Avocado For What Ails You, Inside & Out

Avocado For What Ails You, Inside & Out

Gina Smith Pasqualini

The weather has been divine in NYC this week, however I'm trying to stay a couple steps ahead of the forecast.  Knowing that it will get chilly and the temps will be taking a dive again soon, I'm prepping my skin with one of my favorite must-have dry skin weapons:  avocado.  Prepared three ways, I'm going to protect against free radicals and inflammation (inside), infuse my skin with a nutrient packed mask (face), and slough off dead skins cells while moisturizing with a delicate scrub (body). 

INSIDE
Although this superfood is high in calories, they are nutrient dense calories high in heart healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3.  I usually incorporate this fruit into my diet by adding it to a salad or making it into a guacamole, however today I'm simply going to season half an avocado and enjoy it atop a thin slice of toasted gluten-free bread.  For avocado purists, simply enjoy without the toast.

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 avocado
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Drizzle of olive oil
  • Drizzle of balsamic vinegar

FACE 
In addition to healthy fats and phytonutrients, avocado contains Vitamins A, E and C, which results in glowing, rejuvenated skin when applied topically.  For a quick facial with immediate results, I combine avocado, manuka honey and marshmallow root.  Marshamallow root is a healing and softening herb often used in ointments for dry chapped skin.  In this mask it provides anti-inflammatory properties and gentle exfoliation. 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 avocado
  • 2 tbs honey  
  • 1 tbs ground marshmallow root

Steps

  • steam face to open pores
  • combine all ingredients
  • gently apply to face and neckline in circular motions
  • leave on for 15 minutes
  • rinse and pat dry

BODY
To heal dry skin on those elbows, knees and other flaky body parts, we're going to add another superfood to the avocado base:  chia seeds. Native to South America and a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries, chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, and provide numerous health benefits that we will explore in the future.  In the meantime, here's a quick and simple recipe for a moisturizing body scrub. 

Ingredients

  • 1 whole avocado
  • 1 tbs ground chia seeds
  • 1 tbs almond meal
  • 1 tsp apricot kernel oil
Steps
  • combine all ingredients
  • in the shower, apply to body in gentle circular motions.   
  • rinse thoroughly and pat dry.  

Remember, avocado benefits and supports countless body functions and processes including those of the brain, heart, eyes, blood pressure, blood sugar, blood sugar, as well as anti-aging and pregnancy, just to name a few. Next time you enjoy a slice of avocado, know that you're truly giving your body and your health an amazing gift. 

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