Nutrition Corner: Avocado Oil

Most likely you are familiar with the beloved avocado as one of nature’s healthiest foods, but have you ever tried avocado oil or did you even know it existed?

Like olive oil, avocado oil is one of the few oils extracted directly from the fruit rather than chemically extracted from seeds.

Avocado oil is high in oleic acid, mono-unsaturated fats and vitamins A, E and D, making it a beneficial choice not only for strengthening the heart, but also for preventing diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels and obesity. Moreover, in France, Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU) is an extract made from a combination of avocado and soybean oil extracts that has received prescription drug status as a treatment for knee and hip osteoarthritis.

Avocado oil tastes more neutral than olive oil, especially when heated. It can be used in salad dressing or dips, like olive oil, but it’s also recommended for cooking because of its high smoke point of 520 degrees.