The avocado is a nutrient rich fruit which has tremendous health benefits. Here are some of the most important ones:
Improve your vision: Avocado is rich in Vitamin A and this vitamin is not only essential for maintaining good eyesight but also preventing blindness due to aging macular degeneration. In fact, out of all fruits and vegetables that have been tested for their retinal content, avocado had the highest levels of Vitamin A.
Prevent constipation: Constipation is a very common disorder and can be related to a number of factors such as stress, lack of exercise or changes in diet. It involves excessive straining during bowel movement resulting in hardened stool or infrequent bowel movements – typically less than three per week. Avocado contains high dietary fiber which is beneficial for treating and preventing constipation.
Balance your cholesterol levels: The high monounsaturated fat content in avocado makes it a wonderful option for reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the body. Since excess LDL can stick to the artery walls and restricts blood flow, increased HDL is beneficial in removing LDL from these sites and helps in maintaining healthy circulation throughout the body.
Protect your skin: Eating fruits with a high Vitamin A content not only helps in keeping the eyes healthy but also helps in maintaining supple and wrinkle free skin. Avocado being rich in this vitamin will keep your skin moisturized, improve its elasticity and help you get rid of fine lines that have begun to appear.
Combat infertility: Research studies on animals have shown that avocado consumption can significantly improve fertility rates in both male and female by stimulating the production of sex hormones. This study also noted that the nutrient rich fruit was able to increase sperm count, libido and sexual behavior in male rats which makes it an ideal food for couples who are looking forward to starting a family.
Burn excess body fat: As mentioned earlier, avocado is very high in monounsaturated fats – more than 70%. These fats act as carriers for carotenoids (including beta-carotene) which are essential for converting sunlight into energy required by the body. These fats also help in reducing bad cholesterol without affecting HDL levels and allow your body to reduce and burn excess fat.
Strengthen your immunity: As we get older we tend to be more tired and run down due to increased stress and less efficient immune system. Avocado contains high levels of Vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant, anti-aging vitamin and helps in increasing immunity as well as fighting off free radical damage caused by infections and toxins.
Help eliminate headaches: The potassium content in avocado makes it an effective means for getting rid of those annoying headaches regularly faced by migraine sufferers. According to research studies avocados can effectively reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines because it aids in stabilizing blood pressure and offers protection against free radicals that cause neuralgic pain.
Lower risk of heart disease: Heart diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and an unhealthy diet is a major contributing factor. Avocado contains high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids along with Vitamin E, fiber, phytosterols and other antioxidants which help in reducing the bad LDL cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol. The fruit also helps your body maintain healthy circulation throughout the body without affecting blood pressure.
Improve brain function: Avocados contain Omega 3 fatty acids that are essential for the brain as well as for maintaining cellular health. These fats provide protection against neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia as well as improving mood swings and depression linked to hormonal changes or lower intakes of Omega 3 fats from food sources.
Help you sleep better: Avocado also contains high amounts of magnesium which helps in reducing stress levels and inducing sound sleep. Magnesium also aids in relaxing your muscles allowing you to fall asleep faster without worry about wasting time counting sheep!
Regulate blood sugar: The high fiber content in avocado along with potassium and low glycemic index make it a perfect food for people suffering from diabetes or other conditions where insulin needs to be controlled. This fruit should be included in one’s daily diet as an excellent source of energy, antioxidants and dietary fiber that is beneficial for diabetics and non-diabetic alike.
Help you achieve pregnancy: As we mentioned earlier avocado is an excellent source of Vitamin B9 (folate) that helps sperm reach the egg by improving sperm mobility during fertilization while its high levels of beta-carotene offer protection against birth defects and miscarriage.
Avoid certain cancers: According to studies avocado contains the highest levels of glutathione which is an important antioxidant that helps your body fight free radical damage and various diseases such as cancer, arthritis and many more. Avocados also help in detoxifying the liver while preventing cell damage caused by toxins thereby offering protection from colon, prostate and breast cancers.
Improve oral health: As we get older the level of minerals including calcium decline in our body causing weak teeth and bones making it difficult to chew or bite hard food items. Avocado contains high levels of healthy fats, potassium and antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the gums thus strengthening teeth without any side effects.
