Still little used in Brazil, avocado oil provides many benefits to our health. These include prevention of heart and prostate diseases, glycemic control, aid in the treatment of diabetes, protection of eyes, skin, and hair, as well as enhancing immunity and aiding in weight loss.
Characteristics
The acidity of the avocado oil is less than 1%. The oil of avocado has in its composition several medicinal substances. Among the most active we have lecithins, phytosterols (beta-sitosterol especially), monounsaturated fats, vitamin A and a high content of vitamin E, almost double the oil of grape seed. The oil is also composed of amino acids, such as glutamine, which has antioxidant action, inhibiting the formation of free radicals, which disorganize the nucleus of the cells.
Benefits of Avocado Oil
Due to the presence of monounsaturated fats, it helps in reducing LDL cholesterol (bad) and increasing HDL-cholesterol (good).
Because it is rich in beta-sitosterol, a molecule similar to cholesterol, it acts in the decrease of cholesterol absorption in the intestine, besides acting in the membrane of the cells decreasing the reuptake of cholesterol.
Rich in vitamin E , it can be considered a natural antioxidant.
Due to the high levels of vitamin A, it can help prevent eye problems (cataract, night blindness).
Studies in mice point out that it can increase collagen synthesis and decrease inflammatory molecules in the blood.
It can act as an important vascular interventor by altering the membranes of cardiac and renal cells
When added to salads rich in lycopene and beta-carotene (tomato and carrot, for example), it potentiates the absorption of these substances.
Benefits of Avocado Oil for Men
The oil acts by reducing prostate dilatation (prostatic hyperplasia), preventing and aiding in the treatment of prostate cancer. It does this through a specific action on the liver, inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which acts by reducing testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This drop in testosterone and its conversion to DHT causes a number of problems. The binding of DHT to androgen receptors in the prostate tends to cause prostate dilation, hair loss, vascular problems and the possibility of sexual impotence.
Benefits of Avocado Oil for Women
It also acts positively on the woman causing an antiestrogenic effect, decreasing the binding of DHT to estrogen receptors. This prevents the unwanted effects of high levels of estrogens in the body such as the development of gynecomastia, fluid retention, and weight gain, especially in the stages of PMS.
Consumption
One tablespoon a day is enough. If possible, divide this amount at least 2 times a day. (2 tablespoons of dessert not very full). Be careful not to exceed this amount because excess oil can irritate the mucosa of the stomach.
Care
It is not recommended for pregnant, nursing mothers because the effects of beta-sitosterol on the development of infants are not known.
Avocado Oil for Skin and Hair
Rejuvenates dry skin: Vitamin E has almost everything that is needed to rejuvenate dry skin. In fact, this is one of the most important substances for skin health. Avocado oil is rich in vitamin E and is safe for use as a daily treatment. It is also possible to create a mixture of this oil with other substances, such as jasmine oil or lavender oil. Additions of such substances do not alter the chemical structure of the avocado oil.
Facial Moisturizer: The most popular function of avocado oil is facial moisturizing. The peel of the fruit contains humectants and you can massage the facial skin with the inner side of this peel to help it maintain its moisture condition. It is best to apply this treatment before bed and let the oil act on your face at night. The next morning wash your face normally.
Dry scalp treatment: For the treatment of dry scalp, avocado oil works at full potential when mixed with castor oil (oil extracted from castor oil). Mix 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and 1 tablespoon of castor oil. Then heat the mixture. Use it to massage your head before bed and leave it overnight. The blend will penetrate through the hair shaft and will also provide essential nutrients to the scalp. Remember to wash your hair with shampoo in the morning. In addition to being useful for dry scalp, this treatment can help you get rid of some hair problems such as dandruff.
Reduces the signs of aging of the skin: Again, vitamin E plays the most important role. It is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals strongly. Compared with other fruits, avocado has the highest amount of vitamin E.
Avocado Facial Mask Recipe
You will need 1/4 avocado to make this mascara recipe.
Crush the fruit until it becomes a cream.
Add a tablespoon of avocado oil and mix.
With the skin clean, apply the mixture.
Let the mask act for 20 minutes to allow its penetration into the layers of the skin.
Then rinse the face with water.