Guacamole is grand, but don’t settle for just the chips and dip today, clear the table for everything from the appetiser and main dish, all the way to dessert, because on National Avocado Day, this tree-grown fruit has them all covered!
There are many reasons to celebrate today. With its heart-healthy fats, the avocado targets insulin resistance, fights Alzheimer’s with its Omega 3 fatty acids and also prevents and repairs damage as it is a source of vitamins C, E and K.
One of the avocado’s secret weapons is its high oleic acid content, a fatty acid that not only moisturises the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated, but also supports regeneration of damaged skin cells, reducing redness and irritation. If you have this skin issue, you should eat more of this super fruit, or cook with avocado oil.
Ancient Aztecs used the avocado to beautify their skin topically by applying it as a mask, and in the early 20th century the cosmetic industry discovered the benefits of its oil in creams, lotions, facial cleansers and other products that required a smooth application. This practice still continues today.
Avocados have found their way into every meal of the day, including dessert. The creamy texture replaces calorie-laden oils with healthy fats, so we can indulge without the guilt. What better way to celebrate National Avocado Day than to indulge a little?
Model Meals, a meal delivery service established in 2015 by Camille May and professional Curve model Danika Brysha, founded National Avocado Day at the peak of the California avocado season, on 31 July. The company works with local organic growers and farmers to create whole-food focused menus, encouraging sustainable agriculture and healthy eating. Danika and Camille famously carry purse avocados for a midday dose of healthy fat and vitamins. Obviously passionate about this super food, they wanted to celebrate it to the fullest, and the idea to create its own holiday was born.
Starting in 2017, the Registrar at the National Day Calendar proclaimed that National Avocado Day would be celebrated annually.
Celebrate today by enjoying an avocado or trying out a new recipe. Share your favourite avocado recipes and use #NationalAvocadoDay to post on social media.
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