The avocado is a tree native to Central America and Mexico, and
classified in the flowering plant family, Lauraceae. The avocado fruit, more
specifically the berry, also refers to the fatty fruit of the avocado tree,
which is known as Persea americana in the
scientific circles.
Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which makes its texture creamy
and smooth. Compared to most other fruits, avocado is much higher in fat.
Avocado can be said to have a unique nutrition profile if you take
into consideration the fact that it contains a lot of fiber, vitamins and
minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C and B-vitamins,
potassium, and copper.
The consumption of avocado has been linked with numerous health benefits
and one of them is the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Due to its potent nutritional profile, it is very satiating, thus
helpful for weight loss.
Avocado can be eaten raw, but can also be prepared and used in dishes
such as guacamole.
There are various types of avocado with different colours, shapes,
and sizes.
On first glance, you may confuse it with pear because of its shape
and the fact that it comes in many different tones of green, ranging from
light green to black when fully ripe.The most popular type of avocado is Hass
avocado, which is round in shape and black in colour.
Health Benefits of the avocado fruit.
1. It lowers cholesterol
Avocado makes the perfect, heart friendly snack. The fruit is rich in
antioxidants and healthy fats that can lower the cholesterol levels in your
body and keep your cardiovascular system in good working order.
2.
Avocado improves digestion
Health benefits of avocado include a better digestion. Eating
avocado can help you to absorb the nutrients that your body needs to function
more effectively. They provide a general boost to your digestive system and can
help prevent constipation too, making you more regular.
3.
One of the best foods to eat while pregnant
Avocado is a wonderful food for pregnant ladies, as it’s loaded with
folic acid, which is very important for forming baby’s nervous system, as well
as brain; also, avocado contains vitamin C, K and B6, folate, potassium
and fiber, so eat delicious avocados and get your vitamins the natural and
healthy way.
4.
Helps stop the development of some cancers
Health benefits of avocado also include cancer prevention. Research
has found that avocados can help to prevent the growth of certain cancerous
cells. The oilic acid found in the fruit has been found to help prevent the
growth of breast cancer cells and it has been shown to be effective in
preventing cancers of the mouth too.
5.
Can be an aid in the treatment of diabetes
Avocados can be a good way to help regulate your blood sugar levels. The
good fats in the fruit have been shown to reduce insulin resistance in your
body and the soluble fiber that avocados contain help to regulate the blood
sugar levels.
6.
Reduce high blood pressure
Health benefits of avocado also include high blood pressure
reduction. Avocados contain potassium and plenty of good fats, which can
help people who suffer from high blood pressure. If you do suffer from
hypertension, try drinking avocado juice, it has been proven to help. Keep in
mind that freshly made avocado juice is a lot better, than one from a package!
7.
Avocado protects your eyes
The carotenoid lutein found in avocado, which is essential to help
protect you against age related macular degeneration and cataracts, is far
higher in concentration in avocados, than in any other fruit.
8.
Avocado – It’s a true super food!
Quite simply, avocado is full of nutrients, vitamins and various
minerals that your body really needs. Health benefits of avocado are truly
numerous and therefore, it deserves its reputation as a super food. It’s so
good that it is often recommended as a baby food and, in areas of South
America, where the fruit grows naturally, it is said that where there is
avocado there is no famine!
BY: MARYAM HADEJIA
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