You have no idea how much I love avocados! It’s amazing how this one fruit (yes, I said fruit!) can be used for just about anything, from cooking to skincare. Whether you eat it or apply it all over your face, the outstanding health benefits of avocados are almost endless. There are many different ways to use avocados, and today I am sharing with you my top favorites.
Health Benefits of Avocados
Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fats. These fats are actually good for you and contrary to popular belief, won’t make you fat. They help boost your heart health and also help control hunger. Recent studies concluded that meals that include avocados tend to increase the feelings of satiety for longer periods of time than those without.
One serving of avocado contains 3.5g of unsaturated fats. These are required for a healthy brain and nervous system function. They also contain 81 mg of lutein & zeaxanthin. These antioxidants are known to support eye health as we age. Avocados are great for both children and adults but are especially good for pregnant women. Because avocados contain folate, vitamin E, B vitamins, iron, choline, and fiber, they help ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy and birth.
Here are some amazing uses for avocados that put all those health benefits to work!
1. Just Eat It
Eat half of an avocado seasoned with lemon juice or your favorite spice, such as paprika or balsamic vinegar.
2. Guacamole
If you are obsessed with avocados, you must try guacamole. Mash 3 avocados, mince 1/3 red onion, mash 1 garlic clove, chop 1 tablespoon of cilantro. Mix all of this together and add juice from 1 lime. Season to taste and enjoy!
3. Dip
Avocado dip can make a great snack when paired with some veggie sticks. Mash 2 avocados, chop one small tomato, crush 1 garlic clove, and mix it all together. Add 2 tablespoons of lime juice and start dipping!
4. Salad Dressing
In a food processor, blend 1 avocado, 1 garlic clove, ½ tablespoon of fresh lime juice, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Blend until smooth. Add water to thin the salad dressing out to desire consistency. Keep in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to a week.
5. Sandwiches
Avocado will add a creamy addition to any sandwich. You can even try just lettuce, tomato, and avocado or a simple avocado wrap!
6. Baby Food
Avocados are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and other nutrients. They make great snacks for babies because they are firm enough for tiny fingers, yet soft enough to be gentle on gums.
7. Fat-Substitute
Avocados are great fat substitutes for baking! Simply substitute butter or coconut oil for a pureed avocado. Your kids won’t know the difference, trust me.
8. Ice Cream
This is a dairy-free, vegan alternative to store-bought ice cream. Simply blend ½ of an avocado and a squeeze of lime juice with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 cup of your favorite non-dairy milk of choice. Then freeze until it reaches the desired consistency.
9. Smoothie
Take ½ an avocado, 1 frozen banana, ½ almond milk, and a touch of maple syrup. Blend until smooth.
10. Vegan Mayonnaise
In a food processor blend 2 avocados, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 garlic clove, and juice from 1/2 a lemon. Season to taste!
11. Pudding
Puree ¼ of an avocado, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup of almond milk, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract in a blender.
12. Face Mask
Using this mask is a great way to restore moisture and help replenish damaged skin! Take ½ an avocado and ½ cup of oatmeal. Cook your oatmeal as usual and then mix it in with the mashed avocado. Apply this mixture to your skin for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Oh, and did I mention that this mask also helps fight acne and blemishes?
13. Hair Mask
Blend ½ an avocado and 1 egg yolk in a blender. Apply to your hair and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse out with lukewarm water and proceed with your shampoo and conditioner.
14. Scalp Revitalizer
Massage some mashed avocado into your scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse well. The amino acids and proteins will penetrate your scalp and help to heal, nourish and improve the overall condition of your hair and scalp!
15. Sunscreen
There are many natural sunscreen alternatives, and avocado is one of them. Avocado oil will help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays while maintaining and restoring the skin’s natural elasticity! It is also great to treat sunburned skin.
16. Hand Scrub
Exfoliate your hand with this great recipe! Mix some avocado with some finely ground oats. Gently rub it into your hands and leave for 5 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. This scrub will remove all the dead skin cells and will moisturize your hands.
17. Shaving Cream
Instead of buying those expensive and chemical-filled shaving creams, try using fresh avocado instead! It will calm and soothe your skin for easy shaving.
I made every one of these and honestly was never disappointed! My son loves it, my husband loves it and I love it! What do you use avocados for?