Origin: Perula, located in southern Mexico, is the motherland of this widely beneficial fruit, Avocado. 10,000 years ago, the locals started consuming Avocado. The ancient tribe called Mesoamerican domesticated 5,000 years ago, making Avocado as old as the invention of the wheel,
The Spanish explorers introduced this fruit in Atlantic in the 16th century. Around 1521, Avocado had spread through Central America and in the parts of South America. Then the Spanish exported it back to Europe and from there it was sold to other countries. In the 17th century "avocado pear" was misinterpreted as "alligator pear" and then American growers changed the name back to Avocado around 1900.
The buttery texture of the fruit makes the appropriate name "butter fruit", especially in India. Here the fruit is still gaining popularity and is mostly grown in Kodagu district in the Southwest Indian state of Karnataka.
Aztecs believed the fruit promoted fertility for both men and women and often called it 'fertility fruit'. The name Avocado originates from the Nahuatl word ahuacatl, which refers to a certain part of the male anatomy that the shape of Avocado happens to resemble.
Scientifically: Avocado and Avocado oil is mentioned in Ayurveda. It grounds and nourishes. Alike tomatoes, Avocadoes are Rajasic fruits.
According to research, Avocados are said to have more potassium than bananas which helps in balancing blood pressure. Monounsaturated oleic acid present in Avocado is very beneficial for a healthy heart.
Avocados contain more fibers than any other fruits making them very effective for weight loss and metabolic health. One of the studies shows that including Avocado in your diet can improve the cholesterol profile. The analyzed data from 17,567 participants in the NHANES survey in the US shows that Avocado consumers were healthier in comparison to those who didn't eat this fruit.
Avocadoes are the powerhouse of vitamins A, D, E, and H. These nutrients keep the skin hydrated and soft. The vitamin E in Avocado protects the skin against the evil environmental damages.
Avocado oil is an excellent scalp moisturizer and it also rejuvenates the scalp. It wonderfully revitalizes dry and lifeless hair. The beneficial Avocado oil is pregnant with fatty acids thus it works as an excellent moisturizer.
Apart from the copious vitamins, Avocado also contains potassium, lecithin, and many other nutrients that are needed for a glowing complexion. It also guards the skin against acne.
A study in Lipids in Health and Disease recommends consuming foods that hold a high percentage of healthy fats (Omega 3) to reduce acne lesions. Avocados are one such fruit that stores high levels of healthy fat apart from vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium.
The antioxidants and the vitamins in this skin-friendly fruit help protect dry, irritated and flaky skin that can lead to eczema and psoriasis. In addition, Avocado oil heals wounds very quickly.
A study conducted in 2013 discovered that essential fatty acids and oleic acid in Avocado oil promote collagen synthesis that aids in creating new connective tissue.
Also eating avocado or avocado oil with vegetables can increase the number of antioxidants you take in. Avocadoes are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin which are very important for eye health and lowers the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Test-tube studies have shown that nutrients in Avocados benefit in preventing prostate cancer and lowering the side effects of chemotherapy. Studies have shown that Avocado and Soybean oil extracts can significantly reduce symptoms of Osteoarthritis.
Usage: Avocadoes are rich in nutrients and fibers and is widely eaten raw. Also, it used in the making of Guacamole. It is also used as a substitute for mayonnaise and sauces. It is used in salads and breakfast spread.
Many cosmetics brands are also using Avocados for a greater effect on skin and hair. Women use Avocados as baby food because of it's a creamy texture. Not only this, but women also apply Avocado on their face and hair.
Below are some DIYs with avocado for beautiful skin and hair:
- Scoop out the avocado into a bowl and mash it to make a smoothie paste. Mix it with two spoons of honey and apply it over your face. Wash it after 20 minutes to get a glowing skin.
- Take half a ripe avocado and scoop out the flesh and mash it with a tablespoon of yogurt. Apply this over the face and let it dry for 15 minutes. Rinse as usual. This helps in moisturizing the skin well.
- Take some mashed avocado with 2 tablespoons of oatmeal and half a teaspoon of honey. Mix all the ingredients together and apply on the face. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse. This works as a subtle exfoliator.
- Take some mashed avocado and one egg white. Mix them together and apply on the face. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse. This helps in controlling the excess sebum production on the face.
- Take one ripe avocado and scoop out the flesh and mash it with 2 tablespoons of yogurt. Apply this on your hair and let it dry for 45 minutes. Shampoo as usual. This helps in nourishing the hair.