Avocado, a fruit native to Mexico, Central America and Guam, grows on a tree with an egg-shaped pit. The fruit resembles pear in its shape and has been in cultivation since thousands of years. Avocados have not only been used for consumption purposes, but have also been utilized for treating a number of health and skin problems as well. Though very high in nutritional value, avocados comprise of a lot of calories too and are thus, advised to be consumed in moderation. In the following lines, we have tried to make you conversant with the health as well as nutritional benefits of eating avocados.
Nutritional Value of Avocado
Given below is the amount of nutrients present in 100 gm of Avocado:
Vitamin A - 147 IU
Vitamin C - 8.8 mg
Vitamin E - 1.97 mg
Vitamin K - 21 mcg
Thiamin - 0.075 mg
Riboflavin - 0.143 mg
Niacin - 1.912 mg
Vitamin B6 - 0.287 mg
Folate - 89 mcg
Pantothenic Acid - 1.463 mcg
Calcium - 13 mg
Iron - 0.61 mg
Magnesium - 29 mg
Phosphorus - 54 mg
Potassium - 507 mg
Sodium - 8 mg
Zinc - 0.68 mg
Copper - 0.17 mg
Manganese - 0.149 mg
Selenium - 0.4 mcg
Total Fat - 15.41 mg
Saturated Fat - 2.126 mg
Monounsaturated Fat - 9.799 mg
Polyunsaturated Fat - 1.816 mg
Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Avocados
Avocado paste, if applied to rashes and rough skin, makes the skin smoother.
Being rich in magnesium, an avocado helps produce energy and is good for muscle contraction and relaxation.
Avocados have been found to be helpful in lowering cholesterol levels, mainly because of the presence of beta-sitosterol.
Consumption of avocados is good for those suffering from psoriasis and bad breath.
Being rich in vitamin C and vitamin E, both of them having antioxidant properties, avocados help in slowing down the aging process.
Cutting and rubbing the flesh of a ripe avocado on sun-burnt skin helps in soothing it.
Glutathione, present in avocados, acts as an antioxidant and helps neutralize free radicals that can cause cell damage and lead to diseases.
Since an avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, it helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and boost HDL (good) cholesterol.
Avocado is good for people suffering from digestive and circulatory problems.
The potassium in avocados helps keep body's electrolytes in balance.
The presence of folate in avocados promotes healthy cell and tissue development.
Avocados have been found to offer protection against heart disease as well as various forms of cancer.
Traditionally, avocado has been used to treat people who have sexual problems.
The presence of Lutein in an avocado makes it act as a protection against macular degeneration and eye diseases like cataract.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
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