What you can't find in Mercadona is because it doesn't exist. In an effort to offer products designed for a healthy lifestyle, the supermarket chain has released a avocado oil. Is it the first time you hear this type of oil? Is it better than extra virgin olive oil?
For about 5€ you can get 250 ml of a product whose only ingredient is avocado oil. We agree that its price is higher compared to other oils (olive, coconut, sunflower), but in reference to avocado oils the price is not very exorbitant. We tell you what are the nutrients that this healthy fat provides us and how you can include it in your diet.
Benefits of its consumption
Avocado oil is not that it has just appeared in the world of food, it is just beginning to be more visible to include it in regular consumption. In America it is a basic ingredient in the kitchen, since olive oil is much more difficult to acquire.
Although the Internet and nutrition gurus award it the adjective of "superfood«, this oil can be comparable to the benefits that olive oil provides.
It is neither a detox, nor a fat burner, nor an antioxidant, nor does it have no miraculous property. So forget about taking it by shots to increase its benefits. Introduced into our diet, avocado oil has magnificent nutritional and cardiovascular properties, but without being a substitute for olive oil.
It is true that avocado oil has a great energy intake. Do not be obsessed with calories, for every 100 gr we have about 800 calories, but since it is a healthy fat (monounsaturated) our body uses it mainly as a source of energy and fuel to keep us active. Let's say that it has a thermogenic capacity that when transformed into energy we consume more calories than it provides us.
Logically, this does not imply that we should abuse its intake or that we will be adding extra calories without being aware of it.
As also happens with olive oil, avocado oil has a rich content in Omega 9, proteins, minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, vitamins A, B, E, D) and, according to some studies, it has a better content in phytosterols (substances to reduce cholesterol levels) than his opponent.
How can we include it in our diet?
As it is high in unsaturated fat, the ideal is consume raw. If we use it to fry or stir-fry, its properties tend to degrade.
It has a different taste and smell than what you are used to, much more fruity and with a nutty aroma, so you will find it striking to include it in salads, guacamole, hummus, rice dishes, pâtés, toasts or vegetable dishes.
It's a good option?
If you are hesitating about trying this oil or continuing to consume the olive oil, do not be afraid. Both are fully compatible, even with coconut. That is, depending on the recipes you can use one or the other, without excluding any of your diet.
It is recommended not to consume more than 2 tablespoons per serving. And, although it is a healthy option, you probably prefer to take it at designated times due to its price.
Uses for skin and hair
- improves dry skin. Vitamin E plays a determining role in the antioxidant process. It rejuvenates dry skin, so avocado oil can provide facial improvement on a daily basis. You can even make a mixture with jasmine or lavender oil to increase the beneficial properties.
- Reduces signs of aging. As we said before, vitamin E fights strongly against free radicals (antioxidant). Avocado is the fruit with the highest level of Vitamin E, so do not waste the concentration of its oil.
- Serves as a facial moisturizer. It is not only consumed as a culinary condiment, many people use it as a facial moisturizer. Surely you have also seen the typical image of face masks with pieces of avocado. Apply it at night and wash your face normally when you wake up.
- Fight dry scalp. It was to be expected that all the moisturizing benefits would also have a positive effect on the hair. Those people who have a dry scalp can benefit from the properties of avocado oil.
Make a mixture with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and 1 tablespoon of castor oil, and heat it. Apply it with a gentle massage before going to bed and let it act all night. The oil will penetrate the follicle and deliver essential nutrients to the scalp.
Don't forget to shampoo your hair the next morning. It can help you in cases of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.