Avocado oil is edible oil pressed from the fruit of the Persia Americana (avocado). As food oil, it is used as an ingredient in other dishes, and as cooking oil. It is also used for lubrication and in cosmetics, where it is valued for its supposed regenerative and moisturizing properties.

It has an unusually high smoke point, both unrefined and especially when refined. The smoke point of the unrefined form is 480 and the refined form can reach 520 °F (271 °C). The exact smoke point depends heavily on the quality of refinement and the way the oil has been handled up until reaching store shelves and subsequent kitchens.

Avocado oil functions well as carrier oil for other flavors. It is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. Because the avocado is a year-round crop, some olive oil processing facilities, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, process olive oil during the olive season and avocado oil during the rest of the year.

Avocado oil was originally, and still is, extracted for cosmetic use because of its very high skin penetration and rapid absorption. Avocado oil for cosmetics is traditionally extracted with solvents at elevated temperatures. After extraction, the oil for application in skin care products is usually refined, bleached, and deodorized, resulting in odorless yellow oil. Like extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed avocado oil is unrefined and so retains the flavor and color characteristics of the fruit flesh.

Avocado oil compares well with olive oil. It has a similar monounsaturated fat profile which helps to protect the oil from breakdown during heating. Avocado oil is naturally low acidic, helping to increase smoke point.

Avocado oil is one of few edible oils not derived from seeds; it is pressed from the fleshy pulp surrounding the avocado pit.

Avocado oil is an edible oil pressed from the pulp of the avocado fruit (technically, a large berry). Native to Mexico, avocado trees are in the same plant family as cinnamon and bay laurel. Today, they are cultivated in mostly tropical climates, although even temperate areas like California can be productive.

Avocado as food

High in many nutrients, it’s easy to see why the avocado is eaten all over the world.

·        Most of its fast are monounsaturated

·        A diet rich in avocado has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels

·        It is high in fiber for a fruit

·        Avocado have more potassium than bananas

·        They are rich in B vitamins and antioxidants, like Vitamin E

The oil of the avocado retains many of these nutrients and so is also a good addition to a balanced diet.

Cosmetic ingredient

Unrefined avocado oil can be heavy, dark oil, but it nonetheless absorbs nicely into skin. It is very similar to olive oil in its fatty acid composition and offers many of the same benefits in soap lotions and other skin products.

Avocados are an oval-shaped fruit with a dark green outer skin, a light green interior and a large pit. The oil extracted from the avocado through cold pressing is extremely rich and beneficial to the skin and hair. The oil contains vitamin A, D and E as well as lecithin and potassium. Avocado oil also contains a number of proteins and unsaturated fatty acids, both of which are powerful skin agents. Avocado oil has many applications, but knowing how to use it is crucial in order to reap its benefits.

Pour various essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile and geranium, into a glass bottle. Add the almond and avocado oil mixture (without the teabags) into the bottle. Place a stopper or lid on the bottle. Shake the bottle well and place it in a cool, dark location for at least 1 day.

Close the bottle tightly and shake it to thoroughly mix all ingredients. Pour the entirety of the bottle onto your hair over a sink or in a bathtub. Massage the shampoo into your hair and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse the shampoo out with cool water. The avocado oil within the shampoo is a nourishing compound that keeps hair looking and feeling healthy.

 

Wash your face to remove all dirt and skin oils. Apply the avocado by spreading it over the skin of your face with a spatula. Avoid your eyes, nose and mouth. Sit and relax for 10 to 15 minutes while the avocado oil penetrates into the deep layers of your skin. Soak a clean towel in hot water and wring it dry. Place the towel over your face and press down hard. Remove the avocado from your face by pulling the towel downward while applying pressure. Rinse your face as needed.

Massage the oil into the age spot and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse the oil off with warm water. Avocado oil is rich with steroids, which is a type of steroid that penetrates deeply to moisturize.

 

Pour a small amount of avocado oil onto particularly dry areas of skin. Sufferers of eczema might find the properties of avocado oil soothing, as it tends to reduce itching and inflammation of the skin.