Avocado oil is derived from the avocado fruit, from a tree bearing the scientific name Persea Americana, native to Mexico. This cooking and medicinal oil is pressed from the fruit and used in a wide variety of ways. As a cooking oil, it is highly sought after because it has a very high smoke point – 520 degrees F for unrefined oil. This means that it is very difficult to compromise or neutralize many of the chemicals and nutrients, making it healthy even when frying food in the oil. However, as an element of natural health practices and cosmetic products, it delivers monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats to the body, which are the “good” forms of cholesterol. Additionally, the many health benefits associated with avocado oil are due to the high levels of vitamin A, thiamin, folate and riboflavin, among other antioxidant compounds. People often use avocado oil when suffering from high blood pressure, skin conditions, chronic disease, oxidative stress, arthritis, obesity, high cholesterol, poor vision, gingivitis, inflammatory issues and nutrient deficiencies, as well as people who are at a high risk of developing cancer.