Avocado has become a beloved fruit by many, being a staple ingredient in dishes such as guacamole, toast, and salads. However, did you know that avocado has many more uses beyond its culinary applications? In this article, we will dive into five surprising uses for avocado that you never knew about.
1. Moisturize Your Skin
Beyond being a delicious ingredient in your meals, avocado can also do wonders for your skin. Avocado is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which makes it an excellent natural alternative to traditional moisturizer. To use avocado as a moisturizer, mash the fruit until it is a smooth consistency and apply it on your face and neck like you would with any store-bought product. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and rinse it off with warm water.
2. Make Hair Masks
Not only is avocado great for your skin, but it can also be used as a natural hair mask to help repair damaged hair. Avocados are full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals like vitamin B, potassium, and magnesium, which are all essential for promoting hair growth and strengthening hair. To make a hair mask, mash a ripe avocado and mix it with a spoonful of honey and a spoonful of olive oil. Apply the mask to damp hair, let it sit for 20 minutes, and rinse it out with water.
3. Remove Rust
Believe it or not, avocado pits can be used to remove rust from metallic items like knives and scissors. Simply save the pits after eating your avocado, dry them out, and grind them into a powder with a food processor or blender. Mix the powder with water until it forms a paste and apply it to the rusted area. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, and then rinse it off with water. The avocado pit powder contains tannins, which react with iron oxide (rust) and remove it.
4. Dye Fabric
If you’re looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to dye fabric, avocados can do the trick. The skins and pits of avocados contain natural tannins that can be used to create a beautiful pink color on fabric. To do this, save your avocado pits and skins, add them to a pot of water, and boil for about an hour. The longer you boil them, the darker the color will be. Remove the pits and skins from the pot and place the fabric you want to dye in the water. Let it soak for a few hours or overnight, and then rinse it in cold water.
5. Reduce Inflammation
Avocado seeds are also rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. To use avocado seeds for this purpose, dry them out, blend them into a powder, and add a spoonful of the powder to a smoothie or juice. The powder has a slightly bitter taste, so it’s recommended to mix it with other ingredients like banana, honey, or coconut milk.
Who knew that avocados could have so many uses beyond their delicious taste? Whether you’re looking for a natural beauty hack, a way to repair your damaged hair, or a fun dyeing project, avocados have got you covered. Don’t forget to save your avocado pits and skins from your next meal and put them to good use!
