Well not all Filipinos are familiar with Guacamole or the most crazed Mexican chip dip. Guacamole is made out of a super food AVOCADO. Avocado or Persea Americana is believed to have originated in the state of Puebla, Mexico. Though fossil evidence suggests similar species were much more widespread millions of years ago, occurring as far north as California when the climate of that region was more hospitable to them.
Avocados make our body go Loco because of the health benefits that it gives to the human body. However, most animals are allergic to this fruit. We can say that humans are so blessed by the good Lord to enjoy this heaven sent treat. Now let’s talk about its nutritious benefits on our body system. When it comes to nutrition, avocados are in a class by themselves because of the unusually large number of benefits they offer – more than 20, last count. Loaded with fiber, one avocado contains 36% of the daily requirement of vitamin K, 30% of the folate, and 20% each of the daily requirements of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5, needed to break down carbohydrates), vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium – more than twice the potassium of a banana.
Vitamin E, niacin, and riboflavin levels deserve honorable mention. Eaten with other foods, your body is able to absorb the nutrients, such as alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein. Avocado is one of the few fruits that will provide you with “good” fats. That means it can help keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range, and help lower your risk for heart disease. One study was undertaken to see if avocados might have more lipids than other fruits and vegetables, which, while rich in carotenoids, are lipid challenged, impeding nutrient absorption. Researchers found that adding avocados to salad and salsa (foods used in the study) can significantly enhance your body’s ability to take up the benefits of carotenoids. It is due primarily to the lipids in the avocados.
The yellow-green color of avocados prompted another study, since color in other plant-based foods indicates carotenoid and other “bioactive” action, indicating possible cancer-fighting properties. The premise was that the monounsaturated fat in avocados might help your body absorb important bioactive carotenoids in combination with other fruits and vegetables, and therefore significantly reduce your risk of cancer. Another study showed that the lipids extracted from avocados might prove photo-protective against harmful effects of radiation, such as sun damage, inflammation, and even skin cancer, if ingested before exposure.
I told you, you will go loco over avocado with its delicious taste and the benefits. To think of that you could gain this much benefits from one fruit is really awesome. Now the next time you see this amazing wonder in the market, don’t hesitate and tastes it, for it will greatly affect your nutrition/health in a good way.
About The Author
Josef is an Oleia user and content contributor. He is a express himself through writing and music. He is not good at lying. He believes in the quote “He who knows does not speak, he who speaks does not know”
