Avocado is a powerful antioxidant that supports healthy organs

By Tori Taylor, June 26 2019—

Avocado is a fascinating fruit. It is smooth and creamy, whereas most fruits are sweet and tart. Avocado is the only type of produce that contains any real fat content — the exception being coconut meat. Because of this nutritional anomaly, avocado can be used for many things ranging from digestible to topical.

Healthy Fat:

 It is incredibly high in oleic acid — a monosaturated fatty acid. Oleic acid is a massive contributor to healthy organs. This healthy fat has been known to reduce cholesterol and support heart health. As well, oleic acid reduces cellular inflammation and keeps your organs running smoothly.

Fibre:

Avocados are high in soluble fibre — an easily digestible fibre. For anyone dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome or other digestion issues, fruits and vegetables can be an issue because they contain insoluble fibre which is much harder to digest. Avocados contain gut-friendly fibre that supports intestinal health and flora without causing bloating and discomfort. 

Nutrients:

We all know that bananas are rich in potassium. But did you know that avocados are actually higher in potassium? Whip up that guacamole and keep your heart strong. Ensuring that there is enough potassium in your diet will keep your blood pressure low and muscles properly refueled. After long periods of exercise it is important to replenish your electrolytes — adding a quarter of an avocado to a smoothie or putting it on toast can be an excellent way to do this. 

There are so many micronutrients in fruits and vegetables. We often forget that some types of vitamins and minerals need higher levels of fat to be properly absorbed and used in our bodies. Adding avocado to a salad or dipping your vegetables in a guacamole-style dip can help your body digest the full amount of nutrition that you are intaking. If a nutrient is fat-soluble and you eat it without the right amount of fat then your body isn’t able to optimally absorb the nutrition you’re consuming. But if you find a way to incorporate avocado into your meal then you can use this amazing fruit as a vehicle for all the other good vitamins and minerals you’re intaking. 

Cosmetic Uses:

In terms of topical or cosmetic usages, avocado oil is quickly becoming popular as a skin and hair product. The vitamin E and potassium that are high in this oil have anti-inflammatory benefits that can reduce redness and swelling associated with sensitive skin or acne. Vitamin E is great for speeding up wound healing. Oleic acid promotes collagen synthesis — keeping the skin tighter and younger.  The fatty acids and vitamins found in coconut oil are great for intensely moisturizing dry, damaged skin found in conditions like eczema and psoriasis. 

Save your avocado peels the next time you have a wicked guacamole and chips night. You can rub the residue from the avocado peels onto your skin like a hydrating mask. Leave the green slime on for 15 –20 minutes and then rinse! 

You can also purchase cold-pressed avocado oil from grocery stores and use this. Rub the oil into your dry skin. Or, add a couple of tablespoons to your next bath — along with some essential oils and Epsom salts — and you will get out of the tub feeling much more hydrated and smooth.