16. It Strengthens Bones
Avocados contain zeaxanthin and lutein, which are associated with a reduced risk of cartilage defects, which is the symptom of osteoarthritis.
Furthermore, the levels of essential minerals in avocados are significant, including zinc, phosphorous, copper, and trace amounts of calcium and selenium. All of these are connected to lowered risks of osteoporosis and improvements in bone mineral density.
17. Nutrient Absorption
Avocados are best eaten along with other fruits and vegetables. According to a research study by Ohio State University, the fat in avocado helps the body absorb carotenoids such as beta-carotene and converts them to vitamin A.
Lead researcher Dr. Rachel Kopec, in the study, found that the absorption of carotenoid antioxidant molecules, which helps protect the body against free radical damage, increases three to five times when a salad is eaten along with avocado.
Therefore, adding sliced avocado to a mixed salad is a good way to make a healthy meal even better. This makes avocado a great element as an appetizer since it prepares the digestive tract to function at its highest level during the meal to come!
18. Blood Glucose Level
Apart from the fruit, the leaf extracts of avocados also provide health benefits. A study conducted on non-diabetic and diabetic rats suggest that the leaf extracts may help in lowering blood glucose levels.
For diabetic patients, the metabolism of starch-based foods into simple sugars like glucose can cause the spikes and plunges that are dangerous for diabetics. Fiber helps to slow the breakdown of food into usable sugars, so it is absorbed by the body in a more balanced way.
Furthermore, the majority of carbohydrates in avocados are made up of 7-carbon sugars, a relatively rare form of sugar that actually inhibit the enzyme, hexokinase.
This helps avocados control the way that glucose is metabolized by the body, thereby protecting the overall health of diabetic patients.
19. Useful for Athletes
Athletes require a lot of energy and must maintain optimal nutrition to fuel their body. Avocado provides vital nutrients to athletes to maintain required energy levels and good health. Moreover, they contain phytochemicals that are a natural fuel source for your body.
20. Improved Cognitive Function
Avocados can help improve the cognitive function in healthy older people by increasing the lutein content in the body.
According to a 2017 study done by Tufts University, having a fresh avocado a day showed increased lutein levels in the brains and eyes of healthy older adults, which in turn enhanced their memory and problem-solving skills. Lutein is a carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables which has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
