Recently, avocados have become huge. And I don’t mean it in a genetically modified, super sized sense. Over the past few years, after really learning about the health benefits of avocados properly, everyone from doctors to dietitians and celebrities are raving about them. Most commonly used in salads and dips, avocados are now being made into smoothies, wraps and even desserts. So what brought this odd looking berry into limelight?
Avocados are good in what we call ‘good fat’ which makes them perfect for people on a low fat diet. Given below are 10 health benefits of eating avocados.
1. Avocados Reduce Cholesterol
Avocados are known, perhaps most popularly, for reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. They contain high levels of oleic acid aka ‘good fatty acids’ that help the body excrete excess fat instead of storing it. This is especially beneficial for patients with heart diseases or people who are trying to cut back on fatty foods. Ripe avocado puree can be substituted for butter or oil for frying.
2. Keep Cancer at Bay
Avocados are packed full of vitamins and minerals. A good source of vitamin B, they can help fight off infectious diseases. The vitamins C and E in avocados are natural protectors against various forms of cancer.
3. Maintain Blood Pressure
Do you know a great source of potassium? If your answer was going to bananas then you might want to update your knowledge. Studies reveal that avocados have even higher potassium content than bananas. They help reduce hypertension and maintain optimum blood pressure levels.
4. Pregnant? Eat Avocado!
Avocados are great during pregnancy. They contain high levels of folate that helps with early development of the baby and prevent neurological abnormalities in the fetus. They are also said to be a good cure of morning sickness in pregnant women.
5. Improve Digestive Health
They are a great source of fiber. Fiber indigestible matter that can help cleanse the bowels, lower blood sugar and prevent gastro intestinal distress. Fiber is also known to help with weight loss as they scrape away the oily unhealthy foods from your gut. It feeds the good bacteria in your intestinal lining which helps increase the absorption of vitamins and minerals from the gut and prevents constipation.
6. Nutrient Absorption
The fat contained in an avocado helps absorb nutrients from other fruits and vegetables. It provides a medium for the fat soluble vitamins to dissolve in. This includes vitamins such as A, D, E and K.
7. Improved Vision
They are great for eyes. They contain nutrients which are antioxidants. These helps improve eye health and prevent cataracts and cellular degeneration in the eye in a long run.
8. Ease Arthritis
Studies reveal that avocado extract can help reduce symptoms of arthritis. This is extremely beneficial to people with chronic arthritis who have to suffer throughout their lives.
9. Radiant Skin
Avocados are great for the skin. Several high end beauty products contain avocados in them. A simple homemade avocado and honey face mask can help you achieve a younger more radiant skin.
10. Boost Immune System
We all know about the benefits of avocados, but did you know avocado seeds are just as beneficial? They contain nutrients that help fight off infectious diseases and boost our immune system.
Add avocados to your diet for its myriad benefits to your body and health. Whether you make avocado salads, sandwiches, avocado breakfast smoothie, dips or sauce, avocado is one delicious and creamy food that benefits you in various ways. It’s recommended to consume in moderation.
