Health Benefits of Avocados - 10 Proven Benefits of Avocado

Do you know the amazing health benefits of avocados? Avocados are extremely nutritious and can greatly benefit your health. Read the information given below to know about this yummy fruit, and the amazing health benefits of Avacados.

Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and oleic acid are key fats provided by avocado. Avocados are a good source of pantothenic acid, dietary fiber, vitamin K, copper, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Avocado is great to use in salads or appetizers, or mashed up with a little bit of milk and honey, a quick and delicious dessert. Avocados are delicious, nutritious and they have a creamy, fatty texture that will give you the mindset of cheating on your diet. While avocado is a bit high in fat, most of it is the good kind of fat. So, here are some great benefits of avocados and why you should include them in your diet.

10 Proven Health Benefits of Avocados

The health benefits of avocados are well known due to the 25 vitamins and minerals they contain. Avocados are most beneficial when they are ripe. Avocados contain vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, iron, magnesium, folate, copper, fiber, protein, and potassium. Avocados also contain phytonutrients. Avocados contain 18 essential amino acids which can be used to form a complete protein. For this reason, avocados are often an integral part of vegetarian, vegan or raw food diets.

Avocados consist of approximately 20% fat. The majority of the fat contained in avocados is monounsaturated fat. Avocados also contain a small amount of poly-unsaturated and saturated fat. The fat in avocados is the healthy kind of fat that our bodies need for growth and to perform bodily functions.

1. Keeps Heart Healthy: Avocados vitamins and minerals help maintain homocystine levels. The monounsaturated fat and glutathione also benefit for a healthy heart. Avocados also support the blood vessels. Additionally, heart health benefits from oleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are present in avocados.
2. Boosts the Immune System: The glutathione in avocados aids in boosting the immune systems and benefits the nervous system. The carotenoids present in avocados has been found to enhance the functioning of the immune system and benefit the reproductive system.
3. Avocados are Anti-Inflammatory: The phytonutrients, polyphenols and flavonoids, present in avocados reduce inflammation.
4. Lowers Cholesterol Levels: Avocados contain beta-sitosterol which studies have shown is effective at lowering LDL cholesterol levels and increasing HDL levels.
5. Controls Blood Pressure: Avocados contain more potassium then bananas. The potassium aids in controlling blood pressure levels.
6. Cancer Protecting Properties: Those who consume type of fat found in avocados have been found to have a reduced risk of cancer. Studies have also shown that avocados can aid in fighting prostate cancer.
7. Increases Absorption of Nutrients: Avocados increase nutrient absorption. Studies have shown that when subjects ate meals containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of beta carotene and lycopene.
8. Contains Antioxidants: Avocados are rich in antioxidants and aid in fighting oxidative stress. The glutathione is a strong antioxidant which fights free radicals.
9. Prevent Diabetes and Regulate Blood Sugar Level: Avocados have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes. The monounsaturated fats help regulate blood sugar and can reverse insulin resistance.
10. Benefits for Eyes: The high amount of carotenoid lutein in avocados aids in protecting against cataracts and macular degeneration.

These are just some of the benefits of avocados. Not only are avocados beneficial when consumed, they are also often used topically to benefit skin and hair.