Avocado, or also called alligator pear, it has a green-skinned, fleshy body that may be pear-shaped, egg-shaped, or spherical. Avocado is considered as one of the healthiest foods in the planet because it is rich in folic acid and vitamin K, and are good dietary sources of vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E and pantothenic acid. Avocado is also one of the most fat containing fruit, but the fat content is healthy as it is monounsaturated in nature. Here are 5 health benefits of avocados:
1. Avocados and Weight Loss
Yes, avocados are relatively high in fat and calories (138 calories and 14.1g fat in half a medium-sized avocado). You would be surprised that a food high in fat and calories would be considered good for weight loss. This is not quite the case. Research has shown that monounsaturated fatty acids are more likely to be used as slow burning energy than stored as body fat. Moreover, half an avocado contains 3.4 grams of fibre, including soluble and insoluble, soluble fibre slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in your body, helping you feel full for longer.
2. Benefits in pregnancy
Avocados are rich in folate, a B vitamin commonly known as folic acid. One cup of avocado provides almost a quarter of your recommended daily intake of folate, a vitamin which cuts the risk of birth defects. Synthetic versions of folic acid are recommended for all women who are planning to get pregnant; eating avocados is a simpler and tastier option! A high folate intake is also associated with a lower risk of heart attacks and heart disease.
3. Regulate the blood sugar levels
The monounsaturated fats in avocados can reverse insulin resistance which help to regulate blood sugar levels. The high levels of potassium in avocados are another important nutritional factor for diabetics due to its role in maintaining a healthy heart and regulating blood sugar. Try mashed avocado on sandwiches instead of mayonnaise or on bread instead of butter.
4. Reduction of cholesterol
A study has shown a 17% decrease in cholesterol levels for participants who ate increased amounts of avocado for just one week. Avocados are rich in a compound called beta-sitosterol which has been shown to be effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for heart disease, so avocado also helps keep your heart healthy.
5. Skin Care
The avocado oil is added in many cosmetics because of its ability to nourish the skin and make your skin glow. With their healthy fats and phytonutrients, they offer remarkable benefits to human skin — both when eaten and used topically. In addition, it also aids in treating psoriasis, a skin disease that causes skin redness and irritation.
