Avocados generally are considered a healthy food; the high fat content of avocados typically is the only reason given for limiting consumption of this fruit. It is stated that an approximate sixty percent of Americans like Avocados. This is great news because they are one of the best foods for you! Even better, new studies suggest that Avocados may hold the keys to curing certain cancers.
6 Anticancer Benefits of Avocado
1.Avocados have been shown to offer significant protection against breast cancer because it contains a concentrated amount of carotenoids. It also helps the body absorb carotenoids from carotenoid-rich vegetables due to its fat content.
2.Avocados contain both vitamin C and E, which help to enhance antioxidant properties of the human body. Vitamin C recycles vitamin E and helps to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Avocados also contain antioxidants like epicatechin, violaxanthin, neochrome, and about a dozen others. Antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals, which are the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism.
3.Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant. When liver glutathione levels rise, the liver is able to more effectively detoxify the body and protect the cells from oxidative stress. Whey protein also increases the glutathioine levels of healthy cells while decreasing the glutathione levels of cancer cells.
4.Avocados contain lutein, an anti-cancer carotenoid. Lutein lowers the risk of prostate cancer in men and protects eyes against fatal diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. Another cancer-fighting component of avocado is glutathione that can significantly cuts the incidence of oral and pharyngeal cancer. Avocados are also rich in potassium, vitamins, and heart-healthy fats.
6.Phytochemicals and phytonutrients (elements that destroy the tumor cells) were discovered in the fruits. Avocado helps to absorb carotenoids – organic substances that have beneficial effects on the eyes, skin, and teeth. 50g of avocado pulp increase twice the absorption of carotenoids.
5.Carotenoids appear to protect humans against certain cancers, heart disease and age-related macular degeneration. Concentration of beneficial carotenoids is in the dark green fruit of the avocado closest to the peel.
Sources include:
1) http://www.realnatural.org/avocados-found-to-contain-antioxidant-anticancer-fats/
2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3664913/
3) https://elixirultineretii.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/top-14-anti-cancer-super-fruits/