In this blog post, I’ll review whether refined avocado oil is healthy or not? Find out what this product’s nutrition pros and cons are and if there are better options to consider.
Avocado oil is extracted from the ripe and oily green or yellow flesh of the avocado fruit.
Even though avocado is a fruit, manufacturers classify this oil as vegetable oil – a term used for plant-based oils instead of animal-based oils like butter or lard.
Avocado trees are native to central and South America, where the humid, sub-tropical climate creates a perfect environment for the fruit to grow in. Luckily, you don’t have to vacation to Mexico to enjoy this healthy fruit; they also grow in warm regions in the United States and Africa.
The Hass avocado variety is one of the most popular varieties for oil extraction because the pulp of the avocado fruit has a high oil content and a delicious flavor profile. It is also one of the most delicious avocados to eat.
Although the skincare and cosmetics industry initially used avocado oil in their products because of its softening and soothing properties, it’s become popular as a culinary oil.
Chefs and home cooks worldwide use this flavorful oil for cooking and as a raw oil in healthy recipes.
Avocado oil has good heat stability and contains compounds with health benefits, including antioxidants, polyphenols, oleic acid, lutein, and vitamin E. You can store this oil for as long as a year – as long as you keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Our 100% pure avocado oil is naturally refined, meaning no harsh chemicals are used to extract or refine the oil. The pure oil is stored in a tank at our refining facility where it is monitored, the temperature is dropped, and impurities are removed. This protects the quality and stability of the oil.
Refined Avocado Oil Vs. Unrefined Avocado Oil
If you found this article, you may wonder whether there’s a significant difference in nutrition between refined and unrefined avocado oil. Here’s a basic comparison.
Refined avocado oil is filtered to remove any pulp. The process also removes the green color and tempers the flavor somewhat, making it milder.
Even though this avocado oil undergoes some processing, it’s still an excellent and healthy cooking oil and superior to vegetable oils.
One of refined avocado oil’s best attributes is its high smoke point of up to 500°F. This is a higher smoke point than many other oils which makes it appropriate for high heat cooking. Another attribute is that it doesn’t have an overwhelming “avocado” flavor.
For those who want the health benefits of this oil but prefer a milder taste, refined avocado oil is ideal.
Avocado oil is one of the few edible oils not derived from the seed or pit of the fruit. It means you can extract it using more natural methods like cold pressing. Without additional processing, this type of extraction results in unrefined avocado oil, which has an olive green or golden color and a robust and rich nutty flavor.
Because unrefined avocado oil has a lower smoke point than refined avocado oil, it’s best to use it raw in salad dressings, to drizzle on food, or for gentle cooking. Unrefined oils and extra virgin oils are more delicate than refined oils.
If you enjoy the taste of avocados, this oil’s bold flavor and exceptional health properties make unrefined avocado oil an excellent finishing oil.
You may notice a slight green tings to the unrefined version of cold-pressed avocado oil. You may also seen it marketed as extra virgin avocado oil.
Nutritionally speaking, avocado oil is similar to olive oil.
Both of these healthy fats are high in unsaturated fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Including these “good fats” in your diet is a heart-healthy choice.
Avocado oil is also rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, oleic acid, lutein, and vitamin E. These healthy compounds have the following health benefits:
Avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, which helps reduce LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol.
Research has revealed that the oleic acid in avocado oil, and other healthy oils like olive oil, can help lower blood pressure naturally.
When you reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, it contributes to heart health. But that’s not all. Avocado oil may also help reverse the type of inflammation associated with the risk of heart disease and may also fight free radicals.
Among the numerous benefits of avocado oil is that it is a heart-healthy oil.
Improves hair, skin, and eye health
Avocado oil is rich in vitamin E and lutein – both important for hair, skin, and eye health. Lutein is particularly good for eye health. It helps protect against age-related macular disease, which can cause vision impairment and blindness.
The SHOCKING Difference Between Olive Oil Vs Avocado Oil | Dr. Steven Gundry
FAQ
Is naturally refined avocado oil good?
What does naturally refined oil mean?
How do I know if my avocado oil is refined?
What is the difference between pure avocado oil and refined avocado oil?
How is avocado oil refined?
Avocado oil can be refined in two ways: chemically and naturally. The chemical method of refining avocado oil uses the RBD method, which uses a refined, bleached, and deodorizing technique to produce various vegetable oils. The purpose of refining avocado oil is to remove the avocado oil’s natural color, smell, and flavors.
How can one have avocado oil?
Avocado oil has a neutral taste, so it can be incorporated into smoothies, juices, sweet or savory preparations. In addition, due to its fatty acids, it protects the heart and protects against many other diseases.
What is unrefined avocado oil?
Unrefined avocado oil will be cold-pressed and not touched otherwise, other than perhaps being filtered. It retains all the nutrients, taste, smell and color that make it super for you. Ava Jane’s Avocado Oil meets these standards. It’s made from just the perfectly ripe flesh (no pits or skins).
Why is refining avocado oil important?
The purpose of refining avocado oil is to remove the avocado oil’s natural color, smell, and flavors. It simply means refining is a process to remove impurities that can cause decreases in the free fatty acids content. In this process, rotten or damaged avocados can still be used, and the resulting oil will still have a normal taste and smell.