20 Health benefits of Avocado that makes it a superfood

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Avocado is certainly a fruit and not a vegetable. They belong to the Genus Persea in the family of Lauraceae. It contains about 4 grams of protein, making them a very good fruit with the highest protein source. Surprisingly, Avocado trees does not self-pollinate; they need another avocado tree near by in order to grow well. Isn’t that amazing on it’s own.

Another interesting fact about avocado I will like to throw more light on is that; just like pregnancy takes 9 months to deliver, this oval-like fruit avocado also takes about 9 months to mature and be harvested. I was amazed the first time I discovered that.

So I decided to dive deep into the health benefits of Avocado and how good it is for our body. Trust me, you will be amazed at what this fruit can do for your health. There’s much more to avocados that goes beyond smashing them on toasted bread. Let’s get a handle on the 20 Amazing Health benefits of avocado to your body.

1. Avocado Promotes Healthy Heart

Beta-sitosterol, which is found in avocados, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Research studies showed that laboratory rats who were given avocado for 5 weeks as a part of their daily meal had about 27% lower triglycerides plasma levels and their HDL cholesterol was 17% higher as compared to a control group who did not have avocado. This is why eating avocados daily can help in protecting the heart from atherosclerosis.

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2. High in Potassium

The significant levels of potassium make avocados a powerful fruit in the fight against hypertension. According to a research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, potassium-rich foods can reduce pathogenic vascular calcification, which is the hardening of arteries.

Dr. Paul Sanders from the University of Alabama at Birmingham led the research which concluded that eating potassium-rich foods like avocados and bananas reduces the tension of blood vessels and arteries, regulating blood pressure. This, in turn, reduces the chances of clotting, heart attacks, and strokes.

3. Aids in Digestion

Avocados are soothing for the intestine and aid in digestion. They contain soluble and insoluble fibers that help to keep the digestive system running smoothly.

These types of fiber are very important for digestion because they bulk up stools and help ensure the smooth passage of food through the intestinal tract.

Furthermore, they stimulate gastric and digestive juices so nutrients are absorbed in the most efficient and rapid way. Finally, they reduce the symptoms from conditions like constipation and diarrhea.

All in all, the huge amount of fiber found in avocados (40% of daily requirement per serving) makes this a very important food for optimizing your digestive health.

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4. Avocado Improves Vision

Avocados help keep your eyes healthy. They contain carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help to protect your eyes against cataracts, eye diseases related to age, and macular degeneration.

These conditions are often caused by free radicals that accumulate in the tissues of the eyes. The antioxidant activity of these special carotenoids in avocados neutralize the effects of those dangerous free radicals.

5. Skin and Hair Care

Avocados are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin. It enriches skin that is dry, chapped or damaged.

They are added to a variety of cosmetics due to their ability to nourish the skin with essential vitamins and make it glow. It is also used for nourishing dry and damaged hair.

Many people use avocados to prepare skin and hair masks. Above all, avocado oil helps in treating plaque psoriasis.

Beta-carotene and lycopene are two organic compounds found in large quantities in avocados. Both of these have been connected to improving the health and tone of your skin and eliminating signs of premature aging.

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