Avocado Persea americana

Avocados are a favorite food because of the high fat content that gives them such a creamy, luscious flavor. This puts some dieters off, it shouldn't. Most of the fat contained in avocados is monounsaturated fat, about 75 percent in a typical avocado. The fruit also has more potassium than bananas and is rich in B vitamins, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. There are some recent studies that confirm avocados role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, adding to the long list of reasons to enjoy this luscious, medicinal food.^1,2

Avocado oil is dark green, very rich, thick and moisturizing to dry skin. It's many healthy properties explain avocados popularity in homemade skin masks and skin treatments and avocado oil is also great in salad dressings. The high fat content makes this oil a bit unstable so store away from heat and light, refrigeration is recommended.

Avocado oil combined with soy, or avocado soybean unsaponifiables is also available as a supplement. (ASU) supplements have shown benefits for osteoarthritis of the knee, with patients experiencing less pain and stiffness in clinical trials. Two clinical studies found that the combination significantly improved functional disability and pain.³ There is a delayed onset of action, which could frustrate those looking for quick relief. You may be able to reap some of the same benefits by including more avocado and soy in your diet, as well you should, but the supplements do provide a concentrated source.