It’s scientific name is Persea Americana but it is commonly known as avocado.
This fruit is esteemed for its high nutrient value and is added to all sorts of dishes due to its tasty flavour and rich texture.
These days the avocado has become an incredibly popular food among health conscious individuals. It is often referred to as a superfood, which is not surprising given its health properties. There are many kinds of avocados with different shapes (from pear- shaped to round) and colours ranging from green to purple.
Has Way More Potassium than Bananas
A nutrient that most people aren’t getting enough of is potassium. Avocados are actually very high in potassium. Potassium is important for the proper functioning and respiration of the body’s cells. It also helps to lower blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of salt. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. In fact, potassium is essential to the smooth running of nearly all bodily functions.
Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids . Did you know avocado is a high fat food? Don’t worry it’s the good fat.
Seventy seven percent of the calories in avocados comprise of fats, making the fruit one of the fattiest plant foods in existence. But they don’t contain just any fat. The majority of the fat in avocados is oleic acid. This is a monounsaturated fatty acid. It is the major component in olive oil and is believed to be responsible for some of its beneficial effects. Scientific studies have shown that oleic acid helps to reduce inflammation and aids in the prevention and treatment of cancer, particularly breast cancer.
The fats in avocado are also pretty resistant to heat- induced oxidation. When fats oxidize, they produce stale or rancid odors. Oxidized oils may be harmful to your health. This is one reason why avocado oil is a healthy and safe choice for cooking.
Avocado Extracts Can Help Relieve Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis is a common problem in Western countries. There are many types of arthritis, and these are often chronic problems that people have for the rest of their lives.
Multiple studies have shown that extracts from avocado and soybean oil, called avocado and soybean unsaponifiables (components of an oily, fatty or waxy mixture that fail to form soaps when blended with sodium hydroxide (lye) or potassium hydroxide) can reduce symptoms of arthritis of the bones, known as osteoarthritis. Whether or not this effect is due to the avocado itself or the extracts has yet to be determined.
