Avocado Health Benefits

Although they have a leathery outer appearance, their creamy rich flesh is good to eat and filled with useful nutrients.

 Also known as ‘alligator pear’, the avocado is hated and loved with equal intensity. It is hated because it has high calorie content when compared to many other fruits. It is loved because it is tasty and filled with vital nutrients. In fact, avocados are so nutrient dense that they have been called the ‘most nutritious of all fruits’ by experts.

Health benefits

Avocados are rich in Vitamins K, B6 and C. They also have good amounts of potassium, folate and copper. Avocados are rich in dietary fiber too and so may help to curb appetite.

A study conducted to inspect the effect of avocados on cholesterol content showed that a diet consisting of avocados is helpful in regulating cholesterol levels. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats. This reduces LDL and total cholesterol levels and increases HDL levels.

Even though this fruit is rich in fats, it is highly recommended in many diet plans such as the Diet Solution Program or that Fat Burning Kitchen

Folate in avocados keeps the heart in healthy working condition.

Sufficient amounts of potassium combined with sodium regulate blood pressure and safeguard the body against diseases like high blood pressure, stroke and heart diseases. Avocados are rich in potassium and sodium.

Avocados are a woman’s best friend because they are rich in Vitamin E. Vitamin E is responsible for healthy, clear, wrinkle free skin. Avocados have the ability to penetrate deep into the pores of the skin. So, avocado masks are used in skin treatments. When compared to oils from olive, corn, soya and almonds, avocado oil has the best penetration rate. Quite naturally, avocados are being increasingly used in natural beauty products.

According to scientific research, avocados contain certain components that protect the body from cancers. Avocados also improve the body’s capacity to absorb carotenoids, which in turn have strong antioxidant properties. This is why it is beneficial to add avocados to salads and salsas. Studies show that even small amounts of avocados in salads can increase the absorption of nutrients from vegetables significantly.

Avocados are rich in minerals and nutrients. It is a commonly known fact that people living in the tropics suffer from water and mineral loss due to the warm climate in these regions. Since avocados are nutrient dense, they are recommended for these climates.

Since avocados are rich in dietary fiber, they prevent constipation and aid regular elimination. When waste is eliminated regularly from the body, blood circulation improves and the individual experiences general improvement in health and wellness.

How to eat

Like all fruits, it is best to eat avocados straight from the laps of Mother Nature. Simply scoop out the flesh and have a tasty treat.

Chopped avocados may be added to salads or soups.

The flesh of ripe avocados make smooth and tasty bread spreads.

NOTE: People with latex fruit allergy syndrome may be allergic to avocados. If you haven’t eaten them before and you’re not sure of what your reaction might be, check with your doctor beforehand.

In Conclusion

Avocados have been the subject of much controversy. They are one of the most misunderstood of fruits simply because they have a higher calorie count. But the above facts are more than enough to convince us that these fruits are really ‘a fruit without rival among fruits, the veritable fruit of paradise’ (David Fairchild).