Avocado (Persea americana)

The avocado fruit comes from a tree, classified in the same plant family with cinnamon, camphor and bay laurel. It is cultivated in tropical and Mediterranean climates throughout the world. History The oldest evidence of avocado use was found in a cave located in Mexico that dates around 10,000 BC. Avocados were used as a sexual stimulant and were also known by the Aztecs as "fertility fruit".

European sailors travelling to the New World used avocados as a substitute for butter, due to its high fat content and texture which made it easier to spread.

Health Benefits & Modern Medicinal uses

Avocado is a good antioxidant for health, which helps us from the free radicals we are exposed to everyday. It is rich in vitamin E, valuable for healthy skin and the prevention of wrinkles.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients in avocado are linked with its anti-cancer properties.
Heart health is improved by intake of oleic acid, which is the main fatty acid in avocado, and by intake of omega-3 fatty acids which is found in avocado. Avocado is also high in potassium which helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.

Avocado oil is a good facial oil to have youthful and healthy skin, as it has moisturizing power to help make your skin more beautiful. For years, people have used avocado as a natural facial treatment, especially for dry skin. The expressed oil of the avocado seed nourishes and maintains skin tone. It softens rough, dry, or flaking skin and, when massaged into the scalp, improves hair growth.

It is also high in sterolins, which are reputed to reduce age spots reduce age spots, help heal sun damage and scars, soften the skin and impart a superior moisturizing effect.
For this reason avocado is an ideal ingredient to include when formulating for people with dehydrated, sun or climate damaged skin, as it is an extremely good moisturizing and nourishing compound, assisting in the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin.

Avocado oil significantly increases the amount of collagen in the skin - which normally is under attack as we grow older and is easily absorbed into deep tissue, and with its wonderfully emollient properties, makes it ideal for mature skins. It also helps to relieve the dryness and itching of psoriasis and eczema.