Avocado Health Benefits
The great thing about avocados is their many health benefits. Here are just five reasons why you might want to add the pear-shaped fruit to your grocery cart.
Avocado Health Benefits
- Helps Lower Cholesterol – High in the compound, beta-sitosterol, the avocado is known to lower cholesterol levels. In fact, one study revealed an average drop in cholesterol of 17% in 45 volunteers
- Maintain a Healthy Heart – Try a cup of avocado and you’ll be getting 23% of your recommended daily dose of folate. Those who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don’t, according to a recent study
- Vitamin E Powerhouse – Not getting enough Vitamin E? Avocados are the best fruit source of the essential vitamin
- Cancer Preventative – Research has shown that regular consumption of avocados can help eradicate the risk of oral, prostate or breast cancer
- More Efficient Absorption of Nutrients – Certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with an avocado, research has shown. Participants in a recent study ate a salad containing avocados and absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients including lycopene and beta carotene)
While it’s unlikely to have some of the health benefits mentioned above, an avocado-based face pack can be lots of fun to make. A beauty treat loved by former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, an avocado face pack can even be applied before sleep – providing you’re not worried about waking up covered in mashed up morsels of the mushy fruit.
Avocado and Honey Face Pack
Here’s a simple avocado face pack, which is great for dry skin and can be whipped up in minutes using grocery items in the kitchen.
You will need:
- 2 tablespoons of avocado
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 egg yolk
Directions:
- Mash the avocado, before adding the honey and egg. Now mix until thoroughly blended
- Apply to the face, avoiding the delicate eye area and leave for around 10 minutes
- Finish by rinsing with warm water, followed by a little cool water.
- Pat your face dry
Healthy Spiced Guacamole Recipe
Spice is not for everyone, but if it is you’ll love this delicious recipe for homemade guacamole. Try to use organic ingredients in your recipes, where possible.
You will need:
- 2 hass avocados, prepared and diced
- 2/3 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- ½ large white onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 jalapenos, ribbed and seeded and finely chopped
- 1 lime, juice of
- 1 teaspoon of salt, to taste
Directions:
Begin by placing the avocados, onions, tomatoes, garlic and jalapenos in a medium-sized bowl before gently mashing the mixture with a fork. Take care to keep some good sized chunks of avocado.
Next, add lime juice and salt, mixing to combine.
Not a fan of spice? Simply take out the spicy ingredients and leave the guacamole plain.