About Avacodoes – The Alligator Pear.
The avocado, a tree with probable origin in south-central Mexico, is classified as a member of the flowering plant family Lauraceae. Learning about avocado nutrition facts can help inspire you to find more ways to incorporate this healthy super fruit into your healthy diet.
If a wholesome fruit that packs a solid nutritional punch is what your heart desires, then the avocado is the fruit you’ve been looking for.
More than 80 types of avocado, or the ‘alligator pear’ as some like to call it due to its rough green skin, are available. It is rich in heart-healthy fat and be incorporated into a number of recipes (such as avocado salads, avocado and chicken or avocado and cream).
Table of Contents
Avocado Nutritional Information
One-third of a medium avocado (50 g) has 80 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making it a great nutrient-dense food choice. The avocado is virtually the only fruit that contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fat – good fat! California Avocados are naturally sodium-, sugar- and cholesterol-free. About 64 percent of the fat in avocados is monounsaturated, which lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Avocado Health Benefits:
So… Are Avocados Healthy? The fruit of the plant, also called an avocado, is botanically a large berry containing a single large seed. An avocado a day is good for your health. Eating an avocado a day is good for your health. Avocados are a fun food to eat, they’re nutritious, and they’re a good source of monounsaturated fat, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Weight Loss
Avocados have excellent fat burning abilities, credited largely to the 54% fiber content.
Rich In Nutrients
Avocados contain vitamin C, Vitamin E, Manganese and Folate, among other nutrients. The rich store of nutrients and minerals in the fruit, making this a prime choice for the health-conscious. Vitamin E and Folate help to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Folate is also instrumental in reducing the risk of stroke.
Prevents/Heals Arthritis
Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Manganese work in combination to prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Avocados are also recommended for those who are suffering from arthritis, since the anti-oxidants present in the fruit act as anti-inflammatory agents.
Anti-Cancer Properties
This fruit also contains certain compounds that, as research suggests, put up a tough defense against cancer. These compounds inhibit the spread of prostate cancer, eliminate harmful oral cancer cells without killing the healthy cells, and prevent breast cancer with the help of the oleic acid naturally present in the avocado.
Anti-Aging
Looking for natural anti-aging remedies? Present in the avocado is a rich source of glutathione that prevents aging and ‘cellular rust’.
Research has proved that when volunteers had food that contained avocados, their nutrient absorption rate was five times greater than that of those volunteers that consumed food without avocados.
A higher nutrient absorption rate means that not only will you benefit from the wholesome goodness of the avocado, but you will also derive greater benefit from the other food that you consume with it!
Good For Eye-Sight
If the aforementioned avocado nutritional facts have not yet convinced you to have an avocado a day, take note that not only do avocados contain compounds that lower cholesterol levels, but the fruit also has high amounts of carotenoid lutein. This compound prevents the onset macular degeneration and cataracts, two eye-related diseases.
Possible Health Concerns:
People who are allergic to latex, kiwis, bananas, tomatoes or chestnuts should refrain from having avocados. Avocado consumption can cause a fatal anaphylactic reaction in those who suffer from latex allergies. Immediate medical help should be sought if avocado consumption results in oral swelling, trouble in breathing and swallowing.