The quality rating of avocado oil is based on the extraction method and the quality of the fruit. The highest quality avocado oil, “extra virgin”, corresponds to that produced from high quality fruits, extracted only with mechanical methods, using a temperature below 50 °C and without the use of chemical solvents. “Virgin” avocado oil is produced from inferior quality fruits (with small areas of rot and physical changes), extracted by mechanical methods, at a temperature below 50 °C and without the use of chemical solvents. “Pure” avocado oil is a type of production oil where the quality of the fruit is not important; is a bleached and deodorized oil infused with the natural flavor of herbs or fruits. Finally, “mixed” avocado oil is combined with olive, macadamia and other oils. Therefore, it has variable sensory and chemical characteristics.

Avocado (Avocado) (Persea americana Mill.) is a fruit native to Central America, grown in warm temperate and subtropical climates throughout the world. The pulp of this fruit contains about 60% of oil, 7% of rind and approximately 2% of seed. The main producers of avocado oil in the world are New Zealand, Mexico, the United States, South Africa and Chile. Avocado oil has sparked growing interest in human nutrition, the food industry and cosmetics. The lipid content, mainly monounsaturated fatty acids, is associated with benefits for the cardiovascular system and anti-inflammatory effects.

There are no internationally defined parameters for avocado oil. The most used values are those recommended for olive oil. The quality standard for olive oil is available from the Codex Alimentarius and the International Olive Oil Council (IOC).

1. Skin and hair health

The presence of large amounts of vitamin E together with potent antioxidant substances make avocado oil an ideal product to treat skin conditions. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that help stimulate the growth of new skin cells, protect the skin from infections, reduce inflammatory conditions like eczema and rosacea, and improve the overall appearance of the skin and make it look younger. As for the hair, avocado oil is extremely nourishing and can make hair stronger and healthier, as well as repairing damage and as a moisturizer for dry hair.

2. Cancer prevention

Phytosteroid and carotenoid compounds, as well as the presence of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in avocado oil, help to reduce oxidative stress. This means that this oil is great in fighting free radicals present in our body. The natural by-products of these free radicals are capable of causing mutations in cells, which lead to the development of cancer. Several studies have shown that some extracts present in avocado oil can prevent and even reduce some cancerous tumors in the body.

3. Cardiovascular health and blood pressure reduction

By consuming avocado oil regularly, you improve your heart health by reducing high blood pressure. Studies show that avocado oil can affect the hormonal response in the kidneys, which helps keep blood pressure low. This can even protect your body against diseases such as atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications that include the development of heart disease.

4. Eye health

The carotenoids present in avocado oil are converted into vitamin A in the body. After this conversion, they are able to act as antioxidant compounds that help reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of developing chronic diseases. An important carotenoid for eye health is lutein, which is a substance that reduces the risk of cataracts and conditions like macular degeneration. In addition, vitamin A is also directly related to good eye health, as it helps to eliminate aging-related vision problems.

5. Reduction of inflammatory processes

Monounsaturated fats have an anti-inflammatory capacity that is interesting for our body. This property helps balance cholesterol levels, as well as calming possible inflammation in blood vessels, arteries, muscles, joints and other parts of the body. Several studies show that this is very beneficial especially for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

6. Weight loss

The good fat present in avocado oil is able to improve the lipid profile in the body, since fats obtained from good sources have important functions in the body, especially in brain health, and thus are not stored in adipose tissue. This can increase the speed of the weight loss process, especially if it is combined with an exercise plan and a healthy, balanced diet.

7. Nutrient absorption

According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, adding avocado oil to a meal can increase the absorption of carotenoids, which are antioxidant substances that have several health benefits and protect the body from diseases such as some types of cancer and eye diseases. . It was also confirmed in this study that the inclusion of avocado oil as a seasoning in salads significantly increases the absorption of nutrients such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lutein, which are carotenoids that bring several benefits.

8. Oral health

Avocado oil can be helpful in maintaining oral health. This is because this oil is able to block the release of inflammatory compounds called cytokines and has anti-inflammatory properties. In periodontal disease, for example, inflammation of the gums can occur, causing problems such as reddened gums with bleeding, bad breath and broken bones and tissue damage around the teeth.

9. Control of diabetes

The presence of beta-sitosterol in avocado oil can be good for diabetics, as this compound helps to control the glycemic index and insulin levels in the body. In addition, this oil prevents the development of problems such as obesity and helps in controlling cholesterol levels, which is also important for people with diabetes.

10. Strengthening the immune system

The many nutrients in avocado oil help to boost your immune system and rid your body of disease. The presence of vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, riboflavin and manganese strengthen the immune system. In particular, antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body, promoting overall health.

11. Cholesterol control

Oleic acid, like other unsaturated fatty acids, is responsible for reducing the risk of heart disease by increasing levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), the cholesterol considered good for the body. In addition, avocado oil can also help reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol.

12. Prostate protection

Studies indicate that the presence of phytosteroids in avocado oil helps prevent some types of cancer such as prostate cancer. Evidence suggests that phytosteroids are able to reduce men's risk of developing prostate problems, including organ cancer.

13. Prevention and treatment of signs of aging

As already mentioned, avocado oil is great for skin care. Due to its high content of antioxidant substances, avocado oil helps fight free radicals that can damage skin cells, generating signs of premature aging, for example. Free radicals can be generated by oxidative stress from the natural aging process or due to unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and contact with polluting agents. Thus, avocado oil can neutralize the effects of free radicals, decreasing skin blemishes and signs such as wrinkles due to skin aging.