At a recent workshop, I shared with participants how I’d been totally avocado-crazy for a month. I was eating an avocado every day: I dunked them in my smoothies, made guacamole, added them to salads and soups. I just couldn’t get enough. My body was giving me very clear signals that I needed the nutrition from this health food in my daily diet. Then this craving slowly tapered down and now I’m back to eating them occasionally.

Avocados are great for women. In fact their pear shape resembles the uterus! Laden with healthy fats, they ensure proper neurological and hormonal function. These healthy monounsaturated fats help fight inflammation in the body. Avocados are also rich in Vitamin B6 – a vitamin that prevents anemia – calcium, proteins, magnesium and potassium – minerals needed for bone health, muscle vigor and boosting immunity.

In short, when it comes to keeping doctors away, the avocado gives the apple some serious run for its money.

So today I want to share three of my favorite uses of avocado. Two of them are recipes for internal consumption. One is a face mask that I sometimes make and apply on my pretty but dry face.

Yummy Chocolate Smoothie

This is a delicious, wholesome pick-me-up drink that is as great a morning beverage as it is as an afternoon replacement to coffee or tea. The raw cacao powder is a natural stimulant and gives a great flavor to the smoothie. I use raw cacao nibs for mine, but if you use powder, your smoothie will look a lot more chocolate-y!

You will need:

1/2 avocado
1 cup almond milk
honey
raw cacao powder or nibs

Blend together and enjoy!

 

Goodness-laden Guacamole:

I might have been Mexican in a previous life-time. I can eat guacamole all by itself, with tortillas, millet bread or indian parathas. Go figure. A great investment if you’re a big fan of mashed foods (avocados, sweet potatoes etc) is a masher. It makes mashing super easy, unlike a fork which can take a long long time.

You will need:

2 avocados
1/2 tomato (finely chopped)
1/2 onion (finely chopped)
1 lemon
1 green chilly
cumin powder
salt

Mash the avocados and add all other ingredients. If you want it hotter, then add green chillies or red chilly flakes. Enjoy with tortilla chips!

Avocado Face pack

Honestly, this was a chance discovery. I had half an avocado sitting in my kitchen after I’d prepared and devoured the smoothie. I googled for avocado face masks and several showed up. This one was simple enough.

You will need:
1/2 avocado
honey
Mash avocado till you have a smooth paste. A ripened avocado is recommended. Add honey. Apply the mask on your face, play some calming music and relax for fifteen minutes.