Published: 08/05/2014 - Updated: 08/07/2014
Known as the green butter of fruit, avocado is a tropical fruit, even though it can now be found year round, in both warm and mild climates. This fruit grows on a tall and green Lauraceae tree, with robust foliage. It is said to be native to Central America, even thought the word “avocado” come from the Nahuatl word “ahuacatl”, which means testicle. The name was given by the Aztecs of ancient Mexico because of its obvious shape.
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Avocado components
This fruit is rich in nutrients, and contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, acids and amino acids, which makes it extremely healthy. It is an extremely good natural alternative for cardiac problems.
Avocado’s nutritional value
- Outstanding in vitamin E content, which slows aging and protects against cardiac disease and common types of cancer.
- Contains folic acid and glutathione.
- Rich in fatty acids, 5 of which are mono and polyunsaturated: Omega 9, Omega 7, Omega 6, and Omega 3 to name a few. Omega 3 plays an important rolde in cancer prevention. Beta-sitosterol also prevents cholesterol accumulation.
- Rich in essential amino acids (ten of them): Arginine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lycine, Methionine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine. Amino acids are indispensable in protein synthesis.
- Rich in mineral elements such as calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc. Each of which are necessary for optimu cellular metabolism functioning and blood circulation.
Avocado’s properties
- Generally promoting of a healthy life.
- Vitalizes the immune system.
- Helps improve vision.
- Protects cells from stress-related damage
- Prevents carcinogenic diseases
- Strengthens the liver and prevents liver disease
- Improve food digestion and protects cardiac muscles
- Helps nourish the hair and skin
Oleic acid is a type of fat that helps reduce cholesterol levels. Avocado contains high quality natural fats recommended in diets to control cholesterol. However, due to its high calorie content, be careful of how much avocado you consume.
Other benefits of the avocado
“Therapeutically speaking, avocado is a true pharmacy”, says the Brazilian doctor Paulo Eiro Gonsalves. “Using its leaves in infusions are great for the gallbladder, they are digestion aids, diuretics, anti-rheumatic, and are useful in alleviating bronchitis, snoring, and menstrual cramps. The oil pressed from its pulp is used for massages against gout and rheumatism, or as a lotion to fight dandruff or hair loss”.
Avocado’s aesthetic virtues
Many mask bases are made from avocado, both for the skin and for the hair, due to its vitamin E content. That’s why it is used as a base in several cosmetic products, such as shampoos, creams, soaps, oils, and hydrating creams. The meaty pulp is fantastic for repairing damages skin, as it plays a part if tissue regeneration.
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