Over the years, coconut oil has stolen the spotlight. From beauty to nutrition, it’s pegged as a “miracle” ingredient. One can even say it has a fan club! Nothing seems better, but just wait until you learn about avocado oil.
Both coconut and avocado oils contain healthy fats. Yet, coconut oil is made of 92 percent saturated fat, making it questionable for people with heart problems. On the other hand, avocado oil is made of just 16 percent saturated fat. Most are monounsaturated fatty acids (72 percent), topped off with polyunsaturated fatty acids (13 percent). 1 But that’s not all. Aside from helping the heart, it can benefit the eyes, skin, and everything in between. Here’s how.
Ways Avocado Oil Is Good For You
1. Avocado Oil Prevents Heart Disease
Since avocado oil doesn’t have much saturated fat, it’s less likely to cause atherogenesis,2 or the creation of fatty masses in the arterial walls. In a 2014 rat study, avocado oil also decreased “bad” LDL cholesterol without affecting “good” HDL cholesterol. Plus, it’s also been shown to lower triglycerides3 and blood pressure.4 Together, these benefits can lower the risk for heart disease, the country’s leading cause of death.5
2. Avocado Oil Boosts Immune Function
Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid, a type of omega-9 fat.6 This lesser known monounsaturated fatty acid may improve the immune response. It acts on three types of white blood cells: macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, In turn, harmful germs are removed from the body with ease.7
3. Avocado Oil Enhances Eye Health
When you think of eye health, avocado oil is probably the last thing that comes to mind. It’s actually a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids. These nutrients protect the eyes and improve visual clarity.
As antioxidants, they also find and destroy free radicals. Both have been linked to a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts,8 making it a smart choice for eye health.
4. Avocado Oil Eases Joint Pain
Thanks to the anti-inflammatory fatty acids, avocado oil may benefit arthritis, a disease of joint inflammation. More than 50 million American suffer from the condition. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and a poor range of motion, making it a major cause of disability.9 In France, an extract made from avocado and soybean oil is used to relieve symptoms caused by knee and hip osteoarthritis.10 Considering it has anti-inflammatory properties, avocado oil is worth adding to your diet.
5. Avocado Oil Speeds Up Wound Healing
Coconut oil is known for its effect on the skin. But avocado oil is just as powerful! In a 2013 animal study, researchers found that the oleic acid speeds up wound healing. It also increases collagen density, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin.11
6. Avocado Oil Prevents Skin Cancer
Is avocado oil the new sunscreen? According to Archives of Dermatological Research, it very well might be. In the skin, sun exposure triggers inflammation. It also sparks cellular reactions that may lead to skin cancer. However, applying avocado oil before sun exposure can actually prevent damage from ultraviolet radiation. Even DNA is better repaired.12
7. Avocado Oil Relieves Psoriasis
Avocado oil is natural treatment for psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disorder of the skin. The immune system mistakenly activates T cells, a type of white blood cell. In turn, skin cells are rapidly produced, causing inflammation and thick, red patches.13 In a 2001 study in the journal Dermatology, a vitamin B12 cream with avocado oil showed benefits. It may even be used as a long-term remedy,14 offering a natural approach to harsh medicine.
Avocado oil is the best choice if you’re concerned about heart health. Otherwise, use coconut oil in moderation, and reach for avocado oil more often.
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