Avocado: The World’s Healthiest Food

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The avocado is the fruit of a tall evergreen tree, the Persea americana, which can grow up to 65 feet and it is also known as the “alligator pear” due to its shape and the dark, knobbed appearance of its skin. Its name comes from the Aztec word “ahuacatl” and it is truly one of the great super foods due to all its amazing properties and the health benefits it can bring it included in the diet.

Absorption Facilitator

When eaten as part of a salad contain carrots and greens, the presence of avocadoes has been found to increase the body’s ability to absorb the carotenoids found in this kind of healthy dish. This is probably because carotenoids are fat soluble and the avocado is well able to provide the fat they need to be easily absorbed.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

The strong anti-inflammatory properties demonstrated by the avocado are likely due to the fact that they are not only high in carotenoids, but also diverse in them. They contain commonly known carotenoids like alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene, but also a whole array of other, lesser-known compounds which are equally beneficial to the body.

Healthy Fat

With many people still buying into the “anti-fat” fervor which gripped the nation in the past, some will avoid avocadoes due their high fat content (about 85% of their calories are fat-based). However, this fat is unusual in nature and very healthy: in contains sterols, polyhyrodxylated fatty alcohols and oleic acid, all of which have proven benefits include reduction of inflammation and the support of cardiac health.

Nutrient Rich

Avocadoes are a nutrient-dense food. They contain Vitamins B6, C, E and K as well as minerals like potassium, copper and folate. In addition to this, they are a wonderful source of dietary fiber and pantothenic acid. One cup of cubed raw avocado will bring in 240 calories and it is rated as very low on the glycemic index, making it a good choice for diabetics.

Supports Cardiac Health

Studies have shown that cardiac health and function is sustained through adequate intake of several different compounds, including oleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which avocadoes have in high amounts. Also, the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of avocadoes promote cardiac function and reduce oxidative damage done to the heart.

Blood Sugar Regulation

One aspect of eating avocadoes which many people are not aware of is its potential to control blood sugar levels and keep them in a safe and healthy range. This is likely due partly to the fact that they are high in fiber, low in carbohydrates and low on the glycemic index scale, which means they break down slowly in the body and do not cause blood sugar spikes that are so difficult for diabetics.

Avocadoes truly are a super fruit for your health. From heart function to absorption of nutrients to the regulation of blood sugar, there are very few systems in the body which this amazing food does not have a positive impact upon.

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Samriti
Samriti has written a number of articles and blog posts for websites and print in the health industry. The majority of this writing was related to cancer information, blood pressure and healthy living.