Benefits of Avocado

Avocadoes, also known as alligator pears because of their shape, colour and texture have a number of health benefits when eaten in moderation. There are around 80 varieties of avocado. Many people avoid eating avocadoes due to the high calorific value. Each avocado contains 322 calories. However, this tasty fruit is known to burn fat quickly, while also promoting your health. You can have avocado in pulp form in salads or desserts or you could make avocado juice.

Nutritional Value of Avocado

Avocadoes are a rich source of dietary fibre as they contain 54% of the daily requirement. They also contain vitamins A, B6, C, E and K, so each mouthful that you eat contains plenty of nutrients required by your body. There are other vitamins that avocado contains in fairly large quantities such as folate, niacin, pantothenic acid and riboflavin. Avocadoes contain 15 grams of heart-healthy unsaturated fat and only 2 grams of saturated fat, which is a small portion. Half an avocado is more than sufficient as it contains 160 calories. This fruit is known for its high potassium levels. One avocado contains 975 mg of potassium. Avocadoes contain all the 18 essential amino acids required by your body. The distinctive combination of vitamins C and E along with carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols, selenium, and zinc helps protect your body against inflammation.

Health Benefits of Avocadoes

There are a number of health benefits that you can gain from eating avocadoes. Avocado helps burn fat and also protects you against various diseases including cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and many types of cancer. Regular drinking of avocado juice also aids in weight loss. The health benefits of avocado are as follows.

Cancer Protection: Avocadoes are rich in oleic acid which is known to help avert breast cancer. They are also known to restrain the growth of prostrate cancer. Studies have shown that components present in avocadoes are able to find pre-cancerous cells and oral cancer cells and get rid of them without affecting the healthy cells.
Eye Health: Avocadoes contain carotenoid lutein that is useful in protecting you from cataracts and macular degeneration which affect elderly people.
Healthy Heart: Avocadoes contain folate that helps decrease the risk of cardiac disease. Vitamin E present in avocadoes is associated with a strong heart and is a fat-burning vitamin.
Lower Cholesterol: The compound beta-sitosterol present in avocadoes is known to help reduce cholesterol levels.
Nutrition Absorption: When you include avocadoes in your diet, it helps your system absorb nutrients better - by as much as 400%.
Osteoarhritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Avocadoes contain antioxidants that help decrease swelling - one of the biggest problems that people suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis face. Vitamins C and E along with manganese are accountable for this benefit.
Stroke Prevention: Elevated levels of folate help protect you from stroke. If you have a folate-rich diet, the chances of you having a stroke are minimal.
Weight Loss: Drinking avocado juice for weight loss is a great option as they contain oleic acid - a known appetite suppressant.

How to pick an avocado and eat it?

If you want to reap the maximum nutritional benefits from an avocado, make sure that you choose a good one. Avoid over-ripe ones that are soft and have dents in them. A ripe avocado will not have any dents in the skin and will be a little soft when squeezed. The nutrients are the richest closest to the skin. Cut the avocado in half, remove the seed and scoop out the pulp. You can then add it to your food in any form that you like or prepare avocado juice. If eaten right and in moderation, avocado offers you a host of health benefits, while also helping you lose weight at the same time.

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