Avocados have a well-earned reputation as a superfood, given that they boast antioxidants, Omega-3s, magnesium, potassium, fiber, A, B, C, D, E, and K vitamins. This fantastic fruit (yes, fruit) has ample benefits, and the oil extracted from them is quite impressive too. Keep reading to find out why we’re using avocado oil, both in our newest products and our kitchens at home.
1) It tastes great
Avocado oil’s light, fresh flavor lends itself to many dishes and is compatible with nearly all other flavors. With a more neutral taste than similar nutrient-dense oils (think olive oil, coconut oil, and flax seed oil), avocado oil is equally at home in baked goods as it is in sautéed dishes.
2) It has a high smoke point
When it comes to selecting cooking oils, it’s important to consider the smoke point. Each oil has a specific temperature at which it will start to smoke, burning the oil (and your meal). This not only negatively affects flavor; overcooking impacts nutritional value and can create free radicals and potentially cancer-causing carcinogens. Consequently, it's best to choose a high smoke point oil like avocado oil when cooking with high temperatures. Avocado oil has one of the highest smoke points of all cooking oils: 520° F. Once you try it, you’ll be thrilled to achieve that perfect sear on your steak, and stir-fry vegetables with just the right amount of crispness. Oils with lower smoke points are best for finishing dishes rather than cooking them. Think a drizzle of walnut oil over your summer spinach salad, or extra virgin olive oil with balsamic vinegar for dipping fresh sourdough.
Did you know?
Avocado oil is one of the few edible oils not made from a seed. Avocado oil is made from the fruit pulp around the pit.
3) It’s so versatile
Thanks to its light flavor and high smoke point, avocado oil can be used in a wide variety of different recipes and cooking styles. For instance, it’s equally delicious in cooking, barbecuing, baking, and in dressings and marinades. The options are nearly endless.
4) It’s rich in nutrients
Avocado oil has many of the same nutrients found in avocados. It’s high in oleic acid, lutein, monounsaturated fats, and Vitamins A, E, and D. How does this affect your body? Oleic acids, also as Omega fatty acids, are believed to have beneficial properties that help prevent certain diseases and lower blood pressure. Lutein is a natural carotenoid (aka, plant-derived vitamin) found within a variety of plant-based foods, and it's thought to improve eye health. In addition, monounsaturated fatty acids, commonly known as “healthy fats”, help protect against heart disease. Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, can help your body fight against free radical damage in cells.
Did you know?
Avocado oil is an excellent addition to your skin and hair care routines. With antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, avocado oil is a great lotion for soothing sensitive, itchy skin, or as an in-shower hair mask to nourish dry hair.
5) It aids in antioxidant absorption
Some nutrients are fat-soluble, meaning they require fats to be absorbed by your body. Many antioxidants that are found in fruits and vegetables are best absorbed when they are consumed in conjunction with healthy fats, such as avocado oil.
6) It’s adaptable to your specific diet
Thanks to its health benefits and low levels of saturated fats, avocado oil adapts easily to many different diets. For example, it’s vegan, keto-friendly, and fits within the guidelines of a Mediterranean diet. Best of all, adding avocado oil to your meal plan is easy:
- Swap out your cooking or baking oil for avocado oil.
- Make a simple salad dressing using avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of brown sugar.
- Try new meals from Performance Kitchen that incorporate avocado oil.
- Add a tablespoon of avocado oil to your favorite smoothie recipe.
Have you tried cooking with avocado oil before? What’s your favorite avocado oil recipe? Let us know in the comments!