What Is Avocado

Avocado which is also known as alligator pear is an evergreen tree of the family Lauraceae. It usually reaches a height of up to 20 meters. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America.

Avocado fruits are buttery which holds rich, nutty flavor and have greenish or yellowish flesh. Mashed avocado is the key ingredient of guacamole, a typical appetizer in Mexican cuisine. Avocados provide thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin A, and in some varieties, the flesh carries as much as 25 % unsaturated oil.

An oil; estragol is produced in the leaves of avocado tree which has cosmetic benefits along with insecticidal properties. Besides containing high amounts of vitamins and minerals avocados contain high amounts of calories than any other fruits. In addition, it is a good source of mono-unsaturated fat and soluble and insoluble fibers. In the past, it was called as “poor man’s butter”. It is eaten fresh, mostly in salads, desserts and as a sauce.

Avocado - Super-food:

Avocado is quoted by the Guinness Book of records as being “the most nutritious fruit known to man”: International Tropical Fruits Network.

Due to the high-fat content of avocados, many people avoid them but nowadays it is very popular among health-conscious people. It is also referred to as a super-food due to its surprising health benefits.

Avocado has many nutritional benefits such as reducing arthritis, decreasing the side effect of chemotherapy and cholesterol management.

High fiber, carotenoids, minerals, vitamins, phenolics, fatty acid, etc. are some of the main compounds found in avocado.

Avocado - Whys Is It A Super-food

Monounsaturated Fats

Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats. It is the healthiest form of fat. Monosaturated fats are believed to increase the good cholesterol (HDL) in the body and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). It can decrease the risk of heart disease by improving the cholesterol levels. It can also benefit the brain activity and movement of joints.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin is also known as pyridoxine which helps the body in the formation of glycogen which is backup energy stored in muscles and liver. It also promotes the healthy skin by moisturizing it.

Vitamin E

Avocado contains a high amount of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body tissue from free radical damage. When taken with salad and salsa it increases the absorption of carotenoid. Vitamin E helps in the formation of red blood cell which carries the oxygen to different parts of the body.

Vitamin K

Avocado is also loaded with vitamin K which ensures the proper growth and proper maintenance of bone density as by age.

Potassium

Avocado is also high in potassium. It contains twice the amount of potassium than a banana. Potassium prevents from major risk factors like heart attack, strokes and kidney failure by reducing hypertension.

Carotenoids

Avocado increases the absorption of carotenoids when taken with other carotenoids rich fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids are rich in Vitamin A which is associated with reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and eye deterioration.

Fiber

Unlike most of the foods avocado contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber works as natural digestive aid, while soluble fiber is useful for appetite control.

Side Effects

Over consumption of avocados may cause mouth allergy like itching and swelling of the tongue.
Avocado increases the level of serum IGE. People who are sensitive to latex can have an allergic reaction by eating avocados.

Bottom Line:

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