If you’re a regular peruser of our oil and vinegar section, you may have noticed a new bottle or two on the shelves. Bearing the name Chosen Foods, this avocado oil and avocado oil mayo may soon be the best “choice” for your family.
What Is Avocado Oil?
Duh, Kelly, it’s oil made from avocados!
Yup. You’re 100% right. Just like the avocados it’s made from, avocado oil is a blend of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, as well as plant-based saturated fats. It has both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and a healthy dose of Vitamin E. This makes it good for your skin, too!
Chosen Foods cold presses its avocados, then uses a low-heat natural refining process that protects the nutrients and delicate fatty acids contained within.
Why Avocado Oil?
Most unsaturated oils aren’t suitable for cooking at high temperatures. If you were to heat, say, flax oil, its omega 3 content would be oxidized – and nobody wants that. But because of its unique blend of fatty acids, avo oil is safe to cook with up to 480 degrees! That’s higher than canola (400 degrees), higher than soybean (460 degrees), and even higher than coconut oil (350 degrees)!
Its monounsaturated fatty acid content is on par with that of olive oil. Recent studies have shown that monounsaturated fatty acids may help reduce or prevent heart disease. In addition, the Vitamin E it contains is an antioxidant, which helps to break down any free radicals it may encounter. This is also beneficial for those at risk for heart disease. In addition, adding avocado oil to your salads can increase your absorption of carotenoids in vegetables. This has been shown to have a protective effect against certain cancers.
Wait, there’s mayo, too?
Yup. Chosen Foods also has created an avocado oil mayo, so you can dose your sandwiches, as well as your salads, with the good stuff.
About The Author:
Kelly Boaz, CNP
Kelly is a holistic nutritionist, specializing in eating disorder recovery and food freedom. She is also a public speaker (TEDx King St. West, TDSB) and a writer. Learn more about Kelly, and about booking private consultations at kellyboaz.com Twitter: @kelly_boaz Facebook: /KellyBoazDotCom