Avocado: An Anti-Aging Superfood

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It seems that the buzz around avocadoes these days simply isn’t stopping – and there is good reason for this. The more research is done upon this amazing fruit, the more nutritionists and other medical professionals come to the conclusion that it truly is a superfood. Its unique combination of nutrients make it one of the best foods available for helping to slow the aging process.

A Long History

While it is only relatively recently that avocadoes became a part of the mainstream American diet, these fruits, native to Central America, have been part of Latin American cuisine from ancient times. The oldest evidence of this was found in writings in a cave in Mexico that were dated to be around 10,000 years old. Now, of course, they are widely available in this country and are even cultivated in both California and Florida. And as people become increasingly aware of their health benefits, they have increased in popularity, mostly because they are rich in the ingredients discussed below.

MOFA’s

One of the most important ingredients in avocadoes in terms of its anti-aging properties is oleic acid. This acid is known as a monounsaturated fatty acid or MOFA, which not only supports cardiac health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, they also promote weight loss in a healthy and natural manner. Since obesity and cardiac disease are often associated with shortened life expectancies, this is one of the ways that eating avocadoes slow the aging process.

Antioxidants

Avocadoes are also rich in phytochemicals like lutein and zeaxanthin as well as Vitamin E. All these nutrients have powerful anti-oxidant properties which reduce the oxidative damage done to the tissues of the body during the aging process and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like cancer since they also strengthen the immune system and the body’s ability to fight off infection and disease.

Potassium and Folate

Other important ingredients in avocadoes which make them an “anti-aging” food are potassium and folate. These both have an alkalizing effect on the body and raise the pH levels slightly to keep a healthy range. This many sound like a small change, but it has a big health impact on the body and can reduce the risk of cancer and chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

D-manno-heptulose Sugar

Avocadoes are considered to be a fruit rather than a vegetable and like all fruits, they contain natural sugars. The avocado’s sugars come in the form of d-manno-heptulose sugar. This compound makes for younger-looking skin by stimulating the production of collagen, which keeps the skin firm and prevents or reverses signs of aging.

So trying to include avocadoes in your diet on the regular basis. It is a versatile food that fits easily into a variety of dishes and its anti-aging impact makes it well worthwhile to consume even daily.

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Christine . S
Christine has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.