Ever wondered what are the health benefits of avocado? It is smooth, it is creamy, and it has an unmistakably subtle flavor. Avocado is the only fruit that contains more fat than sugar, most of which are monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart health. It also assists with antioxidant absorption. Avocado is packed full of vitamins and minerals which our bodies need, without any cholesterol. This fruit contains carotenoids such as zeaxanthin and lutein which are essential for eye health as well as persenones A and B which help reduce inflammation and the risk of various cancers.
One of the sugars found in avocados, D-mannoheptulose, is said to help control blood sugar levels, which could help with diabetes and related illnesses. Avocados are also an excellent source of vitamin K and vitamin C and full of dietary fiber as well. Avocados also contain potassium and oleic acid which benefit heart health as well as reduce inflammation in the body. Let’s look at some of the health benefits of avocado in a bit more depth.
Health Benefits of Avocado
1. Avocados are a good source of fiber
High fiber and low sugar help regulate your body’s blood sugar levels and help with digestion. Avocados also help your immune system and help prevent various illnesses, including various cancers. A single avocado can give you up to a third of your daily fiber requirement.
2. Avocados are good for heart health
This is one of the most notable health benefits of avocado. There are many nutrients in avocados besides the fiber, which also help reduce blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and balance cholesterol levels. The oleic acid in avocados helps the body use glucose better, reduces the progression of atherosclerosis and improves blood flow. The high potassium and low sodium in avocados also help improve blood pressure. Potassium can lower the risk of stroke by 25% due to reducing high blood pressure levels.
The anti-inflammatory properties of avocado also help your cardiovascular system. This is due in part to the oleic acid and vitamin E found in this nutritious fruit. Carbohydrate levels are low in avocado, which means it is also a suitable food for those with diabetes. Diabetes is also a risk factor for heart disease.
3. Avocados reduce bad cholesterol
Avocados help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while improving the good cholesterol (HDL) in our bodies. Avocados are full of healthy fats that help the body function.
4. Avocados reduce inflammation
The oleic acid and antioxidants such as polyphenols, carotenoids and tocopherols found in avocados make this fruit an inflammation fighter. This means that avocados may even benefit people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease by reducing the inflammation-related damage caused by various peptides.
5. Avocados reduce arthritis pain
The anti-inflammatory properties of oleic acid, lutein and vitamin E found in avocados makes this fruit a healthy choice for people suffering from arthritis. Avocado can reduce some of the inflammation and pain associated with these types of ailments. Avocado may even be able to reduce the risk of joint damage if eaten regularly. It may even be of benefit in healing damage already caused by osteoarthritis and similar illnesses. Avocados also improve overall bone health, which reduces the risk of osteoarthritis.
6. Avocados help protect your eyes
The anti-oxidants found in avocados are particularly beneficial to your body. Beta-carotene is a precursor of Vitamin A and lutein is essential for eye health. The zeaxanthin and lutein in avocados are bio-available, meaning they are absorbed easier by the body.
7. Avocado is a cancer fighter
Oleic acid and avocatin B, vitamin E, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene which are found in avocados have been tested in studies to promote cancer cell death in acute myeloid leukemia, prostate cancer, and oral cancers. Avocado may potentially help fight other cancers as well. Lutein, carotenoids, and vitamin E have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancers and oral cancers, while oleic acid reduces inflammation, which is also a risk factor in some cancers. The phytochemicals in avocado may also assist with some of the side effects experienced during chemotherapy treatment.
8. Avocados may help you lose weight
Avocados are full of fiber, most of which is insoluble. This means that you feel full for longer and are more likely to take in less calories. The fiber also helps keep your blood sugar stable, reducing the risk of sugar lows and highs that may make you reach for the sugar-packed, unhealthy foods. Avocados also help for overall digestive health, preventing constipation.
9. Avocados are good for your skin
Oleic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E are all needed by the body for a firm, healthy skin. You can even use avocado directly on the skin to help cell regeneration and reduce inflammation. The antioxidants in avocados also assist in fighting off free radicals which age your body faster, so your skin will look younger for longer. Avocados also have fatty alcohols that help your skin fight off the ravages caused by harmful UV rays.
10. Avocados fight infection
Vitamin C and vitamin K are known immune boosters, which also promote healthy bone and skin growth. Avocado contains both of these vitamins to help you fight off illness and stay healthy.
11. Avocado helps cleanse your liver
Glutathione-producing compounds found in avocado assist the liver in cleansing itself as well as preventing damage from illnesses related to the liver.
12. Avocado for moms and babies
Besides all of these wonderful effects, avocado also contains folate which helps babies develop in the uterus, as well as offering vitamin B, calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, and a host of carotenoids as well as oleic acid to improve the health of mother and baby. Avocado can even reduce morning sickness. Once the baby is 6 months old, you can introduce avocado into their diet as well to improve their intake of various vitamins and minerals, without any added sugars.
Final Word on Health Benefits of Avocado
Eat your avocados raw and fresh once they are ripe. Use them in salads, spreads, dips, or even in a smoothie to get all the amazing health benefits of avocados without the concern of consuming massive amounts of empty calories or excess sodium and sugar. Remember that all good things are best in moderation. Add 1/3 of an avocado to your daily diet to get the benefits without absorbing too much fat.