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Also known as Alligator pears this peculiar fruit has the following loads of uses:
Uses of Avocados-
1. A food full of Nourishment
Avocado is a high prized fruit due to its high nutritional content, delicious flavour and a buttery-smooth texture. It can find a quick place in variety of pizzas, dips, salads and more.
The increasing popularity of this fruit is attributed to its superfood qualities and amazing health properties.
While they come in various shapes and sizes, the most popular type is Hass Avocado.
Avocados are very nutritious and contain the following vitamins and minerals.
In a medium sized 50g serving, each healthy nutrient would find a place.
- Pantothenic Acid – 0.7mg
- Dietary Fibre – 3 g
- Folate – 45mcg
- Vitamin K – 11mcg
- Copper – 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin – 0.1 mg
- Potassium – 250 mg
- Vitamin E – 1 mg
- Niacin – 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 – 0.1 mg
- Vitamin C – 4 mg
- Magnesium – 15 mg
- Manganese – 0.1 mg
- Iron – 0.3 mg
- Thiamine – 0.04 mg
Also, much of the fat content of this fruit comes from inorganic compounds like phytosterols, carotenoids, and flavonoids. Two out of three parts of these fats are the healthier fats (mono saturated variant) and hence are very low on fructose.
2. One of the richest sources of Potassium
Beating spinach, bananas, dried apricots, sweet potato, coconut water, avocado is one of the richest sources of potassium, with about 30% of the nutrient value.
Benefits of potassium include:
- Enhanced muscle strength
- Faster metabolism
- Better water balance
- Relief from heart stroke, kidney problems
- Lower stress level and anxiety problems
Hence for people with abnormal heartbeat, heart palpitations, anemia, inactive reflexes and a problem of severe headaches, Avocado is a blessing food.
3. A bundle of heart friendly mono saturated fatty acid
Avocado is a high fat content fruit. With over 75% of fatty content.
Breaking the myth, it just doesn’t contain ’any’ fat but monosaturated fatty acid, which is believed to have innumerable health benefits.
Mono saturated fatty acids are decrease cholesterol levels, aids in weight loss, reduces belly fat, decreases risk for breast cancer and relieves pains and stiffness for sufferers of arthritis.
4. Avocados have high fiber content
What is fibre? Why fibre?
Fibre is an indigestible component, found in most fruits and vegetables, which helps in movement of food through the alimentary canal of human digestive system, resulting in a faster metabolism system.
Fibre is a nutrient found in relatively large amounts in avocados about 3g in each 50g. Fiber also feeds the good bacteria in our body which act as prebiotics. These good bacteria have a positive effect on our digestive system.
5. Avocados are a blessing to human sight
Avocados are full of antioxidants which protect our eyes. They contain nutrients like Zeaxanthin and Lutein, which are advantageous to our eyes.
This super food, doesn’t just increase antioxidant absorption but are also high in antioxidants themselves. Reaping long term benefits, these nutrients minimize the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, a common problem in the old age.
Hence, avocado is a blessing for human eyesight, resulting in long term eye benefits.
6. Avocado takes care of your liver
Avocados have proven to be great for your liver, reducing the chances of a liver damage. Some of its organic compounds are a boon, which help in improving liver health.
Researches have shown that avocados can work great wonder in toning up and repairing of liver, especially when the damage has been caused by diseases like Hepatitis C.
7. Avocado may prevent cancer
Though there has been no direct proof of prevention of cancer, studies have shown that Avocados can reduce the side effects of a chemotherapy and can also limit the growth of prostrate cancer cells in human body.
The important part here is that such studies are conducted on isolated cells and may or may not stand true to a living, breathing human. If researched more, someday this could be the prime use of avocados.
8. Dental Care
Avocado intake is a dental friendly habit since it prevents bad breath which is mainly attributed to upset stomach or indigestion. The antibacterial and antioxidants found in them also kill the bacteria in mouth, eliminating halitosis and improving digestive health.
Avocado with its high nutritional content have also been linked to preventing oral cancers.
9. Afruit relieving symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis being a common problem in western countries can be cured with the extracts of Avocado and Avocado oil . they can help relieve the bone arthritis called osteoarthritis.
If not avocado directly, its extract is a sure help in such a condition.
10. Skin and Hair Care
For people complaining of dry and damaged skin, Avocado is a savior. It is beneficial in maintaining a healthy skin and nourishes it giving it glowing results. It is this property, which makes avocado added to a variety of cosmetics with essential vitamins, leading to highly satisfactory results.
This fibrous fruit is also a hair care solution and is added to many hair masks, treating dull, damaged and dry hair. Its smooth texture nourishes the scalp giving highly desired results.
Hence, it helps in improving tone and health of skin and hair, reducing the signs of premature aging like wrinkles, acne, and dark spots.
11. Athlete friendly fruit.
Pertaining to the needs of an athlete of high energy and high nutritional content to make the body function faster and better, Avocado is said to be a athlete friendly fruit. It provides the required nutrients and contains phytochemicals which are a fuel source of human body.
12. Weight Management
While right exercise contributes to the 30% of weight loss, right food takes the major chunk of 70%. A good diet, aimed for weight loss should contain enough amount of avocados since they have high nutritional content, greater fiber content and are a bundle of mono saturated fats.
Avocados also make you feel fuller for a longer time reducing any cravings for next five hours. It also keeps us high on energy and will help beat the high cholesterol levels. For an entire planned diet, you can check How to Lose Weight Fast.
13. Avocados are easy to incorporate in diet and a good treat to taste buds
Avocados don’t just have health benefits but are also tasteful and yummy. Its creamy, buttery textures leaves one wanting more of it.
Avocado can find a place in various dishes like:
- Avocado and Egg Pizza
- Avocado Pancakes
- Avocado and Tuna Fish
- Raw Avocado Soup
- Avocado and Balsamic Wrap
- Avocado Pasta
- Avocado Chicken burger
A mention worthy dish is guacamole, which is one of the most famous dishes made using avocado. It includes ingredients like salt, garlic, lime and few more to enhance the taste, depending on the recipe.
Therefore, Avocado is a super food, with innumerable health benefits and high nutritional content, all that one could ask for. What more does one need?
