The Amazing Avocado

The avocado (Persea Americana) is the perfect superfood. It has so many health benefits that it’s a gift from mother nature herself! The trend to eat avocados make it now one of the most popular foods out there. They have made an impression on our salads, burgers, and Instagram accounts across the globe. Avocado is the perfect superfood for a healthy lifestyle.

The avocado is a tree, thought to have originated in South Central Mexico. The fruit of the plant also called an avocado (or avocado pear or alligator pear), is botanically a large berry containing a single large seed known as a “pit” or a “stone”. Many types of avocado vary in size shape and color — from pear-shaped to round and green to black. They can also weigh anywhere from 210 grams to 1.4 kg. The most popular variety is the Hass avocado. It’s often called “alligator pear,” which is very descriptive, as it tends to be pear-shaped and has green, bumpy skin like an alligator.

Studies have shown that people who eat regular avocados are generally healthier than those that don’t, had a much higher nutrient intake, and were much less likely to have certain life-threatening diseases like heart disease and diabetes. People who ate avocados regularly also had better weight control, and a lower BMI. They also had higher levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.

They are an ever increasingly popular addition to many dishes due to its pleasant flavor, creamy texture, and prized nutritional value. Extensive research has found numerous health benefits, and a typical serving of avocado (100 grams) is very nutritious and has over 20 different minerals and vitamins. Avocados contain nutrients and healthy fats such as copper, Vitamin C & E, and folate. These nutrients and fats are great food for the brain. Avocados are a ‘fatty’ fruit, but don’t let that worry you, your brain is 65% fat and relies on fat to function correctly, so you’re doing your brain a favor by consuming healthy fats.

Avocados contain an important anti-stress nutrient known as magnesium. Magnesium can assist in the release of tension and help you to have a better night sleep. So next time you’re feeling stressed, add on into your next meal.

Eating a whole avocado can help you feel full for a few hours, keeping you from indulging on those naughty snacks. Avocado contains fat – but don’t panic its oleic acid, and it’s healthy for you. In fact, 77% of the calories in it are from fat, making it one of the fattiest foods in existence. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is also the primary component of olive oil and believed to be responsible for some of its health benefits. Research shows that oleic acid may even be associated with reduced inflammation and shown to have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer.

Avocados contain a carotenoid known as lutein which helps develop good eyesight. An avocado also contains a good content of fat that helps your body the grip the carotenoids and other fat-soluble vitamins.

So, try adding a few slices of avocado to your breakfast in the mornings to give your eyesight that extra boost. Try my recipe for a morning anti-cancer smoothie on my YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/w4ok455wQ30