Added Delights of the Magnificent Avocado

by Melissa Collins

Shopping at the mercado in La Antigua Guatemala is by far my absolute favorite thing about living in Guatemala. As you enter the market, you are surrounded by the bustle of people, vendors yelling aproveche as they bring attention to their deal of the day, and then the most magnificent part of all—the abundance of fruit and vegetables. The color alone is enough to dazzle, but I was most impressed by the avocados.

I love avocados! Avocados have incredible health benefits and make a great addition to salads, sandwiches and smoothies, and of course it is the main ingredient of guacamole. But did you know that avocados are also an amazing beauty elixir? Avocado oil is a humectant, which means it draws moisture, which is especially good for hair and skin, and its emollient qualities soothe and soften. Avocados contain a healthy variety of amino acids, saturated fatty acids and lipids. This is what makes this fruit the perfect candidate for hair and skin care.

On your next trip to the market pick up a ripe avocado and see the benefits for yourself with this deep conditioning your hair and skin.

Follow these simple steps:
1 ripe avocado mashed
1 egg yolk
1/2 tbsp. macadamia nut oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and apply to dry hair. Allow to sit for 30 minutes, rinse, then shampoo and condition as normal. Your hair will definitely feel more manageable, softer and shinier.

Any remaining mixture can be used for your face. Apply and leave on for 15 minutes then rinse off with warm water. Your skin will love it!

Avocados are perishable so be sure to use as soon as you make it.

Whether you enjoy your avocados in a salad or on your hair or skin, the benefits speak for themselves. Adding them to your life can only bring better health inside and out.

Melissa Collins is the owner and operator of Golden Studio in La Antigua. Info@goldenstudioantigua.com