An Avocado Is A Girls Best Friend

Avocados were originally cultivated in Peru 9000 years ago and contrary to what everybody tells you they are not fattening. They're rich in potassium which prevents cramp and depression; they contain vitamin B6 which irons out the mood swings caused by hormonal ups and downs and dieting; they're an excellent source of vitamin E which is the skin's best friend and they have a high content of the extra healthy monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid which makes them one of the most powerful antioxidant foods that fights against ageing, wrinkles and the damage caused by atmospheric pollution.

For skin nourishment, pulverise or liquidise the flesh of half an avocado with a teaspoon of rose water, two teaspoons of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon. Massage into the face sparingly at night. Covered with cling film and kept in the refrigerator, this cream will last several days.

I have been lucky to meet some of the best known, intelligent, beautiful and fascinating women. Most memorable were those like Goldie Hawn, off on a lone walking holiday in the Spanish hills and the time for mental detoxing; Raquel Welch who on her fiftieth birthday said that the sexiest part of any woman was her brain – but then she could afford to say that couldn't she; the wonderful Angela Ripon whose legendary legs have skin as good that on her face; Tova Borgnine who radiates calm, peace and beauty.

All these remarkable women led busy, stressful lives, yet never forgot that beauty comes from within and is always more than just skin deep. Good food, proper cleansing and the best and purist products are the secret.

What you need are foods which help skin and hair, so eat two avocados a week – no they're not fattening but rich in vitamin E and B vitamins – the second highest fruit source of B6. They are a good source of iron and phosphorous, one of the best fruit sources of protein, and the second highest fruit source of pantothenic acid. They are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin.

To see just how valuable the fruits are, here is the analysis of the nutritional content of an Avocado.

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) with the percentage of your daily need for each nutrient.


Energy 160 kcal 670 kJ

Carbohydrates 8.53 g
- Sugars 0.66 g
- Dietary fibre 6.7 g

Fat 14.66 g
- saturated 2.13 g
- monounsaturated 9.80 g
- polyunsaturated 1.82 g

Protein 2 g
Thiamine (Vit. B1) 0.067 mg 5%
Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.130 mg 9%
Niacin (Vit. B3) 1.738 mg 12%
Pantothenic acid (B5) 1.389 mg 28%
Vitamin B6 0.257 mg 20%
Folate (Vit. B9) 81 ěg 20%
Vitamin C 10 mg 17%
Calcium 12 mg 1%
Iron 0.55 mg 4%
Magnesium 29 mg 8%
Phosphorus 52 mg 7%
Potassium 485 mg 10%
Zinc 0.64 mg 6%