While most fruits are eaten to control diet and lower weight, Avocado is
probably the only one that helps in weight gaining. It provides a healthy
source of calories unlike other calorie-dense foods that contain excess
saturated fat and sugar.
Avocados contain nearly 25 essential nutrients including vitamin A, B,
C, E & K, copper, iron, magnesium, fibre and potassium. Dietary potassium
can help lower blood pressure by blunting adverse effects of sodium. The
dietary fiber may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and
type-2 diabetes, as well as help provide a feeling of fullness. While Avocados
get the lion’s share of their calories from fat, a major source is from
heart-healthy unsaturated fats with no cholesterol, making them a great
substitute for foods high in saturated fat.
They strengthen the immune system through their high fibre and protein
content and several beneficial phyto-chemicals such as beta-sitosterol,
glutathione and lutein, which protect the body against various diseases and
illnesses.
The fruit can be used to nourish skin and make it glow. It helps in
treating psoriasis and bad breath. It’s known to slow ageing and foster a
healthy nervous system.
Another distinctive nature is that while most fruits consist of high
amount of carbohydrates, Avocados are rich in healthy fats. Due to its high
nutrient value, it acts as a good ingredient in many dishes. Oils extracted
from Avocados can reduce symptoms of bone arthritis, called osteoarthritis. Avocado
oil is also safe and healthy for cooking since it is resistant to heat-induced
oxidation. This fibre-rich creamy food can be easily incorporated into one’s
diet through salads and various other recipes.
This fruit’s rich fibre content helps reduce blood sugar and is linked
to lower the risk of many diseases. The mono-saturated fatty acids in the fruit
are healthy for heart. The majority of fat in Avocado is oleic acid, which is
responsible for reducing inflammation and having beneficial effects on genes
linked to cancer.
Potassium is a mineral that most people lack. Avocado intake clears this
deficiency as it is rich in Potassium thus supporting healthy blood pressure
levels.
The silky butter-like texture and versatile flavour gives Avacados the
nick-name butter fruit. The olive-green pear-shaped fruit is often called
‘alligator pear’ because of its rough and bumpy exterior. Only the yellow green
flesh of this fruit is edible and the skin and the seed are discarded. Avocado
belongs to Lauraceae family. ( where species such as bay leaves and camphor
tree are found)
