Avocado

Avocado and its health benefits

Avocado or Alligator pear is a large berry or fruit which contains a large seed and is peer shaped or spherical or egg shaped. Avocado is classified as a flowering plant family of Lauraceae. Avocado is derived from the Aztec word “ahuacatl”. Avocado comes from Persian Americana which grows upto 65 feet in height and weights anything between 8 ounces to 3 pounds depending on the variety.

Avocado and its health benefits

Composition of Avocado in 100 grams

Health Benefits of Avocado

Good for heart

Any food that contains lower cholesterol and fat and includes high fiber is supposed to be good diet for heart. Avocado contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which do no increase cholesterol. In fact when eaten they help in reducing saturated or trans fats. Hence Avocado is considered healthy for heart.

Avocado in Cancer Prevention

1. Prostate: Avocados have the carotenoids and tocopherols which may contain Vitamin E and help in reducing the growth of prostate cancer cells.

The phytochemicals present in Avocado also kill cancer cells and hence are included in diet to prevent cancer.

1. Oral Cancer:

Research has shown that certain compounds in avocados are able to seek out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.

Breast Cancer Protection

Well there are many who claim to get relief using Avocados for breast cancer but recent studies have shown that certain toxins in avocado enhance the cytotoxic effects of tamoxifen on human breast cancer cells.

So try to limit use of avocados and eat only in certain amount rather than gulping more of avocado oil or juice daily. We would suggest eat healthy food with more protein, fiber, minerals and essential vitamins.

Eye Health

Avocados have lutein, zeaxanthin that prove as a protective factor against age related macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Lower Cholesterol

Avocados are high in fiber and beta-sitosterol which is why they are very healthy and consists of very low cholesterol.

Sunscreen and Skin

Avocado oil is very effective sunscreen as it strengthens skin, reduces wrinkles, rich in Vitamin E and reduces the aging process. It stimulates collagen in the skin to protect from sun rays.

Vitamin E and Glutathione

Avocados are rich in Vitamin E which helps one and prevents many diseases. They are also good source of Glutathione which helps reduce cancer risks, aging and keeps your heart healthy.

Overdose of Avocado

Overdose of anything is never recommended and so true for avocado as well. Due to overdose the enzymes of avocado may cause skin reactions and allergies. Excess intake of avocado oil has shown increase in tumor as well.

Recipes and some common usage of Avocado:

Avocado is a fruit and hence it can be directly taken without cooking. Hence the most common usage of Avocados is made in salads.

Here are some of the ones which I use preferably:

I always peel an Avocado and then use it in all my menus or recipes below.

Avocado and Grapefruit salad:

Grape and avocado in small pieces mixed well with yogurt and honey and seasonings.

Avocado in Sandwich:

Over each bread piece apply mayonnaise, little of beacon pieces 2-3, tomatoes and cucumber and a piece or slice of avocado. Place some tomato sauce and black pepper and close it with another sandwich. Grill it or fry it.

Avocado Pizza Garnishing:

Avocado, onion, capsicum, tomato, cheese and chicken Mix well and then deep fry. Place it