Is Your “Pure” Avocado Oil Actually Avocado?

If you purchased avocado oil you may be entitled to participate in a class-action lawsuit.

What is Avocado Oil?

Avocados are actually fruits. Avocado oil is derived from the natural oil pressed from the pulp of the avocado. Almost 70% of avocado oil consists of heart-healthy oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Additionally, around 12% of avocado oil is saturated fat and about 13% is polyunsaturated fat.

The flavor of virgin avocado oil can differ by variety and region. In general, authentic, fresh, virgin avocado oil tastes grassy, buttery, and a little bit like mushrooms. Virgin avocado oil should be green in color, whereas refined avocado oil is light yellow and almost clear due to pigments removed during refining.

What are the Touted Benefits of Avocado Oil?

There are many purported benefits of avocado oil including:

1. Potential to reduce cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health;
2. Potential to reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration;
3. Potential to aid in the absorption of important nutrients such as carotenoids
4. Reduction in symptoms of arthritis
5. Prevention of gum disease
6. Improved symptoms of psoriasis and accelerated wound healing
7. Neutralization of free radicals

Avocado Oil Scams

Many doctors and health professionals recommend using healthy oils, such as avocado oil. This increase in popularity of avocado oil has also increased the prevalence of avocado oil scams. Scams can include falsely advertising a product as avocado oil, when it is, in fact, a cheaper and less healthy alternative. Consuming such products may have dangerous effects on the health of adults and children, especially if it is being replaced with oils that have common allergens, such as peanut oil.

Shocking Results of UC Davis Study

According to new research from food science experts at the University of California, Davis, the vast majority of avocado oil sold in the U.S. is of poor quality, mislabeled, or adulterated with other oils. In the country’s first extensive study of commercial avocado oil quality and purity, UC Davis researchers report that at least 82 percent of test samples were either stale before the expiration date or mixed with other oils. In three cases, bottles labeled as “pure” or “extra virgin” avocado oil contained nearly 100 percent soybean oil, an oil commonly used in processed foods that’s much less expensive to produce.

If you have purchased avocado oil and believe you may have been the victim of false advertising and fraud, our attorneys are happy to provide a free consultation. Serving nationwide!

There is no cost or obligation associated with the case evaluation, so submit your information now.