Avocado: The fruit you cannot afford to miss

Avocado or ovocado, which one is it? Well, it is definitely avocado. This product from an avocado tree is sometimes referred to as an alligator pear, butter fruit or avocado pear.

It is a bright green fruit covered by a dark rough rind that flourishes in warm regions and only has one big seed inside it.

This fruit is used in so many ways all over the world. It is not only consumed but also used for hair and skincare.

A meal in Kenya is never complete without slicing or mashing avocados in it. It doesn't really matter what the food is, may it be rice beans, succotash (githeri) or ugali with meat and greens.

Research has shown that avocado oil penetrates the skin's natural moisture barrier faster than other oils making it effective for dry and sensitive skin treatment.

Masking your hair in it results in healthy, hydrated and shiny hair strands due to the 'good' fats, which are fatty acids, it contains.

Because of its buttery nature, you can use avocado instead of margarine as a spread for your bread. All you have to do is mash it and sprinkle salt to taste. Thank me later!

Folate is one of the components of avocado. Studies show that this compound helps reduce the build-up of homocysteine, which slows down the movement of nutrients to the brain leading to depression.

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If you are suffering from constipation, avocado is your cure. This is because it is highly packed with fibre which aids the movement of waste in your body.

Foods and vegetables rich in fibre play a big role in maintaining a healthy body weight by promoting satiety. Satiety is the feeling of being satisfied hence one doesn't unknowingly overeat.