New Study Suggests Intake of Avocado Can Be Beneficial for Skin Health

Skin care has become a very important aspect of our lives. Daily routines with products that can improve our skin’s appearance have gained a lot of notoriety recently. But it may be more relevant what we put into our bodies that helps our skin look and be its healthiest. Research shows that avocados can play a role in skin health.

The Avocado Nutrition Center (ANC), which is funded by the Hass Avocado Board (HAB), supported a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. In the clinical trial among 39 healthy, overweight women, researchers found that daily intake of one avocado for eight weeks improved firmness and elasticity of forehead skin. Although these findings are limited and more research is needed to confirm the results, the study suggests a potential role for eating avocados in skin health.

While we still have a lot to learn about the specifics of how skin is affected by what we eat, we do know two things. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, helps improve the nutrients the skin needs. And hydration is key.

And how do avocados fit into these recommendations? In addition to being one of the few fruits containing unsaturated fats, one-third of a medium avocado provides:

• 4% of the Daily Value of vitamin C, an antioxidant that promotes healing and aids in the health of skin, bones and connective tissue;
• 6% of the Daily Value of niacin, a B vitamin that supports the digestive system, skin, and nerve function; and
• 6% of the Daily Value for Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects against damage to the body’s cells and tissues.

On top of this 79% of an avocado’s weight can be attributed to water and fiber, making an important contribution to hydration.

So, there you go, one more reason to including avocado in your diet.