Super Foods that Heal - AVOCADO Nutritional and health benefits of Avocado | This page was last modified on April 29, 2006 11:31 AM | Cut one open and you'll taste why avocados have entranced diners since emerging from Central America thousands of years ago. Satiny, silky, sensuous, smooth -- all the adjectives that avocado growers and promoters use for the homely fruit apply. Indeed, avocados are sort of like a creamy dairy product that grows on trees. They contain a surprising amount of fat -- about 15 grams per half -- but fortunately almost all of that is the monounsaturated fat (the same kind found in olive oil) that is thought to be good for the heart. They're also loaded with potassium, fiber and disease-fighting nutrients.Known for their deliciously rich flavor, California avocados are also rich in phytochemicals -- natural plant nutrients that help protect against a variety of cancers and diseases. .....Research shows that avocados rank highest in the following phytochemicals and nutrients among the 20 most frequently consumed fruits: - Lutein – protects against prostate cancer and eye disease such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Vitamin E -- a powerful antioxidant known to slow the aging process and protect against heart disease and various forms of cancer.
- Glutathione – functions as an antioxidant like vitamin E to neutralize free radicals that can cause cell damage and lead to disease.
- Beta-sitosterol – lowers blood cholesterol levels. Avocados contain four times as much beta-sitosterol as oranges, previously reported as the highest fruit source of this phytochemical.
- Monounsaturated fats – heart-healthy fats proven to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and boost HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Folate – promotes healthy cell and tissue development. Folate is especially important for woman of childbearing age as it helps protect against birth defects.
- Potassium – helps balance the body’s electrolytes. Avocados contain 60 percent more potassium than bananas.
- Magnesium – helps produce energy and is important for muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Fiber – lowers cholesterol and reduces risk of heart attack.
Many people are surprised to learn that avocados are a fruit. They love the taste of avocados but do not realize they are so rich in nutrients and phytochemicals. The avocado’s unique nutrient profile makes them a stand out among commonly eaten fruits.
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