Avocado oil: properties and uses, benefits and harms
Avocado oil is a product obtained from the ripe products of the plant that bears the same name. It is usually obtained using a cold-pressed technique from the pulp of this juicy fruit. Its flavor is similar to that of walnut, and its greenish tint sets it apart from other oils, although it fades to brown if the oil is exposed to sunlight for a long time.
Avocado oil is used in many areas, in particular, in medicine, cooking and cosmetology.
The earliest references to avocado oil are found in documents dating back to the 13th century. Even then, the plant was actively grown in the Central African region. Its beneficial properties even then made it possible to use it for the treatment of diseases of the skin. In addition, during this period, natural avocado oil was believed to be an aphrodisiac. It came to Europe only three centuries later as a means for skin rejuvenation.
Description
The composition that the natural essential oil of this plant has is rich in various components:
- vitamins of various types - A, B, D, E, C;
- proteins;
- essential oils;
- carbohydrates;
- antioxidants;
- fats;
- minerals, among which it is necessary to highlight magnesium, zinc, calcium, iodine, phosphorus and potassium.
It should also be said about such a substance as squalene, which this product is rich in.It allows disinfection of wounds and has a healing effect. This component is found in human subcutaneous fat, which makes it an organic medicine. In addition, squalene promotes the production of sex hormones.
Avocado oil is considered high-calorie, so with its constant use in large doses, there is a risk of gaining excess weight.
Effect on the body
If we talk about its positive effect on the body, then avocado oil is characterized by an extremely wide range of applications. If we talk about the heart and blood vessels, then for their stable work, avocados should be taken due to the presence of potassium and magnesium. Thanks to the oil, the process of cleansing and renewing the blood is carried out, the level of cholesterol is significantly reduced, and the likelihood of blood clots is significantly reduced. Avocado also normalizes the work of the heart muscle, allows it to work rhythmically and stably.
Another area where the influence of avocado oil will be beneficial is the digestive system. It has long been known that the oil heals the mucosa and cleanses it. Its use on an empty stomach helps with gastritis and ulcers, as well as inflammatory processes in the intestines. It can also be used as a not very strong laxative - it improves intestinal motility. Oil increases the rate of metabolic fat processes, thereby accelerating metabolism. It will also be useful with a diet for weight loss instead of sunflower.
The product in question will also be useful for the body as a whole in terms of cell renewal and rejuvenation.
In addition, there are substances here that prevent the formation of cancerous tumors, that is, avocado oil can be called a real and relatively inexpensive prevention of cancer.If we talk about the nervous system, then due to the presence of vitamin B, it is strengthened. Insomnia disappears, sleep becomes stronger, and stress resistance increases.
The beneficial effect of oil on the endocrine system has also been proven. As mentioned above, it promotes the production of sex hormones, which improves all processes in the body, has a beneficial effect on the pancreas and improves the functioning of the entire endocrine system as a whole. Despite the fact that the oil is extremely high in calories, it will be useful for type 2 diabetes, since it contains practically no sugar.
Separately, it should be said about its beneficial properties for men and women. For the fair sex, it will be useful in the premenstrual period, as it relieves discomfort in the abdomen and headaches. It can also be taken during menopause. Even during pregnancy, it will be useful, as it allows you to saturate the depleted body of a woman with vitamins and microelements, which as a result will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the fetus.
Its use during breastfeeding is also necessary, in this case, the milk becomes more satisfying and nutritious for the baby. The child will begin to eat more and the intervals between feedings will increase significantly.
And men will be interested in oil for two reasons. Firstly, it can be an excellent aphrodisiac and greatly improve potency. The oil significantly increases the percentage of live spermatozoa and seriously reduces the likelihood of prostate cancer, as well as prostate adenoma. Secondly, it will be extremely useful for the joints, as it allows you to strengthen them and relieves a person from pain, having a healing effect.
Another important feature of the product is that it is a natural source of protein. It can be consumed as an alternative to meat and will be beneficial for people who would like to gain muscle mass. Of course, this is not a complete list of the useful properties of this fruit; it can be used even by children and simply for preventive purposes.
Advantages and disadvantages
As you can see from what you read above, the useful properties of this product are very valuable, that is, there really is a benefit from it, and a significant one at that. The main advantage of avocado oil is its comprehensive usefulness for the human body, as much has been said above. On the skin of any person, even a baby, avocado oil has a very gentle effect. The fact is that it has a high comedogenicity, that is, the ability to open and close skin pores, and this makes it possible to perfectly cleanse the skin and improve the condition of the skin as much as possible.
