The Amazing Avocado

Fruit Forward

Avocados have become all the rage in the last few years — and that trend does not seem to be slowing down. The great thing about avocados is that they may be both used in savory recipes (like guacamole and avocado toast) and in sweet foods (like fruit smoothies and desserts) to give them a thick and creamy texture. They can even be a great addition to your beauty regimen! However you enjoy them, avocados are one of the most versatile and nutritious fruits out there.

Avocados Have It All

Moving away from its delicious taste for a minute, avocados are packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fat, and fiber. Avocados contain many nutrients: vitamins K, C, B5, B6, E, folate and potassium. They are also loaded with heart-healthy fats called monounsaturated fats, which have been associated with reduced inflammation.

Additionally, studies have shown that avocados may help reduce cholesterol overall, including lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides and increasing HDL (good cholesterol). The healthy fats in avocados also help with absorbing vitamins A, D, E, and K from your other foods, especially nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and salads.

Avocados May Help Prevent Certain Diseases

There has been research suggesting that avocados may be associated with the reduction of eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Some studies show that avocado extract may also be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of certain cancers and even osteoarthritis.

Avocados and Hair and Skin Health

While avocados are tasty and contain numerous health benefits for your body, you can also use them as part of your daily skin and hair routine. Avocados can be mixed with other ingredients, like honey, coconut oil, bananas, yogurt, and even oatmeal, depending on the desired result. Avocados may provide much-needed moisture and shine to dry, dehydrated hair.

For beautiful skin, avocado oil may have properties to help in the reduction of acne, psoriasis and eczema, and it may even help wounds heal faster. It contains potassium and lecithin, which may help nourish and moisturize the skin.

National Avocado Day

July 31 is National Avocado Day and there are plenty of ways to celebrate at home with friends or family. Here are some tempting ways to dig into the day:

Breakfast:

Eggs any style and avocado toast.

Lunch:

Half an avocado stuffed with tuna salad or homemade tomato salsa.

Dinner:

Tacos or tortilla soup topped with diced avocados.

Dessert:

Try these delicious Dark Chocolate Truffles.

Leftovers:

Use any extra avocados as the inspiration for a home spa evening, with avocado oil face treatments and hair masks.

Whether they are sliced, mashed, diced, eaten right out of the shell, or applied to the hair or skin, avocados are a mighty superfood that may easily be incorporated into a healthy diet.

Avocados may not be beneficial to everyone. Please check with your provider to ensure avocados are right for your individual health conditions, needs, and goals.