The Benefits of an Avocado

19May08

Walking through the food store with  my 6 year old, she came upon a basket of avocados and asked me what they were.  At first the simple answer of avocados came to mind and of course thats what I told  my 6 year old.  But that night when I relayed the story to my brother, who happens to be a acupuncturist in Seattle, he said I should have told her the truth.  not sure what he meant he elaborated and said, that I should have said that they were the world’s most complete food.  He said that in certain parts of the world babies are weaned onto mashed avocados as their first solid food.

Avocados are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin K, fiber, folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, copper and potassium and have been used in treating a ton of skin ailments.  They are known to have a anti-fungal, anti-bacterial flesh that has been used for centuries.  Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help to lower cholesterol.  They may also regulate blood pressure due their concentration of Potassium.  They can also guard against stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure.  

Avocados are often used in beauty as well.  Creating an avocado hair mask will strengthen and fortify your hair.  They are rich in fatty acids that are a real must in your daily diet, especially when it come to your hair.  Your hair will go from brittle to being soft and shiny.  

Avocado Hair Mask

 

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 Tbsp. yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp rosemary oil
• 1 Tbsp. jojoba oil

 

Blend all the ingredients together until smooth.  Work into your scalp starting from the nape of your neck working your way to the crown in circular motions.  Massage scalp and hair.  Leave in for 20 minutes.  Rinse with shampoo and conditioner.

Avocados are also ideal as a facial mask as well.  Facial masks made with this wonderful ingredients tend to be highly hydrating for dry sensitive skin and can be used for all types of skin.  An Avocado facial mask will leave skin, soft, fresh, smooth and healthy.

Avocado Facial Mask

 

• 1 ripe avocado
• 3-4 drops of almond oil (or other essential fatty oil)

 

Peel and mash avocado and add the oil until the mass is smooth.  Apply to the face while gently massaging into the skin.  Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with luke warm water.

The benefits of using avocado are numerous, so much so that touching on only these two do not do the avocado justice.  Do you have any uses of an avocado, other then eating it, that you would like to share.

Filed under: Anti-Aging, Beauty Tips, Health and Wellness, Teen Beauty Advice   |  4 Comments
Tags: avocado benefits, beautiful skin, beauty, eyes, facial rejuvenation, health, natural healing, natural health, skin, vitamin K, younger looking skin