Avocado Health Benefits: Guacamole Anyone?
Definitely right up there with the best superfoods, avocados are bursting with health benefits, here are the top nine:
1. Prostate Cancer Inhibition
2. Oral Cancer Defense
Certain compounds in avocados seek out and destroy pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cells.
3. Breast Cancer Protection
Avocado is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies.
4. Eye Health
Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two disabling age-related eye diseases.
5. Lower Cholesterol
Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week.
6. Heart Health & Stroke Prevention
One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. Studies show that people who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don’t. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart.
7. Better Nutrient Absorption
Research has found that certain nutrients like carotenoids are absorbed better when eaten with avocado.
8. Glutathione Source
Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, an important antioxidant that researchers say is important in preventing aging, cancer, and heart disease.
9. Vitamin E Powerhouse
Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health.
How to choose a ripe avocado:
You don’t want it to be too mushy, but on the other hand you don’t want it too hard. It should be brownish all over rather than green, slightly soft to pressure but not mushy.
To help you get all these fantastic benefits deliciously there are recipes on our website for Asparagus and Avocado Salad and Spinach, Avocado and Mango Salad.