Friday, June 15, 2012

The Benefits of Avocado Oil

It's confusing when trying to follow the right steps towards wellness with so many opinions from so many different angles.  What I mean by that is we are programmed by so many different diets out on the market and so many experts convincing us to use this and that.  My rule of thumb is what is natural, organic and has the most nutrients is the best rule.  What value does it bring me to my body to consume it?  That's what you should ask yourself.

One thing I haven't purchased in a few years is salad dressings.  I prefer to eat salads with a dressing that I can control what goes into it.  There are so many ways you can spin a salad dressing by adding different herbs, spices, vinegar and oils.  My friends and family always go nuts over the salads I make and my secret is...the dressing.  Store bought dressing are laced with unnecessary ingredients that don't have any nutritional value what-so-ever.  Plus they don't compare in flavor.  Not even close.

The first I came across Avocado Oil was at a friend of mines house a few years ago.  Her mother lives in Cabo and brought some to her.  I was looking on her table and found this pretty little green bottle.  I asked her about it and she said, "OMG - it makes the best salad dressing."  Evidently the Aztecs have been using Avocado Oil forever.   I was intrigued by it and did some research when I go back home.  I purchased a bottle of Organic Avocado Oil and I have been in love since.  It's rich, full of flavor and has a high smoke point.  

Avocado Oil isn't widely used but its gaining momentum.  In this fat obsessed world we live in, people are looking at every drop of oil they consume and more health enthusiasts are turning to Avocado Oil.  It's more than 50% monounsaturated, extremely high in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, and vitamin E, making it a heart rich ingredient.  Which helps reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, high blood pressure, and help prevent many diseases.  

Avocado oil is a great source of lecithin, which promotes fast healing and better skin quality. This yellowing fatty substance acts as a super emulsifier and lubricant. When applied topically, lecithin forms a protective covering on your hair follicles and your skin’s surface, effectively preventing the loss of moisture due to wind and climate damage. Avocado oil is also high in sterolin which can be used as a softener or moisturizer in hair and skin care.

So when you reach for some oil to cook with or add to a dressing, think about adding an oil that is nutrient rich.  Same amount of calories as other oils, but more nutrients.  That's the key!

You can purchase Organic Avocado Oil from Mountain Rose Herbs online.  It's an extremely popular item and they sell out frequently - but well worth the investment. 

Stormy