Beneficial properties of avocado. Can fruit beautify?

Fruit and vegetables are the wealth of valuable vitamins and minerals. What does avocado have to offer? Why is it worth using it in a homemade mask and not just as a component of a healthy salad? Let’s explore the magical properties of avocado!

We know that fruit and vegetables are beneficial for our health and beauty and that’s why we are more willing to reach for them. Thus, they become a part of our diet to maintain the nutritional balance and take care of our health from the inside. Let’s remember that we can do it from the outside as well! Fruit have the magical power to beautify and so it is worth creating homemade cosmetics or looking for products that contain fruit oil extracts.

Avocado is the treasure trove of nutrients, which is why it reigns among other fruit that is also used in skin and hair care. What will we find in this inconspicuous product?

It is sometimes called alligator pear. This is the green fruit of the Persea americana tree that grows naturally in South and Central America. It looks like a pear in appearance and also has one stone. Most often, its yellowish or greenish pulp is used for culinary purposes, but also for skin and hair care. If the fruit is ripe, it has the consistency of butter under its thick skin.

The properties of avocado result from its composition. Which does it contain?

1. A complex of valuable vitamins:

• vitamin C – supports circulation, is an antioxidant and strengthens the body,
• vitamin A – cares for the eyesight, speeds up skin renewal, eliminates discolourations,
• vitamin E – the strongest antioxidant, rejuvenating and highly nutritious,
• vitamin K – strengthens bones and supports blood clotting, takes care of blood vessels,
• vitamin PP – is responsible for the nervous system, nourishes the skin,
• vitamin B1 – has antioxidant properties, supports cell metabolism,
• vitamin B2 – strengthens the immune system, has anti-inflammatory properties,
• vitamin H – prevents baldness, positively affects the skin and nails.
• folic acid – fights free radicals, accelerates skin regeneration, protects.

2. A set of minerals:

• calcium – strengthens bones, teeth and muscles, and is responsible for proper sleep,
• potassium – improves heart function, regulates pH as well as water and electrolyte balance,
• iron – has antioxidant properties, prevents anaemia,
• copper – delays the ageing process of the body and acts antibacterial.

3. Other ingredients:

• lecithin – improves memory and concentration, strengthens hair and nails,
• fibre – regulates digestion, promotes weight loss, absorbs heavy metals.

Essential fatty acids in Avocado oil 

Avocado oil owes its valuable properties to the content of fatty acids. It comprises about 25-30% fats, among which we will find, oleic acid, linoleic acid and slightly smaller amounts of palmitic acids and stearic acid. The advantage of omega-3 and omega-9 acids makes avocado a valuable source of EFA – essential fatty acids that are needed by the skin and hair to maintain the proper level of hydration. Bear in mind that the hydro-lipid barrier of our skin is made of nothing else but the lipids.

Avocado in cosmetics – for hair and skin 

Due to the amazing properties of avocado, it is willingly used in hair and skin care. In the cosmetics industry, avocado oil is definitely used more often, which is ideal for damaged hair or skin requiring strong hydration, anti-wrinkle action and smoothing down. However, also the pulp of a ripe avocado can be used as a base for face masks or a hair care product. With the addition of your favourite oil, it has a perfect consistency and will make your hair and skin regain its beauty and shine. Avocado is definitely worth using in care.

Regular use of the avocado for the complexion:

• makes it is deeply moisturized,
• slows down ageing processes,
• makes it smoother,
• makes fewer acne problems,
• protects the skin from the sun.

When it comes to hair, the avocado works just as well:

• adds glow and elasticity to the strands,
• regenerates and strengthens,
• delays ageing of the hair,
• it positively influences hair growth,
• protects against sun, wind and frost,
• improves the hair condition.

Recipes for homemade avocado masks 

1. Avocado mask for dry skin – Mix the pulp from a half of ripe avocado with one egg yolk and a spoonful of natural yoghurt. Blend thoroughly and apply it to the cleansed face, neck and cleavage. Make sure to omit the area around the eyes and lips. Wash down the mask with warm water after about 20 minutes.
2. Avocado hair conditioner – mix blended pulp from one avocado with 2 tablespoons of natural yoghurt, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of favourite oil, for instance, argan oil; apply the conditioner to washed and damp hair; rinse with warm water after 20 minutes.