The avocado is a unique fruit. Numerous studies have shown that it has beneficial effects on health.
What we refer to as “avocado” is actually the fruit of the avocado tree called Persea americana. This fruit is prioritized for its high nutrient content and is added to all sorts of dishes due to its good flavor and rich texture. It is the main ingredient in guacamole. These days, avocado has become an incredibly popular food among health-conscious individuals.It is often referred to as a superfood, which is not surprising because it has so many health benefits.
There are many kinds of avocados, from pear shaped to round shaped. They can weigh anywhere from a mere 8 ounces (220 grams) to 3 pounds (1.4 kg).
Interestingly, they are also called “alligator pears” because they tend to be shaped like a pear and have green, bumpy skin like an alligator. Avocados contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals. These include Vitamin K, Folate, Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E. The fruit does not contain cholesterol or sodium while saturated fat levels are quite on the low side. They also contain more potassium than bananas and potassium is a nutrient that most people aren’t getting enough of. They are also loaded with fiber, which is found in large amounts in avocado.
Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world. It is known that several blood markers are linked to an increased risk. This includes triglycerides, inflammatory markers, blood pressure, and various others. The effect of avocado has been studied in 8 human controlled trials. These are studies where people are spilt into groups, where one group is instructed to eat avocados while the other is not. Then researchers see what happens in their blood markers over time. These studies have shown that avocados can reduce total cholesterol levels, blood triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and increase HDL cholesterol. One of the studies showed that including avocado in a low fat vegetarian diet led to improvements in the cholesterol profile.
Additionally, another study looked at the dietary habits and health of people who eat avocados. Avocado consumers were found to be much healthier than people who didn’t eat avocados. They had a much higher nutrient intake and were half as likely to have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms that are a major risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.
Here is a comprehensive list of recipes that use avocado:
