Avocados are packed full of heart healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins C, K, E and potassium to name just a few! No wonder they are one of the latest food and health trends! But did you know avocados have many other uses and health benefits? We’ve rounded up just a few, as well as some delicious avocado toast recipes for you to try!
Avocados are classed as a fruit due to the giant stone at the heart of their core. Just like many other yummy fruits, they are great for our health (in moderation of course!), and are packed full of nutrients and vitamins. They are also rich in what we call ‘healthy fats’ – a healthier source of this vital food group that people often shy away from. All of this goodness has led to avocados having some amazing health benefits!
They have been found to help with eye health due to containing lutein and zeaxanthin which helps to protect against UV light. Avocados are also rich in fibre, just like our Nakd fruit and nut bars, and are considered a prebiotic which can help with gut health. Lastly, avocados contain unsaturated fats that can help lower cholesterol.
Now you know the benefits of avocados, it’s time to discover the many ways you can use this amazing fruit….
There are some great avocado skin benefits that have led to avocados being a common ingredient in homemade face masks. They are rich in vitamins C and E and which are known for their skin health benefits, but have also been found to improve our skin in other ways. One study found that the fats and antioxidants within the avocados help to improve skin elasticity which reduces the signs of ageing.
Avocado oil is a great natural hair product for treating dry hair. It has been found to help prevent breakage, which can help you strengthen your hair if you are looking for thick, luscious locks. You could also whip up an avocado hair mask for a protein rich hair treatment. Simply leave it on your hair for 20 minutes like a deep conditioner before rinsing off. However, like any new hair treatment you should do a patch test first to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction.
Fancy a delicious vegan smoothie? Try adding an avocado! Simply combine with the fruit of your choice like banana or strawberries, or add some greens like spinach and blend it altogether with dairy-free milk. Whether a great way to start the morning, or a refreshing summer drink, avocado smoothies are sure to be your go to treat!
Yes you read that right, avocado milk is set to be hitting the shelves! Just when you thought there couldn’t be any more dairy-free milk alternatives, avocados joined the party. A mix between freeze dried avocados and oats, it’s set to be a new alternative milk that will give oat milk a run for its money!
Probably the most widely used way of enjoying avocados is by eating them. It is a great plant-based ingredient to add into your vegan diet, because it’s so versatile! You can add it to a salad, burger or sandwich, mix with pasta, or even as a dessert like an avocado mousse. But, by far one of the most popular avocado recipes that has taken over brunches everywhere is avocado on toast…
We’ve spied avocado on toast popping up across café menus and Instagram accounts across the land! Tasty and nutritious, it’s a perfect vegan lunch option! Just make sure you check that the bread you use is gluten free, or why not use sweet potato instead?! Here are some of our favourite combinations.
Toast the rye bread. In a bowl, mash the avocado, mix in the rest of the ingredients and pile on the top of the toast.
Toast the rye bread. In a small food processor, whizz the capers, herbs, lemon juice and zest and olive oil. Place the slices of avocado on the toast, then the sundried tomatoes and drizzle with the salsa verde.
Toast the rye bread. In a frying pan, toast the seeds until lightly brown and start to pop. Place the slices of avocado on the toast, then the sprouts, toasted seeds and drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice and cracked black pepper.
Toast the rye bread. In a small food processor, whizz the chickpeas, tahini, garlic lemon juice and olive oil. Place the slices of avocado on the toast, then the hummus and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
For even more delicious vegan recipes be sure to check out Nakd recipes for vegan desserts, breakfast and snack ideas! Or if you’re still feeling peckish, try one of our vegan bars like our Strawberry Sundae or Lemon Drizzle fruit and nut bars.
There we have it, all the magical ways you can use avocados. Feeling mind blown? Then checkout our other articles on The Magical Uses of Coconut Oil and The Magical Uses of Aloe Vera.
