According to archaeological finds, the avocado was cultivated and used by the indigenous people of Mexico, the Aztecs, 10,000 years ago. The pear-shaped, mostly green fruits contain a lot of unsaturated fatty acids as well as vitamins and minerals. That's why it was not only very popular among the Aztecs as a he althy and nutritious food, but is still very popular worldwide today.
What is the meaning of avocado?
The importance of avocado lies in its he alth-promoting ingredients: It contains unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins (A, C, D, E, K) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium). It is also said to have aphrodisiac effects and is used in cosmetics and medicine.
The avocado as an aphrodisiac
Our modern word “avocado” originally comes from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. However, their name “ahuacatl” not only referred to the fruit of the avocado tree, but also stood for parts of the male sexual organ, the testicles. However, this ambiguity cannot only be traced back to the shape of the avocado, but above all to the ancient Aztec meaning of the fruit as an aphrodisiac. The avocado is said to promote fertility - but also to prevent it. The seeds are said to have been used for contraception, while other parts of the plant helped with typical female ailments or skin diseases.
The importance of avocado for he alth
Just like olives, avocados contain a lot of oil: the proportion of oleic acid can be up to 25 percent, depending on the variety. However, the fat is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and therefore has a positive effect on cholesterol levels as well as on the heart and circulatory system. The fruit also contains a lot of potassium. The mineral also ensures heart and circulatory he alth. Other important minerals and vitamins relevant to he alth are:
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Pantothenic acid
- Folic acid
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin D
Use in cosmetics and medicine
Due to its many positive ingredients, the avocado is used in numerous cosmetics as well as in medical ointments and care products (e.g. for psoriasis and neurodermatitis).
Tips & Tricks
Make your own avocado mask for your face: Mix 1/2 avocado, a tablespoon of curd and a teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey together well and spread the mixture over your face and décolleté. Leave the mask on for about five to ten minutes and rinse it off thoroughly with lukewarm water. This recipe is particularly suitable for very dry skin.