Reviews also indicate that the product in question simply has no equal in terms of skin care. Those who use it to care for nails, skin and hair say that the hair after oil masks began to fit better, cease to be confused and literally come to life. In addition, if you use the mask for a long time, hair growth is significantly accelerated, and they also become very soft and smooth. It is noted that they are electrified much less.
But it is worth talking about whether oil can be harmful. The presence of such an effect has not been proven, but some contraindications still exist. For example, people who are allergic to citrus fruits and fruits should not eat avocado oil or the fruits themselves.It is also strictly forbidden to take it to people who have allergic reactions to latex. Avocado kernels should also not be eaten, as they contain toxins that can begin to accumulate in the gallbladder and liver, which will have a toxic effect on these organs.
Avocado oil, in principle, can be subjected to heat treatment, because. its smoke point is the highest among unrefined vegetable oils at 270 degrees. However, you should not abuse this, because. it contains many useful substances that disappear during heat treatment. In addition, it is too expensive, so it is better to use it for salads and cold appetizers. Also, oil will not be the best solution for those who have acute diseases of the gallbladder and liver, as well as individual intolerance to this product.
The product can be safely used by breastfeeding women and those at different stages of pregnancy. The only thing that should be said is that it is not recommended to give such a product to infants, as this can cause indigestion.
How can be used?
In addition to all the properties described above, avocado oil can also be used in cooking. Its use here is extremely wide, for example, it can be used for frying food. It is especially popular in the Mediterranean region, Spain and Latin America - here chefs appreciate it for its excellent combination with seafood, various types of fish, vegetables, and tender chicken meat.
At the same time, chefs note that the benefits of cooking on such a product will be no more than on ordinary oil. It's more about taste.The characteristic taste of this product will simply be transferred to the food, and it will become more unusual, and its usual taste will sparkle with new notes.
In addition, you can eat avocado oil as a salad dressing. You can add it to the first dishes in order to give them a touch of bitterness and make the taste more intense. You can also drink it, as it has a beneficial effect on the human body. And if we are talking about children, then, as mentioned above, you can give oil somewhere from the age of three.
The most simple instruction: drink one tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach for three weeks. If you do this three or four times a year, then you can simply forget about a number of diseases. You can also use avocado for hair and skin. For some reason, it is believed that because of its fat content, it is impossible to use avocados for oily hair, but this is not so - just in this case, it must be used to normalize the sebaceous glands of the head, as well as moisturize the tips. Before applying, it should be said that there are certain rules for the use of oils of this type:
- it is best to apply oil on dirty and dry hair;
- it needs to be evenly distributed along the length of the hair in such a way that it even gets to the roots, while you should not be afraid that the hair will be greasy;
- when the hair has been processed, they should be covered with something and allowed to stay warm for one to three hours;
- while washing off the mask, you do not need to wet your hair - you should immediately apply shampoo to them, while in order to completely cleanse your head of oil residue, you need to wash it two or three times and pay maximum attention to the hair roots and tips;
- after the shampoo is washed off, do not weigh down the hair with conditioners or masks.
Now let's move on to several types of masks. The first is a mask with avocado and egg yolk. It is usually used for hair that is overdried. To prepare it, you need to take the pulp of a medium-sized avocado and crush it into a puree. After that, add the yolk whipped into the foam, as well as a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Now the resulting mass must be applied to the hair starting from the roots and covered with a shower cap for about half an hour. Then rinse it off thoroughly using shampoo. Already after the first use, the appearance of the hair will improve, they will receive a natural shine and begin to become less electrified. If you repeat this 10 times, hair growth will improve, and they themselves will become normal and tender.
The second mask, which I want to talk about, is used for oily hair. In this case, you need to know that the oil will not worsen the appearance of oily hair, as it is light, quickly absorbed and does not leave a film. To make it, you need to take:
- a paste made from the pulp of a medium avocado;
- half a glass of 1% kefir;
- a teaspoon of lemon juice;
- a teaspoon of salt.
The use of lemon juice allows you to neutralize the oil that the scalp secretes. Thanks to this, the hair will stay fresh longer.
Apply the mask to the hair in such a way as not to affect the hair roots. After that, the mixture should be left for 15-20 minutes and then washed off with shampoo. After you do this 10 times, the hair will need to be washed much less frequently, and the oily sheen will be replaced by a healthy one.
Manufacturers Overview
One of the most famous oil producers is Vivasan.This company produces exclusively natural vegetable oil of the highest quality. It is obtained using a cold-pressed technique from the dried pulp of the avocado fruit, which is rich in lecithin, as well as various vitamins and palmitic acid. This oil is considered one of the best of its kind, has no odor and is stored for a long time.
Another high quality avocado oil is produced by the Russian company Elfarma, which is considered one of the most famous companies in this segment. This oil will be an excellent solution for caring for the skin of the body, face, as well as hair and nails.
