Avocadoes, also referred to as Alligator Pears, are testicle-shaped fruits whose skin is green and has a smooth, leather-like feature. Originally cultivated in Mexico and Central America, avocadoes have become well-known and are now grown in many parts of the world such as in the Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Due to its sweet and delicious taste, it is usually used for a lot of culinary dishes such as having it as a filling for California rolls or in sushi; and some even make avocado shakes and ice cream for dessert. But, more than that, avocadoes are also popularly known to be good for one’s health since they contain a lot of nutrients which are needed by the system. It is even considered by nutritionists as one of the healthiest fruits in the world because they contain more than 25 nutrients.

Listed below are the 7 health benefits that a person can avail through the intake of these alligator pears:

• Cancer Protection.

  Avocadoes are known to offer anti-cancer benefits. Its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are the ones that are responsible for preventing a person from getting cancer. Based on a study, the death of the cancer cells in the body is caused by several nutrients found on avocadoes. There are compounds present on avocadoes that have the ability to detect pre-cancerous cells. Upon detection of these harmful cells, the anti-cancer properties of avocadoes destroy them immediately to inhibit further generation and to prevent the occurrence of a more serious condition. In addition, Vitamin E is present in avocadoes. This vitamin is effective in neutralizing free radicals which might damage the cells in the body. Oral cancer and cancer in the breast and prostate are three kinds of cancer which can be avoided through the consumption of avocadoes.

• Eye Health.

  Avocadoes, among all other fruit options, are the greatest source of lutein. Lutein, a carotenoid, aids in protecting the eyes against diseases such as degeneration of the eye muscles and cataract. These two diseases affecting the eyes are brought about by aging, but then, teenagers or younger people are not exempted from having such; hence, it is advised that people of all ages should eat avocadoes at an early stage and continue to do so as they get older. It is the carotenoid lutein which is in-charge in decreasing, if not fully eliminating, the risk of getting blind.

• Provides Antioxidants.

  These pear-shaped fruit is rich in antioxidants which makes it a powerhouse of health benefits. The glutathione content of avocadoes is full of antioxidant properties. It is the antioxidant that enables the body to be guarded against free radicals which might harm the system and bring serious complications such as cancer and other heart diseases. Aside from improving one’s health, the antioxidants are also capable of preventing the symptoms of aging and boosting the immune system of an individual.

• Stroke Prevention.

  Alligator pears contain high levels of folate which is the primary component that prevents the occurrence of stroke. According to a study conducted by a group of nutritionists, people who ate foods which are high in folate has lower risks of getting stroke compared to those who do not eat foods that are abundant in folate. In addition, avocadoes are rich in potassium. Consumption of an adequate amount of potassium is beneficial in improving the circulatory system which is also helpful in the prevention of stroke.

• Lower Cholesterol Levels.

  Researchers from Mexico conducted a study in the year 1996 regarding the health benefits offered by avocadoes. There were a number of people who volunteered to eat avocadoes everyday and were put under observation. After a short period of time, it was found out that these volunteers have experienced an average of 17% decrease in their total blood cholesterol. The result of this study has proven that the daily consumption of avocado is indeed beneficial to people with high cholesterol levels. One component of these alligator pears is the monosaturated fats. These monosaturated fats are the ones that have a big effect on the reduction of the cholesterol levels. Also, avocadoes contain beta-sitosterol which is said to be effective in lowering the levels of blood cholesterol in the body. People who have hypercholesterolemia included avocadoes in their diet for a week and have experienced a 22% decrease in their bad cholesterol (LDL) and an increase of 11% in their good cholesterol (HDL)

• Blood Pressure Regulation.

  Avocadoes, being an abundant source of potassium, are very effective in regulating one’s blood pressure. It is the potassium content of avocado that enables it to control the blood pressure levels. Eating avocado and availing its potassium benefits can help a person avoid getting heart failure since it acts as a weapon against diseases which might affect the circulatory system. Moreover, avocadoes have a balanced amount of nutrients. They have high potassium contents and are low in sodium. This proportion makes it capable to act more successfully with regard to the reduction of high blood pressure risks. Also, blood pressure levels are lowered through the glutathione and folate compounds which are present in avocadoes. Alligator pears are known to improve the cardiovascular health of an individual as well.

• Contains Anti-inflammatory properties.

  These anti-inflammatory properties of avocadoes are one of the reasons why it is widely known to be beneficial for one’s health. Having anti-inflammatory properties, avocadoes can surely combat numerous diseases and can be an effective aid in boosting the immune system of a person. Once the immune system of an individual is enhanced, the risk of getting sick from time to time is lessened and the probability of being sick might even go nil for a certain period of time when the person regularly consumes foods who have anti-inflammatory properties such as the avocado. The anti-inflammatory properties of these alligator pears can be very beneficial to people who have asthma, sore throat, and other inflammations in the body. The soreness of the affected areas can be treated through consuming avocadoes.

Sources
healthdiaries.com
avocadohealthbenefits.org