The avocado is a fruit from the avocado tree of Central
American origin. They are buttery yet very flavorful, pear shaped fruits with
leather-like appearance of its skin. They
feature high fat content (mainly unsaturated) and have more calories unlike
most other fruits. However, they are among the popular fruits having good
nutritional value and health benefiting properties. Some of the common names
are alligator pear, aguacate, butter
pear, etc.
Avocados are considered as one of the healthiest foods in
the planet because they contain numerous essential nutrients, including vitamin
A, B, C, E, & K, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. They
also contain fiber, protein and several beneficial phytochemicals such as
beta-sitosterol, glutathione and lutein, which may protect against various
disease and illness.
SOME OF
THE HEALTH BENEFITS ARE;
A Healthy
Heart
High level of
homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Avocado
contains vitamin B6 and folic acid, which help to regulate homocysteine levels.
It also contains vitamin E, glutathione, and monounsaturated fat, which are
essential in maintaining a healthy heart.
Avocados are rich in beta-sitosterol which is effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that people who included avocado as part of their diet for a period of time had a decrease in total body cholesterol and modest increase in HDL (good cholesterol).This also contributes to maintaining a healthy heart.
Avocados are rich in beta-sitosterol which is effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that people who included avocado as part of their diet for a period of time had a decrease in total body cholesterol and modest increase in HDL (good cholesterol).This also contributes to maintaining a healthy heart.
Control blood pressure
Avocados are also a great source of potassium, (twice more than bananas) which may helps in lowering blood pressure levels.
Avocados are also a great source of potassium, (twice more than bananas) which may helps in lowering blood pressure levels.
Eye health
Avocado helps to promote eye health, since its an excellent source of carotenoid lutein, which is known to help protect against age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and cataracts.
Avocado helps to promote eye health, since its an excellent source of carotenoid lutein, which is known to help protect against age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and cataracts.
Anti-Inflammatory properties
Avocados contain nutrients such as polyphenols and flavonoids which have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, thereby reducing the risk of inflammatory and degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis.
Avocados contain nutrients such as polyphenols and flavonoids which have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, thereby reducing the risk of inflammatory and degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis.
Reduction in stroke risk
The high levels of folate in avocados may also protect against stroke.
The high levels of folate in avocados may also protect against stroke.
Prevent birth defects
Avocados are rich in folate (folic acid). The high amount of folate in avocado is essential in the prevention of birth defects, such as neural tube defect and spina bifida. Hence very useful in pregnancy.
Avocados are rich in folate (folic acid). The high amount of folate in avocado is essential in the prevention of birth defects, such as neural tube defect and spina bifida. Hence very useful in pregnancy.
Blood Sugar regulation
Avocados contain monounsaturated fats (good fat) which can reverse insulin resistance thereby regulating blood sugar levels. They also contain soluble fiber which keeps a steady blood sugar levels. The fiber content also contributes to weight loss.
Protection
against cancer
Avocados contain monounsaturated fats (good fat) which can reverse insulin resistance thereby regulating blood sugar levels. They also contain soluble fiber which keeps a steady blood sugar levels. The fiber content also contributes to weight loss.
The glutathione found in avocados has been found to help prevent some kinds of cancers. Researchers found extracts from Hass avocados kill or stop the growth of pre-cancerous cells that lead to oral cancer. Avocado extract was found to inhibit prostate cancer. Oleic acid in avocado is also effective in preventing breast cancer.
Antioxidant/Anti-aging properties.
