Health benefits of Avocados
Avocado is one of the most recommended fruits which is very beneficial for your health. Avocado is derived from the Aztec word "ahuacatl". Avocados are generally available throughout the year, they are the most abundant and at their best during the spring and summer. Avocado is grown especially in Mediterranean countries like Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Additionally, it is grown in Mexico, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Australia, New Zealand, India, China and South African countries where the temperature never go below five degrees, even during the winter season.
Nutritional value:
- Avocados are a good source of vitamin K, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate and copper.
- This is a good source of potassium
- They are higher in potassium than a medium banana.
- A typical avocado contains 30 grams of fat, but 20 of these fat grams are health-promoting monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid.
Health Benefits:
1. Good for heart: Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help to lower cholesterol.
2. Avocados are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Adequate intake of potassium can help to guard against circulatory diseases, like high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke.
3. It is a great antioxidant and can be used for skin disorders.
4. Avocado is a great benefit for people suffering from digestive and circulatory problems.
5. Avocado paste can be applied to rashes and rough skin to make it smoother.
6. Avocado contains beta-carotene that prevents cancer.
7. It improves the ability of the body to absorb carotenoids.
8. Avocado is used to help people who have sexual problems.
9. When enjoyed in place of other fats, avocados can be a satisfying addition to a calorie-controlled diet.
10. Enjoying a few slices of avocado in your tossed salad, or mixing some chopped avocado into your favorite salsa will not only add a rich, creamy flavor, but will greatly increase your body's ability to absorb the health-promoting carotenoids that vegetables provide.
How to select and store:
- A ripe, ready to eat avocado is slightly soft but should have no dark sunken spots or cracks.
- A firm avocado will ripen in a paper bag or in a fruit basket at room temperature within a few days.
- Avocados should not be refrigerated until they are ripe.
- Sprinkling the exposed surface(s) with lemon juice will help to prevent the browning that can occur when the flesh comes in contact with oxygen in the air.
Serving ideas:
- Use chopped avocados as a garnish for black bean soup.
- Add avocado to your favorite creamy tofu-based dressing recipe to give it an extra richness and beautiful green color.
- Mix chopped avocados, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice and seasonings for a rich-tasting twist on traditional guacamole.
- For an exceptional salad, combine sliced avocado with fennel, oranges and fresh mint.
- Spread ripe avocados on bread as a healthy replacement for mayonnaise when making a sandwich.
So next time don't forget to add some fresh avocado in your grocery shopping list.
