The Amazing Avocado
Avocado, or also called alligator pears, is a fruit that belongs to the Lauraceae, a flowering plants family which also includes camphor, cinnamon and bay laurel. Avocados are believed to be originated in Mexico, where the name of “avocado” is derived from Aztech or Nahuatl word ‘ahuacatl‘, meaning ‘testicle‘, a reference to the shape of the fruit.
Here are 15 Health Benefits of Avocados:
1) Maintain a healthy heart
Avocado
contains vitamin B6 and folic acid, which help regulate homocysteine
levels. High level of homocysteine is associated with an increased risk
of heart disease. Avocado also contains vitamin E, glutathione, and
monounsaturated fat, which help in maintaining a healthy heart.
2. Lower cholesterol levels
Avocados
are rich in a compound called beta-sitosterol which has been shown to
be effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. According to a
study, patients with mild hypercholesterolemia who included avocados in
their diet for 7 days had 17 percent decrease in total blood cholesterol
levels, a 22 percent decrease in both LDL (bad cholesterol) and
triglyceride levels, and a 11 percent increase in HDL (good cholesterol)
levels.
3. Control blood pressure
Avocados are also a great source of potassium, which helps in controlling blood pressure levels.
4. Anti-Inflammatory properties
Phytonutrient
compound found in avocados, such as polyphenols and flavonoids have
been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, thereby reducing the
risk of inflammatory and degenerative disorders.
5. Promote eye health
Avocado
is an excellent source of carotenoid lutein, which known to help
protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
6. Regulate the blood sugar levels
The
monounsaturated (good) fats in avocados can reverse insulin resistance
which help to regulate blood sugar levels. Avocados also contain soluble
fiber which keep a steady blood sugar levels.
7. Prevent birth defects
Avocados
are rich in folate, a B vitamin commonly known as folic acid. One cup
of avocado provides about 23% of the recommended daily value of folate.
The high amount of folate in avocado is essential in the prevention of
birth defects, such as neural tube defect and spina bifida.
8. Reduce strokes risk
The
high levels of folate in avocados may also protect against stroke. A
study has shown that individuals who ate a diet rich in folate had a
lower risk of stroke than those who did not
9. Protect against Cancer
Many
studies have shown that avocado can inhibit the growth of prostate
cancer. The oleic acid in avocado is also effective in preventing breast
cancer.
10. Fight free radicals
Avocados contain glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body.
11. Anti-aging properties
Being
rich in antioxidants, avocado is beneficial in preventing aging
symptoms. The glutathione in avocado may boosts immune systems, slows
aging process, and encourages a
healthy nervous system.
12. Cure bad breath
Avocados
are one of the best natural mouth wash and bad breath remedies. It
cleanses the intestine which is the real cause of coated tongue and bad
breath.
13. Increase nutrient absorption
Avocado
intake is linked with an increased nutrient absorption. A study
suggests that, when participants ate salad included avocados, they
absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that
includes beta carotene and lycopene) than those who did not include
avocados.
14. Skin Care
The
avocado oil is added in many cosmetics because of its ability to nourish
the skin and make your skin glow. It also aids in treating psoriasis, a
skin disease that causes skin redness and irritation.
15. Weight gain
The avocado has 200 calories for 100 grams. Typically, fruits have approximately 60-80 calories for 100 grams.
Serves About 1-2 People (All Ingredients Organic and Non-GMO)
Ingredients
1 Ripe Avocado (Pureed)
1/4 Cup Raw Cacao Powder
1 Tbsp. Raw Unfiltered Honey
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Coconut, Hemp or Flax Milk (these contain no phytic acid)
Directions
Mix Together the Cacao and Milk Then add in the Avocado.
Stir in the remaining ingredients and add any extras like chia seeds, frozen or fresh berries, coconut oil, cacao nibs or......
After mixing well, refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 Ripe Avocado (Pureed)
1/4 Cup Raw Cacao Powder
1 Tbsp. Raw Unfiltered Honey
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Coconut, Hemp or Flax Milk (these contain no phytic acid)
Directions
Mix Together the Cacao and Milk Then add in the Avocado.
Stir in the remaining ingredients and add any extras like chia seeds, frozen or fresh berries, coconut oil, cacao nibs or......
After mixing well, refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!