Avocado is one of the fruits which is popular with people from all over the world. It has an exquisite taste, is very easy to prepare, and can be incorporated in a variety of recipes. But aside from its delicious taste, convenience, and versatility, an Avocado is known for being a ‘superfood’ as well!
When a fruit is tagged as a ‘superfood,’ it means that it is rich with nutrients and antioxidants which is good for our body in numerous ways. Meaning to say, every time we eat a superfood, we are taking advantage of its multitude of health benefits that protect our body from illnesses and diseases.
In simple terms, whenever we eat Avocado, we are nourishing ourselves with vitamins A, C, D, E, K and Bs, as well as folic acid, Omega 3, magnesium, iron, and copper. This means that consuming an Avocado helps us to address multiple health concerns at once! Cool right?!
Interested to know more about the beneficial effects of consuming Avocado on our health? Here’s how this truly incredible superfood brings wonder to your life:
[1] Avocados are great for your skin!
According to the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon University, Avocados are rich with poly and monounsaturated fatty acids, or to put it simply, good fats. These monounsaturated fats keep the top layer of your skin moisturized for a soft and youthful glow. At the same time. the polyunsaturated fatty acids protect your skin against harmful sun rays!
Not only that but Avocados are rich with antioxidants such as carotenoids and vitamin E and C. These antioxidants eliminate free radicals, promote skin elasticity, and produce collagen, keeping our skin at its finest condition!
So if you want to sport a soft, supple, and dewy skin, feel free to incorporate Avocado to your skin care routine!
[2] Avocados maintain a healthy heart!
According to the findings of a research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, eating one Avocado a day improves bad cholesterol levels in overweight and obese individuals. Thanks to its polyunsaturated fats, fiber, phytosterols, and bioactive components, Avocados have been proven to reduce the risk of developing a heart disease.
To keep your heart at its strongest, you can mix an Avocado to your favorite salad dressing or use it as a main ingredient of your delicious smoothies!
[3] Avocados boost your immune system!
Aside from being a rich source of vitamins E and C, iron, and zinc, Avocados are also abundant in Glutathione. A Glutathione is an incredible antioxidant which is responsible for boosting the lymphoid cells that keep our immune system strong and secure!
Keep your immune system guarded against unwanted communicable diseases, make sure to include a few slices of Avocado to your sandwich or salad every day!
[4] Avocados are rich in naturally good fats!
According to a study, heart disease is one of the leading cause of death in the United States. And as mentioned above, one way of reducing the risk of developing heart disease is by eating Avocados.
Again, Avocados are rich in unsaturated fatty acids that lower the level of bad cholesterol. And as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, replacing saturated fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are a lot better than lowering your intake of saturated fats!
Not all fats are bad news for your health! Enjoy a guilt-free food trip by indulging yourself with a delicious chunk of an Avocado!
[5] Avocados heal digestive disorders!
Avocados are composed of 35% Fiber, which is very beneficial in promoting healthy digestion. When your body is well-nourished with Fiber, it loosens your stool which prevents constipation. Consuming a slice of avocado a day increases your Fiber intake that reduces your risk of developing colon cancer!
For proper digestion, combine Avocados with other fruits, vegetables, and meat for a balanced diet that keeps your digestion system always at its healthiest!
[6] Avocados reduce inflammation!
Avocados are rich in unsaturated fats and as well as in vitamin E, which have been proven by science to be anti-inflammatory agents. In a study in the Journal Food and Function which was conducted in the year 2013, the study showed that those who had eaten a hamburger with a slice of an Avocado reduced their risk of an inflammatory response. While those who had only eaten hamburgers suffered from inflammation.
So next time you prepare a delicious hamburger, don’t forget to add a few slices of Avocados as well for a tastier and healthier snack!
[7] Avocados are a great source of Potassium!
Potassium is a healthy mineral that reduces the level of blood pressure and promotes water retention. Also, Potassium prevents stroke, osteoporosis, and Kidney stones from developing. To enjoy these benefits, all you have to do is to incorporate Avocados in your diet. Avocados contain 14% of the recommended dietary allowance for Potassium, which is higher than the 10% RDA present in Bananas.
For a change, why don’t you grab an Avocado from the grocery instead of a banana to satisfy your Potassium needs? Surely, you wouldn’t regret the change!
[8] Avocados prevent blood sugar imbalance!
We all know how monitoring one’s blood sugar is important for those who have diabetes. Hence, physicians advise those with diabetes to consume foods that have significantly lower carbohydrates and sugar levels. The superfood Avocado meets both criteria!
As per the United States’ Department of Agriculture, a regular Avocado contains about 17 grams of carbohydrates, which is lower than that of apples and bananas. On the other hand, an ounce serving of an Avocado only contains less than 1 gram of sugar.
Also, it is advised to pair an Avocado with other food to prevent the blood sugar from spiking. The unsaturated fats and fiber which an Avocado is rich it takes longer to digest, hence the absorption of carbohydrates consumed from other food is slowed down as well.
For a meal that you will still enjoy despite having less sugar and carbohydrates, simply snack on some delicious Avocados!
[9] Avocados are anti-fungal!
Fungal infections developed from an overgrowing pathogenic yeast bring out health problems. And to get rid of these fungal infections, the first thing that we must do is to starve it. Pathogenic yeasts such as Candida feeds off of sugar, carbohydrates, and other foods rich in yeast. Meaning to say, you must not eat or consume sugar, soda, alcohol, dried fruit, fruit juice, fermented foods, vinegar, and mushroom from your plate.
So what can you eat if those mentioned above are banned from consumption? What else but few slices of Avocado! Avocados, as mentioned above, contain little amount of carbohydrates and sugar, which is good for starving fungal and yeast infection!
[10] Avocados prevent cancer!
Aside from an Avocado’s boasting content of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants, another agent contained in an Avocado has been proven by Science to be effective in preventing and killing cancer cells!
According to the research conducted by Professor Paul Spagnuolo, from the University of Waterloo, molecules extracted from Avocados have been discovered to target, attack and kill the stem cells of acute myeloid leukemia. The fats contained in an avocado, together with other drugs, attacked leukemia stem cells while leaving the healthy cells unharmed!
Indeed, gone are the days in which consuming Avocados are frowned upon. Thanks to new studies and researches, we are now informed about the numerous health miracles we can get from eating Avocados every day! Let other people be aware of the various health benefits they are missing out- be sure to share this post!