Lately exotic fruits like Kiwi and Avocado have become popular ingredients in various recipes, from salads, dips anddrinks to desserts. What’s more, these fruits can form an integral part of beauty treatments too. The Kiwi, for instance, has high nutritional value and yet, it is low in calories. Therefore, it is ideal for weight control. Extremely rich in Vitamin C, it also contains Vitamins A, E and K, along with minerals like iron, potassium, magnesium and copper. Consuming Kiwis on a regular basis is said to help blood pressure and reduce the risks of heart ailments and stroke. Being low in calories and with a low Glycaemic Index, it can also be taken by diabetics.
Due to its high content of Vitamin C, the Kiwi is said to strengthen the immune system and is also good for the health and beauty of the skin. It contains antioxidants, which strengthen collagen, the supportive tissue of the skin. This plays an important role in delaying the visible ageing signs on the skin and also keeps it free from problems. Due to its vitamin and mineral content, it also helps to strengthen our connective tissue, nails and bones. The Kiwi contains an enzyme called actinidain, which helps to dissolve protein. Thus, it not only helps digestion, but has a cleansing action when applied on the skin, in terms of removing the dead skin cells and encouraging healthy new cells. Apart from benefits to the skin, the Kiwi is said to be good for the hair growth, due to its valuable vitamin and mineral content. Vitamin A, in fact, helps to improve and protect the texture of the hair. Applied on the skin like a fruit pack, it has a cleansing and nourishing effect. It also lightens pigmented (dark) patches and helps to remove tan.
Another exotic fruit is the Avocado, with both health and beauty benefits. It is also extremely nutritious and contains around 20 vitamins and minerals. Not only that, it has a high fat and protein content. However, it contains monounsaturated fat, like olive oil, and actually plays an important role in preventing cardiac problems. Avocados are also rich in antioxidants and contain Vitamins A, E, C and B6. They also contain minerals like potassium and calcium. Avocados provide enough fibre and facilitate the elimination of wastes. In fact, they can bring about a sense of well-being and vitality.
Avocados are also excellent for the skin, as they boost cell renewal. There is enough evidence to show that a deficiency of vitamins and minerals is an important factor in early wrinkling of the skin. Vitamin C, for instance, strengthens the immune system and delays early aging. It also helps to maintain healthy collagen, the supportive tissue of the skin. Vitamin B is important for the formation of healthy new skin cells. Similarly, Vitamin A and E play significant roles in maintaining the softness and smoothness of the skin texture. In fact, Avocado juice or oil can be very nourishing for the skin and hair.
The protein content of avocado strengthens the hair and adds body. The oil content nourishes the hair and maintains the normal acid-alkaline balance of the scalp. For home hair care, mash the avocado, add honey and a little lemon juice. This can be applied on the hair as a pack. In fact, it can also be applied on the face. Wash it off after half an hour. It is extremely moisturizing and nourishing. It is best to use them in beauty treatments when they are raw and fresh.