All of the different types of oils that are gaining popularity might be making your head spin! Many of the oils we have traditionally used are being replaced by more healthy alternatives. Each oil has its own purpose and specific uses that is excels at. Avocado oil and olive oil are among two of the most popular. Here we take a look at what exactly makes them different.
Benefits of Avocado Oil
1. Overview
Avocado oil has been shown to have very hefty health benefits. They are high in healthy fats and are a part of the traditional Mediterranean diet. It is made by cold pressing avocados, which retains the vitamin E that they possess. It can be used for a multitude of different purposes and as a substitutes for many other, not as healthy, oils.
2. Nutrients
Avocados are a highly nutritious and low carb fruit. They do not contain any sodium, cholesterol and are extremely low in saturated fats. Vitamins and nutrients are plentiful in this wonderful fruit, including vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin B6. Along with impressive percentages of the previous mentioned, small amounts of copper, iron, riboflavin, and magnesium are also present in avocados.
3. Uses
Since avocado oil enhances the absorption of nutrients it makes it a wonderful alternative for cooking. Avocados are also a year round crop which means they remain cost efficient are fresh all year. It’s amazing flavor and high smoke point also makes it a great choice for frying, healthier too! Along with food uses avocado oil is also a great hair a skin treatment.
Information on Olive Oil
1. How It’s Made
Olive oil is the oil that is obtained from olives, the fruit that grows on the olive tree. The olives are picked after they are deemed ripe and then washed. The clean olives are then crushed between large stones (traditionally). The paste that results is stirred and the tiny drops of oil are collected.
2. Benefits
Olive oil offers a wide variety of great benefits for the body. It helps prevent against heart disease, improves blood pressure, combats cancer cells from growing, and has been shown to lower your risk of diabetes!
3. Nutrients
The nutrients that are obtained from consuming olive oil include calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B. All of these are essential vitamins that the body needs in order to function properly. These nutrients also have big benefits for your hair, skin, and nails.
Differences Between Avocado Oil and Olive Oil
1.Cost
Cost is a big variant with olive and avocado oils. Extra virgin olive oil runs between 8 and 15 dollars for a liter, depending on the quality and brand. Avocado oil however runs about the same price, but for only 8-10 ounces.
2. Heat
The smoke point of oils refers to the amount of heat that can be applied before the oil will begin to produce smoke. This is a factor when choosing which oil is best for coking or frying. Olive oil has a relatively low smoke point of only 300 degrees farenheit, which can make it tricky to cook certain foods with. Avocado oil is wonderful for high temperature cooking because of its 400 degree farenheit smoke point. These numbers vary slightly depending on fat content and the quality of the oil you are cooking with.
3. Purity
The purity of these oils can also be slightly different. There have been many incidences of olive oil factories adding other cheaper oils into their olive oil in order to pump up the volume. This can have many effects on nutritional value. Avocado oil is normally 100 percent pure.