3 Genius Ways to Use Heart-Healthy Avocado Oil

And only one involves eating it. 

Avocados might be one of the most idolized fruits to ever hit the produce stand. And we get it, we don't want to think about a world without guacamole or avocado toast. Full of healthy fats, potassium, fiber, and vitamins, these vibrant green beauties are not only delicious, they're an essential superfood. And while we're used to consuming avocados in tacos or sandwiches, there's another way to reap the incredible health benefits of avocados: avocado oil.

Avocado oil is by no means a recent phenomenon, but some people might not know all of its benefits or why it's such a great item to keep in your pantry. In addition to being nutrient-dense, avocado oil is considered to be a refined oil and has one of the highest smoke points. This means it contains minimal impurities and can reach a temperature of 520°F.

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Avocado Oil in Cooking

Avocado oil can be used for sautéing, roasting, searing, and more. It has a very neutral taste, which makes it easy to use in marinades, or even homemade mayonnaise in place of vegetable oil. You could also use it as a base of a homemade vinaigrette since it has such a light and delicate flavor. And thanks to its high smoke point, you can crank the heat: It's our go-to ingredient when cooking dishes like stir-fry or grilling a steak in cast-iron.

In addition to its delicious flavor and texture, avocado oil is high in oleic acid. It improves your body's ability to absorb carotenoids (healthy antioxidants) in foods, thus when you have avocado oil with your meal, you're maximizing your body's ability to soak in the healthy qualities of the fruits and vegetables you're consuming.

RELATED: Every Question You've Ever Had About Cooking Oils, Answered

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Avocado Oil in Skincare

It's very likely that some of your skincare products already contain avocado oil. Experts say that the beta carotene, protein, lecithin, fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and E found in avocado oil are great for keeping skin moisturized. Look for products that have avocado oil in them or add a bit to your daily moisturizer.

Note: Avocado oil is moderately comedogenic, so it's best to avoid using it topically if you are acne-prone.

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Avocado Oil in Haircare

When it comes to haircare, any type of oil can help prevent breakage and split ends, but avocado oil puts in overtime. It's known to help detangle knotty hair. Use it to massage and moisturize your scalp or add it to your conditioner for extra nutrients. If your hair is really dry, you can use avocado oil as a hair mask, too.

RELATED: 5 Foods to Eat for Healthier Hair and Nails

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  1. Flores M, Saravia C, Vergara CE, et al. Avocado oil: characteristics, properties, and applicationsMolecules. 2019;24(11):2172. doi:10.3390/molecules24112172

  2. Crusan AC, Reicks M, Demmer RT, et al. Serum β-carotene concentrations are associated with self-reported fatty acid intake in United States adults from the National Health and Examination SurveysLipids. 2022;57(3):163-171. doi:10.1002/lipd.12340

  3. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oilsInt J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070

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