The Avocado - More Than Just Delicious

Just before I left for a family visit to Toronto, I was sent an email asking if I'd like to get a "Guac-Pac" and write about it. Well, I do love avocados, even if they weren't on the 25 Ridiculously Healthy Foods. They taste so creamy and rich and they're so versatile, what's not to love!

Naturally I said yes to the "Guac-Pac". I was really curious to see what they'd send me. I figured some new tetra pack of guacamole. I was so wrong.
A giant box came filled with a half a dozen avocados, fixins to make a fresh guacamole (complete with recipe, garlic, cilantro and jalapeno pepper and tortilla chips for dipping), a stack of recipes (You can find them and more interesting info at Miss Ava Cado). As if that wasn't enough, the package included a box of freshly baked Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes.
I barely had time to take this photo before they were gone.

Because we were leaving town, I sent the package to my daughter. After all, they all love avocados too. Even the one year old knows a good thing when he tastes it.

I know how delicious avocados are. Here are some ways I've made them in the past.

Arugula, Lime & Avocado Salad

Masala Shrimp

Raw Spinach & Avocado Soup

Marty's Guacamole

Tuna, Tomato & Avocado Salad - still my favorite

I even knew some of the nutritional value of the avocado - they provide nearly 20 essential vitamins and minerals like potassium (supposedly reducing stress), folic acid, Vitamins E (a great skin moisturizer), K and B; they are packed full of "good fats" that lower LDL cholesterol and promote heart health; and more fibre than any other fruit.

But....I never thought to use them as a spa treatment. Ladies - this is something you do FOR your significant other, not WITH. I actually took a photo of me with the moisturizing mask on and cucumber slices on my eyes....way too scary for anyone to see. It was deleted instantly. That said, taking a break for 15 minutes was very spa-like and calming and my skin felt fantastic afterwards.

Here are Avocado Beauty Treatments for oily and dry skin that the lovely people at Miss Ava Cado sent me.... (I used the moisturizing face mask)

Oily Skin Mask
Lemon, a natural astringent, controls oil and the proteins in egg whites strengthen the skin. Nourishing avocado brings balance to the mixture with its valuable oils.
1/2 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled
1 egg white
1 teaspoon lemon juice

In blender, combine avocado, egg white and lemon juice; whirl until smooth. Apply evenly to face; leave on 20 minutes while you phone your best friend and play catch up; rinse with warm water.

Enriching Hair Mask
When applied to hair, avocado, egg yolk and olive oil act as humectants; they trap in moisture and the hair shafts soak up the nourishment they need.
1 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, halved pitted and peeled
1 egg yolk*
1/2 teaspoon olive oil

In shallow bowl, mash avocado until smooth. Add egg yolk and olive oil; stir until combined. Divide dry hair into sections. With hands, apply mixture to hair by massaging into each section, concentrating on the ends. Allow to set for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water.

*Save egg white for Avocado Hand Treatment or Oily Skin Mask.

Moisturizing Face Mask
Avocado’s moisturizing oils join forces with honey, a natural antibacterial, and soothing yogurt to gently clean, reduce inflammation and soften skin while tightening and refining pores. Cooling cucumbers sit pretty on top to calm puffy eyes.
1/2 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, pitted and peeled
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
2 cucumber slices

In shallow bowl, mash avocado until smooth; add yogurt and honey; stir until combined. Apply evenly to face and cover eyes with cucumber slices; put on your favourite tunes, lie back and allow mask to set for 15 minutes; rinse with warm water.

Avocado Hand Treatment
This mixture uses oats for their highly absorptive properties and lemon for its fresh citrus scent. Oats aid in the absorption of avocado’s natural oils and provide gentle exfoliation leaving you with soft, fresh hands.
1/4 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled
1 egg white*
2 tablespoon rolled oats
1 tablespoon lemon juice

In shallow bowl, mash avocado until smooth. Add egg white, oats and lemon juice; stir until combined. Massage into hands; leave mixture on for 20 minutes while you watch your favourite comedy show (laughter keeps you young!); rinse with warm water.

*Save yolk for Enriching Hair Mask.