The Nutritional Power of Avocados - Part II

The avocado or avocado pear is the fruit of the avocado tree, originally from South America. Although it needs a subtropical climate to develop, its consumption in Portugal is now possible all year round due to the existence of plantations in the south of the country.

Rich in sugars and vitamins, the avocado is an extremely popular food bringing many benefits in terms of health, well-being and beauty.

Prevents premature aging

The benefits of avocados for the skin are mainly to fight stretch marks, wrinkles and cellulite because it is rich in vitamin C, which helps in the metabolization of collagen, a substance that gives firmness to the skin.

In addition, this fruit also has antioxidants that help protect and prevent aging of skin cells, giving greater elasticity and leaving a more beautiful and healthy appearance.

Increases hair moisture and shine

When used in masks for hair, avocado increases the hydration of the threads and promotes their growth. This happens due to the fact that it is a fruit rich in fats, B vitamins and E complex, making the hair shinier and healthier.

To ensure the benefits of avocados, it is important to include them in a healthy and balanced diet.

Ideas for incorporating it into treatments

But the benefits of avocados don't stop at just being incorporated into the diet! For those who want a fantastic up-do or envious skin, this ingredient can be the key to success:

1. Hair moisturizer

Avocado has the power to replenish hair nutrients, especially after the use of chemical products. As such, there is nothing like using it to make a very simple homemade hair moisturizer: Mix the pulp of a ripe avocado with a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. When you get a consistent paste, apply it to your hair and leave it on for about 30 minutes - you can even use a shower cap or aluminum foil. Then, rinse your hair to remove the mixture and wash it normally with your shampoo.

2. Body moisturizer 

The natural oils in avocado penetrate deep into the skin and can act as a powerful moisturizer for parched skin. Simply mash it well into a cream and spread it on the desired area. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off with warm water.

3. Facial mask

A recipe that never fails: mashed avocado, natural yogurt and a spoonful of honey. This mixture, placed on the face for 20 minutes, has the power to close the pores, leave the skin soft and quite hydrated. But there's more: if you want a simple and effective anti-look cream, mix a portion of mashed avocado with 3 tablespoons of oatmeal and apply the paste around the eyes, leaving it for 20-30 minutes.

4. Anti-dark circles effect

By moisturizing the skin, avocados help to delay the appearance of dark circles under the eyes or to minimize them. Combine the fruit with oatmeal, which has soothing power and helps to soften the tone of dark circles under the eyes, for an even better effect. Add three tablespoons of oatmeal to half a mashed avocado and mix well until it forms a paste. With a clean face, apply to the area around the eyes and leave on for about 30 minutes. Then wash your face with water. For best results apply the mask daily.

5. Cream for burns 

Not many people know, but avocados are ideal for relieving the discomfort caused by sunburn. Simply mash the pulp and apply it to the affected area for a few minutes. You can repeat this every day if necessary.

6. Scrub

Crushed avocado, two tablespoons of oatmeal - which can be replaced by sugar - and a teaspoon of lemon juice. These three ingredients, which can be found in any kitchen, make up one of the most effective homemade scrubs. Apply it to your face or body in circular motions, and remove it with plenty of water. You will notice the softness of your skin!
 

7. Cream for stretch marks

Because it offers flexibility and hydration to the skin, mixing avocado with aloe vera can be a great home treatment to soften stretch marks. Mix half an avocado with a stalk of aloe vera and a tablespoon of almond oil until you get  a homogeneous mixture. Apply the mask on the places where you want to soften stretch marks by massaging gently. Leave on for about 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

This cream is also great for your hair!

8. Anti-wrinkle cream 

Mash the pulp of an avocado and mix it with some saline solution until it forms a homogeneous cream - add it little by little so that the mixture is not too liquid. Apply to the face and leave for 20 minutes. Then remove well with warm water.

9. Attenuate acne

Combining the properties of avocado with those of lemon results in an amazing blend for curbing excess sebum and the appearance of impurities on the face such as blackheads and pimples. Mash the pulp of an avocado and add two teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir and apply the obtained paste on the thoroughly cleansed facial skin, leave on for 15 minutes and then remove with cold water.

10. Anti-dandruff mask

Grate the stone of the avocado and mix with 2 tablespoons of castor seed oil or castor oil. Apply to dry hair, massage well into the scalp. Leave to rest and wash as normal.

Ana Neto
(Pharmaceutical)

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