I think avocados are possibly our favourite food… and for good reason! Not only are they FULL of essential nutrients and taste amazing, they’re also incredibly versatile and, additional to the food world, can be used as a wonderful beauty product that both your skin and hair will thank you for!
Health Benefits…
- Healthy brain; avocados are full of vitamin E & omega 3 fatty acids – these good fats and folate have been shown to prevent progression of Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as reducing risks of stroke
- Healthy heart; rich in monounsaturated fats, avocados help to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) & blood triglyceride levels while boosting HDL (good cholesterol). They also promote heart health with high levels of vitamin B6, vitamin E & the master antioxidant glutathione
- Healthy eyes; high in carotenoid leutin, avocados aid in protecting eyes from oxidative stress damage which may lead to poor vision, cataracts & macular degeneration
- Healthy gut; the nutrients & enzymes in avocado help to reduce inflammation in the gut and aid in increased absorption of carotenoids – lycopene & beta carotene
- Blood pressure; avocado’s high potassium, omega 3 and oleic acid content may be beneficial in reducing blood pressure
- Pregnancy; as most women are probably aware, folic acid intake is recommended for a healthy pregnancy – the high levels of folate in avocado are a good bio-available source of folic acid in place of a synthetically derived form
- Blood sugar; avocados monounsaturated fats can help in preventing blood sugar spikes & insulin resistance
- Anti-inflammatory; avocados contain exceptionally high levels of plant phytonutrient polyphenols and flavonoids which fight against free radical damage in the body
- Anti-aging; avocados high considerable levels of glutathione support the liver and nervous system and is responsible for replenishing & recycling other antioxidants in the body. It is also essential for support of the body’s immune system
- Anti-cancer; avocados are a rich source of phytochemicals, which have been shown to prevent development of certain cancers
Avocados can be used as a base in smoothies, vegan chocolate mousses, salad dressings, raw sweets and of course in salads and a delicious guacamole!
As a face or hair mask, mash 1/4 of a ripe avocado with a fork and add either;
– 1 tablespoon of raw unfiltered honey & 1 teaspoon of plain organic yoghurt (great for moisturising dry skin & hair); or
– 1 egg white & 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice (great for acne, inflammation & oily skin); or
– 1 tablespoon aloe vera juice or gel & 1/2 teaspoon of brewers yeast (great for sensitive or dehydrated skin & hair); or
– 1 tablespoons olive oil & 1 banana, mashed (exfoliates dead skin cells, fights wrinkles & replenishes skin & hair); or
– 1 tablespoon raw unfiltered honey & 1 teaspoon raw cacao powder (destroys bacteria & nourishes skin & hair)
Leave on skin or in hair for around 15 minutes and wash off thoroughly.