Let's get down to why if you are not including avocados into your diet why you should. Avocados have been toted as a fattening food which has caused many to stay away from them. We need to stop focusing on a food's calorie content. That is not what is important here. What is important is its nutritional contribution to human needs. Avocado is a fruit which reaps with nutritional and even cosmetic benefits and I will explain why.
Avocado is high in monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are good fats which lowers LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad fat") and triglycerides. Both are associated with heart disease. Researchers have discovered that avocados are rich in beta-sitoserol, a natural substance which is shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. In the December 1999 issue of American Medicine researchers found that beta-sitoserol was shown to reduce cholesterol in 16 human studies. Contrary to popular assumptions avocados can be helpful in terms of weight loss and management. Its monounsaturated fat speeds up the basal metabolic rate as compared with saturated fats. Its high fat content makes an overall sound diet. In other words you will feel full quicker and not run the risk of having that binging break down.
Avocado is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. They contain potassium, vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, limited zinc and moderate phosphorus. Vitamin B6 is important for our nervous system, red blood cells, teeth, and gums. A recent report printed in Nature's Guide by William Sears, MD stated that avocado has 3 times as much B6 per gram as a banana. The vitamin and mineral contents in avocado are shown to be cancer protectors. The 2005 J.Nutri Biochem report stated that the carotenoids and tocopherols (chemical compounds which may have vitamin E activity) in avocado were shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cell lines in vitro. Avocado's contain the antioxidant glutathione which fights free radicals. Dr. David Herber, director of the UCLA Center for Human nutrition has stated that evidence suggest glutathione may help prevent certain types of cancers and heart disease in humans. The glutatione, folate, and the potassium found in avocado also help prevent high blood pressure and stroke.
Last but not least avocado is a beauty food! The oil from an avocado can be used as a natural cosmetic. Its high vitamin content along with protein and lecithin attributes to its regenerative skin properties. Avocado oil has been said to heal sun damage and scars. Eight plant oils were tested (almond, apricot kernel, safflower, peanut, jojoba, olive, coconut and sesame) and avocado oil was found be the most effective sunscreen. It makes a wonderful moisturizer as well. Avocado oil absorbs quickly into the skin while softening and soothing it at the same time. I use it myself as a night time moisturize and I find I reap the benefits.
O.k. so I have filled you in on all the wonderful health and healing benefits of avocados. The next time you consider using butter or cream cheese on your bagel or mayo on your sandwich opt for mashed avocado instead. My favorite is mashed avocado and tuna on a sprouted ezekial muffin. Avocado slices are also great additions to a salad. Oh and let's not forget that the oil is wonderful as a natural cosmetic.
