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Is Avocado Oil Good For You? The Science and History Behind the Hype

The marketing for avocado oil makes it tempting to believe that it’s a miracle food. High in unsaturated fats, rich in antioxidants, and what seems like an unbeatable smoke point — it’s got to be good for you, right? Rising in popularity right beside avocado toast, it’s hard to believe that edible avocado oil was nothing more than an idea a mere 30 years ago.

Exploding in popularity doesn’t come without its consequences, though, especially when it comes to the environmental impact of keeping up with the appetite of a generation of avocado lovers. It turns out that you may want to think twice about paying a premium for the “green gold” in the name of health and sustainability.

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Featured

 Avocado oil is booming. Most of it is rancid.

Scientists analyzed 22 samples of commercially available avocado oil: 15 had gone rancid before their best-by date, while six were likely cut with large quantities of other, cheaper oils. The study’s findings mirror a similar issue in the olive oil industry, where mislabeling is rampant and heavily incentivized by the high prices that premium products can command.

Articles of Interest

Avocado Oil: Does This Modern Fat Qualify as Healthy?

Without a doubt, avocado oil gets a thumbs up for all uses in the home. Salad dressing, mayonnaise, sautés and frying are all appropriate uses. It’s also a great choice for moisturizing skin and hair. As a bonus, avocado oil is less comedogenic than coconut oil. In sum, avocado oil is a modern fat in every sense of the word. However, it is the only one I’ve come across that qualifies as healthy on the same level as traditional fats.

Is Avocado Oil Healthy? What Nutritionists Need You to Know

Avocado oil is an excellent source of nutrients. The healthy fat boasts several health benefits, ranging from protecting heart health to promoting blood sugar control. And it’s a versatile healthy cooking oil in the kitchen.

The Selling of the Avocado

How the "alligator pear" went from obscure delicacy to America's favorite fruit

What's in a Name? The Avocado Story

But the farmers faced a marketing problem. First, ahuacate was too hard for Americans to pronounce. Worse, it was the Aztec word for testicle, named for its shape and reputation as an aphrodisiac. Then there was the other unappealing name: "alligator pear."