Avocados on sandwich, in a smoothie, on a salad...all "normal" places to find avocado. But avocado oil...what the heck is that and why would I use it?
Actually the majority of the time I cook, I use avocado oil. The main reason being it's smoke point -- the point at which an oil literally begins to smoke. When you heat an oil to it's smoke point the beneficial properties begin to degrade AND health-harming compounds begin to form. When the oil smokes, it releases carcinogens into the air and creates free-radicals within the oil. Avocado oil's smoke point is one of the highest in the oil family, and the quality of avocado oil is one of the highest as well.
HEALTH BENEFITS: Avocado oil contains the highest concentration of monounsaturated fats (the good ones!) which improve cholesterol numbers. It is also loaded with potassium, vitamins A, E and D and is extremely rich in antioxidants, such as lutein which improves eye health. So...next time you fire up that grill, warm that sauté pan or drizzle that salad with oil, why not make it avocado oil? Your heart will thank you.
WHERE TO BUY: Vitacost, Whole Foods, Amazon (Vitacost is the least expensive)
