Health Benefits of Eating Avocado Fruit
Avocado is a nutritious fruit with loads of strong antioxidant
compounds, vitamins, minerals and protein. It has many health
advantages and is a vital natural remedy for various common
diseases. How are avocados good for you?
-
Anti-Cancer PropertiesLike olive, avocado is rich in oleic acid. Studies have found that
oleic acid is effective in preventing breast cancer. Research has
also shown that antioxidants compound in the fruit helps protect
against prostate cancer and fight against pre-cancerous and
cancerous oral cells.
-
Enhance VisionAvocado is an excellent source of carotenoid lutein. Lutein is
capable of preventing macular degeneration and cataracts, which are
age-related eye diseases.
-
Great for the HeartAvocado has an abundance of heart benefiting nutrients, namely the
essential omega-3 fatty acids, folate, oleic acid, vitamin E and
glutathione. In fact, a cup of avocado supplies a 23% RDA of folate.
According to scientific studies, foods full of folate contribute
substantially to heart health and provide better protection against
cardiovascular diseases.
-
Lower the Risk of StrokeLoaded with beta-sitosterol and oleic acid, avocado is able to
reduce your body’s cholesterol levels significantly. In an
experiment involving 45 people, their cholesterol levels were
lowered by an average of 17%, one week after eating avocados. This
is important as high cholesterol may lead to stroke and other
cardiovascular diseases.
-
Useful in Preventing Birth DefectsAvocado is packed with good amount of folate. Scientific research
has proven that foods high in folate aid in preventing birth
defects, including neural tube defect and spina bifida. It is a
highly recommended supplement for pregnant women.
-
Treat HypertensionPotassium content in avocados is beneficial to people with high
blood pressure as the mineral blunts the effects of sodium to assist
in regulating blood pressure levels.
-
Relieve Symptoms of ArthritisAvocado contains a great amount of flavonoids and polyphenols, which
function as anti-inflammatory compounds to heal the symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
-
Anti-AgingAvocado is a powerful anti-aging food. It contains two strong
anti-aging compounds, namely glutathione and vitamin E. Besides,
both the vital compounds also have therapeutic value to prevent
cancer and heart disease.
Facts about Avocado
 The avocado (scientific name Persea americana) tree is native to
Central and South America, but it is also suitable to be cultivated
in California and Florida, which have warmer climates. Most avocado
varieties in the United States are planted in California, especially
the popular variety called Hass. The type of avocado cultivated in
Florida is known as Fuerte or Florida, which has a watery texture
with lesser fat. The Hass is more often used in cooking recipes.
The skin colors of avocados range from dark purple to bright green.
The fruit is normally plucked from the tree while it is still
unripe. You should choose avocados that have a dark color and give
slightly when gently pressed. The avocado pit is slightly toxic, and
therefore has to be removed when used.
Avocado Nutrition Facts and Calories
|
Nutritional Value
of 1 cup (150 g) Raw Avocado (Cubed) |
| Calories |
240 kcal |
| Total Fat |
22 g |
| Cholesterol |
0 mg
|
| Sodium |
11 mg |
| Total
Carbohydrates |
13 g |
| Dietary Fiber |
10 g |
| Sugars |
1 g |
| Protein |
3
g |
Avocado Recipe
Avocado Guacamole Recipe
In a bowl, mash a few avocados using a fork,
then add a little minced parsley, 2 cloves garlic, together with a
red bell pepper (minced). Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with a
few swirls of olive oil. Add a little lemon juice to avoid it from
turning brown..
Avocado Side Effects
People who are allergic to bananas, chestnuts, kiwi fruit, melons,
peaches, potatoes and tomatoes are likely to be allergic to
avocados. They are the same with people allergic to latex, who may
also have allergic reactions from consuming avocados, known as the
latex-fruit syndrome.
Related Fruits and Vegetables Articles:
|