Health Benefits Of Avocado

Avocados are also called “Alligator Pear” from its shape and leather like appearance of skin. This fruit originated in Mexico.

Avocados are considered as one of the healthiest foods because of its rich content of 25 essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Avocados also contain fiber, protein and phytochemicals such as glutathione and lutein. Avocado also contains high amount of fat, a healthy fat that is essential in the body.

Below are the health benefits of avocado in your daily meal plan.

Promotes a good cardiovascular system

Avocado contains vitamin B6 and folic acid, which help regulate homocysteinelevels. Having a high level of homocysteine is linked with an increased risk of heart disease. Avocado also contains vitamin E, Glutathione and monounsaturated fat, which help in keeping a healthy heart. The potassium content in avocado also helps in regulating and controlling blood pressure levels. And the high levels of folate in avocado also aid in preventing stroke.

Lower cholesterol levels

Avocado is known to have a high content of fats, but this fat content is a healthy kind of fat and good for the heart. Avocados are also rich in a compound called beta-sitosterol, which is effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Anti-Inflammatory properties

Avocado contains many anti-inflammatory nutrients, which includes phytosterols including beta-sitosterol, carotenoid antioxidants including lutein, Vitamin C and E, and other phytonutrient compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids are effective in reducing risk of inflammatory and degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Regulate the blood sugar levels

Avocados are relatively low in carbohydrates and low sugar content. The unsaturated fat content of avocado reverse insulin resistance in the body, thus helping in regulating blood sugar levels. The fiber content of avocado also helps in keeping steady levels of blood sugar.

Prevent birth defects

Avocados are rich in folate, also known as folic acid. Folate is essential in the body and most especially during pregnancy. The high amount of folate in avocado prevents various kinds of birth defects.

Anti-Cancer Benefits

Another important health benefits of avocado is the anti cancer properties. Rich with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients. In cancer cells, avocado works to rise oxidative stress and escalate the likelihood of dying, lessening the cancer cell numbers. In the body, avocado works to improve inflammatory and oxidative stress levels, actively supporting the health of non-cancerous cells.

Avocados are a very versatile fruit as it is used in many various ways. It is very popular as substitute for meats, and a favorite ingredient included in salads because of its high healthy fat content.