YEARS ago, one of my officemates mentioned something bad about avocado. Some of us reacted negatively. It was something about it being rich in fat. Yes of course, but it is not the bad one like what you have in red meat, and other foods.
My grandmother used the dried leaves of avocado as tea. I never asked her why, but I later learned that it’s for digestive process.
My aunt also used the over ripe fruit as face mask. She had nice skin. I realized later, many beauty products are made from avocado, especially in the advent of organic products used for beautifying.
This fruit is in season between July and August. Avocado abounds in the market during these months, and I love buying it whenever I see a very good variety. We are not just buying the fruit of the season, we are exposing something amazing out of this very likeable fruit.
Avocados are the fruit of a subtropical tree. They are rich in vitamins A, some B complex, C, and E and potassium. They also contain some protein and starch. It is also a good source of monounsaturated fats (meaning, a source of good fat). With this attributes, avocados are considered to be a perfect or complete food. Traditionally, avocados have been used for skin problems. The pulp has both antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Did you also know that avocado is an excellent restorative food, particularly during convalescence? Eat avocado each day when convalescing. It is used to treat circulatory problems as well. It is also good for digestive process. Eat regularly for digestive and circulatory problems. It is even used to treat sexual problems.
Avocado helps also with skin disorders, being an anti-oxidant. The flesh of a ripe avocado soothes sunburned skin. It also treats mild eczema. Cut an avocado in half and rub gently over the affected area. The pulp, applied to grazes and shallow cuts, and covered with sterile gauze, can prevent infection entering the body and encourage healing.
An avocado paste can be applied to rashes and rough skin to soothe and smoothen. Avocado oil can be used as a base for oil massage. To make a face mask, mash a ripe avocado with a little olive oil and apply to the skin. Leave on for 15 minutes.
Here are also some facts about the vitamins found in Avocado.
Vitamin A – did you know this vitamin is anti-carcinogenic? Our common knowledge on Vitamin A is that, it prevents night blindness and improves vision.
B Complex – we have the B1 (Thiamine) that protects against imbalances caused by alcohol consumption. But not many men like to eat Avocado. B2 (Riboflavin) works with enzymes to metabolize fats, protein, and carbohydrates. This is the best – it protects against cancer. It also aids vision. B3 ( Niacin) produces energy from sugar, fat and protein. It maintains clear, healthy skin, nerves, tongue and good digestion.
In summary, I say: “Eat avocado (in its season especially), it drives the doctor away.”