The Wonderful and Useful Benefits of Avocados

Over the centuries, avocados have been eaten and used for various purposes, such as : prevention of breast, prostrate and colon cancers among other chronic ailments. And now, thanks to avocados being cholesterol free, dieticians and nutritionists worldwide, are recommending avocado additions to their clients/patients food regime, due to the various healthful benefits that the avocado fruit provides, as explained below. Avocados are high in nutritional density, with some of the major contents being :

Phytonutrients

Help prevent many chronic diseases

Beta-sitosterol

A natural plant sterol which helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Also helps in controlling blood sugar levels and increases HDL while lowering triglycerides and LDL.

Oleic acid

A mono unsaturated fat that helps lower cholesterol & maintaining adequate weight control

Potassium

A mineral that helps to regulate blood pressure (esp. good for those with high blood pressure) and also to guard against circulatory diseases, like heart disease or stroke

Folate

A nutrient that is essential for cardio health

Beta carotene

A substance that helps to prevent cancer (The brighter the fruit, the more beta carotene)

Avocados are also rich in Vitamins C & K, high content of dietary fiber, folic acid, iron, copper and Vitamins B6 and A.

They are sodium free, and hence, are a good choice for lowering the levels of high blood pressure in people. Eat an avocado everyday if you’re recuperating from sickness and are trying to regain your strength. Helps in lowering blood sugar levels, which would be very useful for diabetics. Also an effective sunscreen and treatment for skin rash. Will aid healing for people suffering from digestive and circulatory problems. Source of major antioxidants and can be used for skin disorders. Avocado oil is used in cooking, hair oils and conditioners.

For those who do not like its blandness, try having it in any of these ways to avail of the healthful benefits of Avocados : A few slices of avocado in tossed salads, or mixing some chopped avocado into salsa or one can try making guacomole dip which will not only add a rich, creamy flavor, but will greatly increase your body’s ability to absorb the health promoting carotenoids that vegetables provide. Better yet, the easiest way is to eat a rye cracker or wholemeal toast sandwich with turkey breast, lettuce, tomato, with a couple of slices of avocado and a sprinkle of pepper and lemon. Even having a classic chilled avocado smoothie is beneficial to one’s well being.