Avocado

Avocado for hydration

Scientific Name {Persea americana}

Avocado is excellent for the skin, whether it's eaten or applied topically. The effects are more immediate if it is applied topically. Its ultimate moisturizing benefits can only really be felt when it is put directly on the face. Avocados are excellent sources of vital nutrients and antioxidants.

They are known for their moisturizing properties. And is one of the best ingredients used in moisturizers for those with dry skin who desperately need hydration and nourishment.

The primary skin benefits of avocados come from their carotenoid content. These are alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein.

Not only do these carotenoids attack free radicals, but they also help the skin build stronger structures, improve brightness, and even contribute to the thickening of the skin. Thin skin is a significant complaint of mature women.

Health Benefits of Avocado

• Moisturizes skin
• High in beneficial nutrients
• Boosts eye health
• Ideal for a healthy heart
• Lowers cholesterol
• Cancer fighter
• Natural detoxifier
• Promotes healthy weight
• Improves digestion
• It helps to balance hormones

As we go throughout our lives, we come into contact with pollutants that wreak havoc on our skin by creating free radicals.

These atoms are highly charged and move through the cells rapidly.
On the lower end of the spectrum, they cause wrinkles, dull skin, and blemishes.

Avocados contain both vitamin C and E, which are two powerful antioxidants. Not only do they work to neutralize free radicals, they then act as a barrier. This barrier keeps hydration locked in, while the other nutrients provided by avocados help restore the skin.

An application of avocado can heavily contribute to improving the look of the signs of aging caused by free radicals.

As dead skin cells are sloughed away and new, healthy layers fueled by the avocado emerge, the skin appears younger and more vibrant.

Last but certainly not least, avocados are one of the best natural ways to moisturize the skin. The natural oils work to balance moisture in the skin to feel hydrated and plump without feeling heavy or cumbersome.

While a mashed avocado will do the job, mixing it with other moisturizing or toning compounds can multiply its effectiveness. The oleic acid contained in avocados hydrates the skin and promotes cell turnover. Cell turnover is when the skin removes dead and dying cells and replaces them with new, healthy cells. Newer skin looks healthy and vibrant.

As we age, this process slows down, but avocados can help to rev it back up.

Nutrient-Rich Superfood

Avocados are a powerhouse of nourishing vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate. The flesh(or dark green outer layer) is the most nutrient-dense. Even though they are high in fat content, they contain monosaturated fats.

Monosaturated fats are good fats that can help decrease cholesterol levels. They are a good substitution for using mayo or butter. Try and mix up your morning breakfast and substitute butter on your toast with an avocado spread.

Vitamins in Avocados

• 20% Folate
• 14% Potassium
• 14% Vitamin B5
• 17% Vitamin C
• 26% Vitamin K

About the Author
This article was written by Kari Thomas