subject: Health Benefits Of Avocados [print this page] Avocados are often referred to as the alligator pear due to its pebbly skin and the oval pear shape. The fruit tree is native to the tropical areas of America, but it also grows in other parts of the world where the weather is warm.
The avocado is often shunned due to the high amounts of fats that it contains, but recent studies show that avocados are actually very beneficial to the overall health of your body.
Heart Health
Avocados are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, to help prevent plaque formation along the walls of the arteries. This in turn helps to prevent high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke.
Fights Cancer
Studies have shown that the phytonutrients that are found in avocados help to fight many types of cancers. In addition, avocados contain many antioxidants which help to destroy free radicals which over time can cause the cells in your body to mutate and become cancerous.
Aids in Weight Loss
Many believe that the fats in avocados will cause them to gain weight. But new studies reveal that quite the opposite is true. According to the studies, the monounsaturated fats help produce a hormone known as adiponectin, which not only helps the body to absorb sugar and turn it into energy, but it can also help the body to burn fat cells instead of muscle cells.
Improve Memory
Memory loss often results when too many toxins are lodged around your brain. Avocados help to increase your blood circulation to help wash these toxins away, so that you can not only improve your memory, but also increase your focus and other brain functions.
Anti-Aging
Avocados are also very effective in helping the body to remain young and healthy. They help to remove harmful free radicals which are the number one cause of age-related diseases. On top of that, avocados contain beneficial oils that will help your skin to retain its moisture and elasticity so that you can prevent wrinkles from appearing.
How To Eat
Avocados are fairly easy to add to your daily diet, as you can eat them as they are, right out of their shell. You can also add them to your vegetable and garden salads. Mashed avocados also work as a spread on sandwiches or in wraps. Last but not least, avocados are popular for making guacamole with freshly chopped tomatoes, green peppers, onion, cilantro and fresh lemon juice.
