Avocados originated in Puebla, Mexico, where evidence in caves dates back to at least 10,000 B.C. Ancient Central American and South American cultures were known to use wild avocados, but it is unclear if cultivation began until the last few thousand years. It only appeared in other parts of the world in the last 500 years but has quickly gained popularity for its unique appearance, taste, and health benefits.
Avocados
are a stone fruit with a creamy texture that grow in warm climates. (They are also
known as an alligator pear or butter fruit.) Some of their many health benefits include
improved digestion, a decreased risk of depression, protection from heart diseases and diabetes. reduces the risk
of liver damage, protects skin from signs of aging, and it even increases
circulation, boosts cognitive abilities, and builds stronger bones.
The
approximate weight of avocados is between eight ounces and three pounds
depending on the variety of the avocado. There are
many kinds of avocados, and the shape (from pear-shaped to round) and color
(from green to black) vary.
This superfood is harvested early, and then
allowed to ripen gradually when it is sold commercially. This is why avocados
are called climacteric fruits, which only ripen after harvesting just like bananas. The avocado is a unique fruit with great health benefits:
1.
.Avocado
extract may help relieve symptoms of arthritis: Studies have shown that an extract
from avocado and soybean oils can significantly reduce symptoms of
osteoarthritis.
3. Avocados are delicious and easy to incorporate in the diet: Avocados
are healthy and delicious. Though they take some time to ripen, avocados are
worth the wait. A ripe avocado will feel slightly soft. The nutrients in an
avocado can oxidize soon after opening it up. Add lemon juice to keep it from
not turning brown so quickly.
4. Avocados are incredibly nutritious: Avocados
are some of the most abundant nutrients
In a single 3.5 ounce serving, there is Vitamin K, Folate, .Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6,
and Vitamin E. It also contains small amounts of Magnesium,
Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine),
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and Vitamin B3 (Niacin).
5.
Avocados are
loaded with fiber: Avocados
tend to be high in fiber, about 7% by weight, which is very high compared to
most other foods. Fiber can have various important benefits for weight loss and
metabolic health.
6. Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty
acids: Avocados
and avocado oil are high in monounsaturated oleic acid, a "heart
healthy" fatty acid that is believed to be one of the main reasons for the
health benefits of olive oil.
7.
Avocados are
loaded with powerful antioxidants that can protect the eyes: Avocados are high in antioxidants,
including Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These nutrients are very important for eye
health and lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
8.
Avocados
contain more potassium than bananas: Potassium is an important mineral
that most people don't get enough of. Avocados are very high in potassium,
which should support healthy blood pressure levels. Several studies show that
having a high potassium intake is linked to reduced blood pressure, a major
risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.
9.
Eating avocados
can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels: Numerous
studies have shown that eating avocado can improve heart disease risk factors
like Total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as well as blood
triglycerides.
10.
Eating avocados
may help you lose weight: Avocados
are also high in fiber, and very low in carbohydrates, two attributes that should also help promote weight
loss, at least in the context of a
healthy, real food based diet.
11. People who eat avocados tend to be healthier: One dietary survey found that people
who ate avocados had a much higher nutrient intake and had a lower risk of
metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms that are a major risk factor for
heart disease and diabetes.
12.
The fat in
avocados can help absorb nutrients from plant foods: Studies have shown that eating avocado or avocado oil with
veggies can dramatically increase the amount
of antioxidants you take in.
“I suppose there are
people who can pass up free guacamole, but they're either allergic to avocado
or too joyless to live.” (Frank Bruni)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“12 Health Benefits of Avocado” bMegan Ware
·
“12 Proven Health Benefits of Avocado” by Kris Gunnars
·
“19 Best Benefits of Avocado” by Organic Facts
·
“Low-Density
Lipoprotein” from Wikipedia
My family loves
avocados. This post was inspired by my daughter.
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