Avocados are an amazing superfood high in monounsaturated fatty acids (good fat) which can fight and get rid of bad fat and cholesterol in the body. Avocados are also a good source of antioxidants, fiber, carotenoids, potassium (avocados have twice of the amount of potassium found in bananas), B vitamins and vitamin E. Mashed avocado has been used to treat dermatitis, and eczema and the oil from avocado also has treated wounds and infections.
Here are the many health benefits of avocado:
1. Protecting liver against damage of free radicals and toxins:
Eating an avocado a day helps your liver by increasing the levels of antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione (GSH) is a compound in the liver that helps to keep everything in check. Not only does GSH detoxify things like drugs, but it’s also essential for liver regeneration.
In a Japanese study in 2000, the researchers gave rats a potent liver toxin (D-galactosamine) and found out that the group of rats that were given avocados suffered the least amount of liver damage.
In another 2005 study published in The American Society for Nutritional Sciences, the researchers discovered that those who took avocado or avocado oil could absorb there to five times more antioxidant carotenoid that helps to protect the body against accumulation of free radicals and toxins.
2. A great anti-inflammatory food that can reduce the growth cancer cells:
Research has shown that the aliphatic acetogenin constituents of avocado can inhibit human oral cancer cell proliferation by targeting the EGFR/RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK1/2 pathway. Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Cancer shows that phytochemicals extracted from avocado can selectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
3. Increasing the level of good cholesterol and reducing the level ofLDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides:
In a study the participants who were on a diet high in monounsaturated fat from avocados had 11% increase in level of good cholesterol (HDL) along with 17% drop in level of bad cholesterol(LDL) and 22% reduction in triglycerides.
4. Improving cardiovascular health:
Eight different clinical studies have shown that consumption of avocado can promote cardio health by reducing the risk of strokes. According to researchers, avocados have Beta-sitosterol (a plant sterol) that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
5. Preventing Alzheimer’s and promoting healthy brain function:
According to Dr. Daniel G. Amen, the author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, the omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E in avocados can significantly promote healthy brain function. Studies have also shown that folate in avocados can reduce the brain clog up and risk of Alzheimer’s.
6. Preventing birth defects and promoting a healthy pregnancy:
Folic acid, B vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids in avocados can help with the brain development of the fetuses and prevent the risk of birth defects.
7. Promoting eye health:
Avocado is a great source of a powerful antioxidant known as carotenoid lutein and can protect the eye against age-related degeneration and poor vision.
8. Preventing diabetes:
The monounsaturated fat in avocados can prevent and reverse insulin resistance and the fiber in avocado can help to keep the blood sugars steady.
9. Lowering blood pressure:
The great source of potassium, omega 3 fat acids and folate in avocados can help to reduce high blood pressure.
10. Healthy hair and skin:
Many women are brainwashed into thinking that in order to have healthy hair or skin, they have to spend lots of money on facial creams and hair care products that have tons of harsh chemicals including mineral oil, paraben or sulfate.
The good news is that the powerful antioxidants and natural oils avocado can penetrate deep into the skin by helping to hydrate and moisturize dry skin. Avocadoes are also high in amino acids and antioxidants and a routine avocado mask could significantly reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Avocadoes are also great remedy for treating sunburns and repairing dry and damaged hair.
Ladies, do you want to have amazing skin or hair?
Best hair product: mix one organic avocado, two table spoons of organic grapeseed oil and 2-3 organic egg yolk in a blender and then apply the mixture into your hair. Leave the mask for few hours and then rinse it completely. Repeat this process for 4 to 6 month (ideally once every week) and you will end up having super smooth and shiny hair.
Best skin care product: Mix one organic lime, organic avocado and organic grapeseed oil in a blender and leave it on your face for 30 min and then rinse.
Sources:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/01/17/avocado-benefits.aspx#_ednref8
