From the Inside Out: The Many Benefits of Avocado
The alligator pear, more commonly known as avocado, is a native fruit of Mexico and Central America. Widely known for its use in guacamole recipes, there is much more to this single seed fruit that you might realize.Rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, its nutrients are easily absorbed by the body allowing your body to run more efficiently.
For your health: It is true that this little fruit is high in fat, but it’s filled with 15 grams of heart healthy fats made up mostly of monosaturated fats. These fats come in the form of oleic acid, which is linked to reduced inflammation in the body. Lower cholesterol and reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease by adding this fruit to your daily menu.
Additionally, avocados are loaded vitamins and minerals. They actually contain MORE potassium than bananas. You can also be sure that you’re getting the following vitamins when you snack on this fruit: Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, and Vitamin E.
Finally, avocados pack a powerful punch in the fiber department. The Academy ofNutrition and Dietetics recommends 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams of fiber per day for men. At 11 grams of fiber, you will be getting almost half of your daily recommendation.
For the skin and hair: Cold-pressed avocado oil is used for anti-aging skin-care in Ayurvedic medicine. Premature skin aging occurs from extreme elements of weather, poor nutrition, stress, and genetics. Cold-pressed avocado oil can be used for moisturizing and smoothing skin.Fatty oils make avocado good for treating rashes, sunburns, and overall moisturizing.If you’re suffering from dry skin this winter try making a simple mask by rubbing the inside of an avocado peel on your face. Leave the mask for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water then pat dry.
Is it time to bring your dry, frizzy hair back to life? Avocados contain biotin, which is most commonly known to treat hair loss. Make a paste by mashing one peeled avocado. Mix the mashed avocado with ¼ cup rolled oats and then combine with 1/8 cup of olive oil. Add one cup of milk and stir. Smooth the mixture over your hair and leave on for 30 minutes.
For your palette: From delicious salad topper to substitute for cooking and baking, you can be creative with an avocado. Want to make that tuna sandwich a little healthier? Use 2 tablespoons of mashed avocado as a mayonnaise alternative. I’m sharing one of my favorite treats with you but for more recipes where you can determine other ingredients to use with avocado go to http://www.whfoods.com/recipestoc.php
Avocado Chocolatey Fudgey Brownies
Ingredients
2 large avocados
4 scoops of Isagenix IsaLean Dutch Chocolate
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups walnuts
3 teaspoons honey
Directions
Blend avocados, protein powder, cocoa powder and salt in a food processor or blender. Slowly add walnuts to the mixture and blend until smooth. Prepare 8×8 baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. Pour mixture into dish and flatten with the back of spoon. Freeze 5-6 hours before slicing and serving.