| Lipids | Amount | % DV |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 25.201g | N/D |
| Palmitic acid 16:00 (hexadecanoic acid) | 23.762g | N/D |
| Stearic acid 18:00 (octadecanoic acid) | 1.439g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 153.808g | N/D |
| Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid) | 5.81g | N/D |
| Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid) | 147.998g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 29.399g | N/D |
| Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid) | 27.315g | N/D |
| Linolenic acid 18:3 (octadecatrienoic acid) | 2.086g | N/D |
Precautions
Avocado oil is mostly safe and has very few and rare negative side effects. It’s always recommended to do a patch test before use. Pregnant or nursing women should consult their doctor before using avocado oil.
Common Side Effects
These are the rare side effects which have been listed:
- Itching, Rash, Hives
- Vomiting
- Allergic reaction
- Skin reddening
- Anaphylaxis
- Intestinal or Bronchospasm
If you do experience any one of these symptoms, stop using the oil immediately and consult a physician. These are possible negative symptoms related to allergic reactions to the avocado fruit. If you are allergic to legumes or similar types of fruits, be mindful when using avocado oil—particularly when ingesting avocado oil. People allergic to avocados should avoid ingesting and using its oil topically.
People with latex allergies (bananas, chestnuts, and passion and kiwi fruits) have a greater possibility of being allergic to avocados and their oil. Patients who take blood thinners should consult their physician before using since avocado oil could lower the effectiveness of Warfarin. People experiencing improper liver function should consult their physician before using avocado oil.
Essential Oils to Avoid In Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant should use essential oils with caution. Some oils are best steering clear of altogether. These are: Acorus Calamus, Ajwain, Allspice, Amyris, Anise (Aniseed), Angelica, Apricot Kernel, Asafoetida, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Fennel, Hyssop, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Star Anise, Sweet Birch, and Wintergreen.
Never use essential oils in a humidifier, CPAP machine, or any other breathing device.
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Avocado
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Avocado Oil
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