The avocado (Persea americana) is a tree native to Mexico and Central America, classified in the flowering plant family Lauraceae along with cinnamon, camphor and bay laurel.Avocado
Avocados are also considered as one of the healthiest foods in the planet because they contain in excess of 25 essential nutrients, including vitamin A, B, C, E, & K, copper, iron, phosporus, magnesium, and potassium. Avocados also contain fiber, protein, and several beneficial phytochemicals such as beta sitosterol, glutathione and lutein, which may protect against various disease and illness.
Antimicrobial:
Avocado seed might offer natural antibiotic and antifungal benefits, according to a study published in the March 2009 issue of the Journal Revista de Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical. In the test tube study, avocado seed extracts inhibited a variety of pathogens, including Candida and other fungi and the mosquito that carries the tropical disease yellow fever.
Cholesterol lowering:
Avocado seed lowered cholesterol levels and may protect against arterial plaque formation, according to a laboratory animal study published in the March 2012 issue of the journal Plant Foods in Human Nutrition. Researchers attributed the cholesterol lowering benefits to the seed s high content of dietary fiber, which lowers cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the intestinal tract and preventing absorption.
Food Dye:
An orange pigment that forms when avocado seed is crushed shows potential as a food colorant, according to a study published in the November 2011 issue of the Journal of Food Science. Researchers noted that the pigment, which was stable in a range of pH and temperature conditions, might satisfy public demand for safe, natural alternatives to synthetic food dyes.
Beauty aid:
The oil extracted is widely used in preparation of beauty products. These include creams, cleansers and moisturizers to prevent the ageing effect of dehydration; bath oils, shampoos, scalp conditioner and hair tonic.
Duodenal ulcer:
The blandness of this fruit (and papaya) is comforting and soothing to the hypersensitive surfaces of the stomach and duodenum. Its abundant nutrient and enzymes are an effective remedy to treat these ulceration.
Fetal development:
The high folate content is important and necessary for healthy fetal cell and tissue development. The potent anti oxidant content in avocado helps neutralize free radicals that are important for improving eyesight and prevent eye problems like astigmatism, cataracts and glaucoma.
Increases absorption of phytonutrients:
Avocado is consumed together with other fruits and vegetables, the absorption of phytonutrients are a few times higher than when consumed on its own. This alone makes it worthwhile to be eating avocados regularly.
Kidney stones:
Consumption of the high potassium content fruit helps to reduce urinary calcium excretion, lowering the risk of stones forming in the kidney. Avocados have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.
Morning sickness:
The vitamin B6 helps relieve nausea and queasiness associated with pregnancy. The avocado oil is beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis. Apply regularly on affected parts to remove the scales.
Muscle and nerve:
The high potassium content helps balance our body s electrolytes, aids muscle activity, nerve function and energy metabolism. Research has shown that certain compounds in avocados are able to seek out pre cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.
Selection and storage:
Avoid very hard fruits as they may take quite some time to fully ripe. On the other hand, avoid buying excessively soft ripe fruits as they tend to be
Preparation and Serving methods:
Avocado has delicate nutty flavor and butter like in taste. To eat; cut the fruit lengthwise at its center all the way around the seed. Then rotate or twist the two halves in opposite directions and gently pull apart. Remove the seed using a spoon. Gently peel the skin with your fingers starting from the stem end. Cut the pulp into desired cubes.
Avocado leaves:
Avocado leaves have antibacterial characteristic which can inhibit the growth of several bacteria species, which are Staphylococcus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Proteus sp, Escherichea sp, and Bacillus sp. Avocado leaves had been used for long time to cure urinary stone disease, hypertension, lumbago (lower back pain), headache, toothache, and irregular menstruation period.
Avocado Leaf Tea:
Avocado Leaf Tea offers a number of benefits for men and women of all ages. A true miracle of nature, it can help in conditions ranging the gamut from insomnia to impotency to help you live a better life. Avocado Leaf Tea offers drinkers the benefit of a plentiful supply of vitamins and minerals essential for good health. It can aid people who are suffering from a variety of ailments such as insomnia, nervousness and general uneasiness, constipation, upset stomach, and it provides relief for people suffering from ulcers.
Fight free radicals:
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Avocados contain glutathione, a powerful antioxidants that helps fight free radicals in the body. Avocado benefits also include protecting your skin from wrinkles and other visible signs of aging with its antioxidant carotenoids, vitamin E which helps guard against photo aging from sun exposure and vitamin C which is involved in the creation of elastin and collagen for maintaining your skin s elasticity and firmness.
Reduce strokes risk:
The high levels of folate in avocados may also protect against stroke. A study has shown that individuals who ate a diet rich in folate had a lower risk of stroke than those who did not.
Regulate the blood sugar levels:
The monounsaturated (good) fats in avocados can reverse insulin resistance which help to regulate blood sugar levels. Avocados also contain soluble fiber which keep a steady blood sugar levels.
Promote eye health:
Avocado is an excellent source of carotenoid lutein, which known to help protect against age related macular degeneration and cataracts. Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B vitamins and folic acid.
Anti Inflammatory properties:
Phytonutrient compound found in avocados, such as polyphenols and flavonoids have been found to have anti inflammatory properties, thereby reducing the risk of inflammatory and degenerative disorders.
Prevent birth defects:
Avocados are rich in folate, a B vitamin commonly known as folic acid. One cup of avocado provides about 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. The high amount of folate in avocado is essential in the prevention of birth defects, such as neural tube defect and spina bifida.
Control blood pressure:
Avocados are also a great source of potassium, which helps in controlling blood pressure levels.avocado that can help with the condition include its vitamin C for strengthening blood vessels and capillaries and improving immune function for diabetics.
Lower cholesterol levels:
Avocados are rich in a compound called beta sitosterol which has been shown to be effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. According to a study, patients with mild hypercholesterolemia who included avocados in their diet for 7 days had 17 percent decrease in total blood cholesterol levels, a 22 percent decrease in both LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels, and a 11 percent increase in HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
Maintain a healthy heart:
Avocado contains vitamin B6 and folic acid, which help regulate homocysteine levels. High level of homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Avocado also contains vitamin E, glutathione, and monounsaturated fat, which help in maintaining a healthy heart.