This oil is also obtained using cold-pressed technology, which allows it to preserve a large amount of vitamins, trace elements, and other compounds in its original form. Its use allows you to make the skin as elastic and soft as possible, it also allows you to even out wrinkles, effectively fight pigmentation, acne and accelerated aging of the skin. It is this oil that is often a component of various anti-aging creams and masks.
Elfarma products are recommended to be used with jojoba, grape seed, chocolate and almond oils. To do this, they can be mixed. In addition, the use of this oil allows you to make cosmetics more effective. Mixing it with balm and shampoo allows you to make them much more useful.
How to cook on your own?
If we talk about whether it is possible to make avocado oil yourself at home, then we can safely say that yes. The main thing that will ensure the successful production of oil is a clear and strict adherence to the cooking procedure.The recipe for this oil is quite simple and does not contain anything special. To make it, you will need:
- two kilograms of ripe avocados;
- five glasses of coconut milk;
- special enameled container;
- gauze;
- small bowl.
In order to prepare organic avocado oil, you need to wash two kilograms of ripe fruits, and then remove the skin. Now you should take the pulp and put it in a blender. After that, five glasses of good coconut milk should be added there, and then grind the pulp to a homogeneous type without lumps. Now the resulting mixture is poured into a container that is covered with enamel. It should be put on fire and boil the mixture, stirring constantly until all the moisture inside has evaporated. When a homogeneous mass is obtained, it should be put in a gauze pocket. Now it only remains to squeeze the hydrophilic unrefined oil into a small bowl.
To store the finished product, you can use a dark sealed container that will protect it from direct sunlight. Otherwise, it will change its color and may lose some of its useful properties.
Note that the shelf life of any avocado oil, whether refined or hydrophilic, is nine months from the date it is made. If the oil has already been used once, then its shelf life is reduced to 30 days. It is best if the sealed bottle of oil is stored somewhere in the refrigerator.
Helpful Hints
Avocado oil can be used to maintain oral and dental health. In order to prevent the development of diseases, you should take it 30 minutes before meals, one teaspoon per day.According to experts, if you take such a course about three to four times a year, the oral cavity will be healthy and there will be significantly less harmful bacteria in it. The duration of each such course will be about three weeks.
Also, this product can be used in cases where you are experiencing bleeding from inflamed gums. To eliminate it with oil, you must do the following procedure:
- in one tablespoon of avocado, you need to drop one drop of melaleuca, orange and lavender essential oils;
- now shake the resulting mixture so that the components are combined as much as possible;
- we take a tampon and dip it there, after which we apply it to the gums;
- keep it in your mouth, pressing it against your gums, for 15 minutes.
This procedure is required to be carried out twice a day after meals. This will allow you to be sure that after a while the gums will first begin to bleed less, and after that they will stop altogether. However, we should not forget that this still cannot replace the advice of a dentist.
As mentioned above, the main contraindication is oil intolerance. In order to make sure whether it is or not, you should apply a drop of oil to a small area of \u200b\u200bthe skin. If after half an hour no negative reactions appear, then avocado oil can be safely used for cosmetic purposes.
The first intake of the product should be started with a small amount. It will be enough or a quarter of a teaspoon, or half. If within three days no negative effect from taking the oil is observed, the portion can be gradually increased to the required volume.
You need to know that if you are worried about the kidneys and gallbladder, then before taking the oil inside, you should definitely go to the doctor and consult with him.
Avocado oil can replace a range of expensive medications, creams, or salon treatments. Avocado can be used to cleanse the face and pores of dirt. You can do this with a scrub. To prepare it, you need to stir 30 milligrams of avocado oil with one tablespoon of semolina.
The hard parts in this formulation act as a substance that exfoliates the skin and pulls dirt out of the pores. The resulting mixture should be applied to the pre-steamed and cleansed skin of the face and massaging in a circular motion to conduct a session of tonic massage. The use of such a mask will speed up tissue repair, eliminate peeling, and also make it possible to clean the pores and narrow them to prevent new dirt and pollution from entering the face.
Overall, avocado oil is a great product that has a ton of uses and is versatile. It can be eaten, as a facial scrub, made into an ingredient in a hair mask, drunk to improve health, as well as individual body systems, and just to keep the body in good shape, carrying out prevention from time to time. In addition, this product has practically no contraindications, with the exception of some cases, for which reason everyone can use it.
It will be especially useful for pregnant and lactating women whose body is depleted by pregnancy. It will help make breast milk more satisfying and healthy for children, and will also help a woman quickly restore her health to prenatal levels. All in all, avocado oil is a great health solution for anyone.
For information on how to apply avocado oil for the face, see the following video.