Avocado: From Plate to Face

By : Jodie Shield | 1 Comment | On : June 23, 2017 | Category : Adults, Seniors, Teens

Discover how avocados can help you achieve a healthy body, glowing skin, and silky hair.

By: Kalelys L Calero, Dominican University Nutrition and Dietetics Student

Avocados have a creamy texture and an amazing flavor, which makes them a delicious snack. Avocados also have a myriad of health benefits. They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and fiber. Plus, their sugar content is much lower in comparison to other fruits (Yes avocados are fruits!). But did you know that avocados are a natural beauty product? Eating avocados helps keep skin healthy by providing key nutrients.  And studies are finding that applying avocados directly to your skin or hair may offer therapeutic benefits. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology found that the vitamin B₁₂ present in avocado cream relieved plaque psoriasis, a skin disorder characterized by scaly patches on elbows, knees, scalp, and back. So if you want a healthy body, glowing skin, and silky hair, here are three, super-easy ways you can add avocados to your daily beauty routine.

 

#1: Taste the Health Benefits

Eating avocados can help you manage your cholesterol, weight, and blood pressure. One-third of a medium avocado contains 80 calories and is sodium and cholesterol-free. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans consider the fats contained in avocados “good fats” because they lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Avocados are packed with dietary fiber, which provides a feeling of fullness and longer lasting satisfaction lowering your risk of obesity and diabetes. Also, avocados have more potassium than bananas, which helps lower blood pressure and decreases bone loss. Beauty Tip: There are many ways to enjoy this nutrient-dense fruit: tossing chunks in salads, layering strips in sandwiches, and in dips such as guacamole. Instead of using butter or cream cheese, spread some creamy avocado on whole grain bread.

#2: A Natural Moisturizer For Your Skin

From your plate to your face, use this fruit for an at-home, day spa treatment. Avocados do wonders for all types of skin, from oily to dry. Research reveals that avocado oil has the ability to provide and preserve moisture within the skin. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E help fight moisture loss from sun exposure and the normal aging process. In addition, vitamin C helps synthesize collagen, a protein that helps the elasticity and strength of skin. Beauty Tip: For a soft and fresh appearance, spread half a mashed avocado uniformly on your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes; rinse with warm water. For oily skin, add one teaspoon of lemon juice and egg white to the avocado, and your face will look radiant.

#3: For Silky and Strong Hair

Research has found that a mixture of avocado and mineral oil reduces scalp itch, thickens the hair, enhances hair gloss, and stimulates hair growth. This is due to the presence of nutrients, such as vitamin B_12, A_, and iron. Beauty Tip: For healthier locks, create a hair mask with ingredients found in your kitchen. For example, mash and combine one avocado, one egg yolk, and half a teaspoon of olive oil. Leave in your hair for 30 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. This natural product is easy to make, inexpensive, and has no adverse effects.

 

 Time For a Healthy Makeover

Whether you nosh on fresh avocados or treat yourself to a creamy, homemade avocado facial or hair mask, this versatile fruit is a beauty must. Avocados will give you a natural glow, improve your appearance, and benefit your overall health by helping reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. For more tasty avocado recipes like this Zesty Shrimp Burger recipe download Eat Healthy Homemade Meals – a FREE app available from iTunes and Google Play.