As I was mixing my avocado flesh with milk, honey and walnuts excitedly, my Italian friend watched me in curiosity and awe – for in the US, Europe, South America, Australia and even in Japan, avocados are used mainly in sandwiches, salad, dips and soups, but hardly in a desert!
Avocado (Persea Americana), which comes from the Spanish word – aguacate – originated from Nahuatl word – ahuacatl, which also refers to testicles – perhaps because of the similarity in shape of the body part and the fruit. It is also known as alligator fruit, avocado pear or butter fruit. Originating from South-Central, Mexico, this fruit is popular in Mexican dishes, a base to a guacamole dip, usually paired with corn tortillas chips – a wonderful treat to the tummy – not only because of its savory taste, but also for its supportive effect to the digestive system.
I know some people who are hesitant to eat avocado, because of its high fat content. While this is true, avocado contains monounsaturated fats or good fats, which is necessary for the function of the body systems. This heavenly fruit contains more than 20 vitamins and minerals.
The right amount of intake is 50 grams or 1/3 portion, medium size avocado, daily or as prescribed by your health care giver.
Health benefits:
Bones and joints: Avocado is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, such as phytosterols, beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. Studies shows that oil extracts from avocado, alleviates arthritis and joints pain, boosts bone health, and wards off osteoporosis.
Digestion and weight loss: Plentiful in insoluble fiber, avocado prevents constipation and a good cleansing agent for the stomach. Fiber takes longer to digest. It gives a feeling of fullness, which prevents you from excessive eating, makes you shed weight. It is low in carbs, hence, kicks-up weight loss.
Cardiovascular system: Powered with anti-oxidants and high in healthy fat, avocado lowers cardio-vascular inflammation, neutralizes LDL, HDL and triglycerides levels and strengthens the heart. It reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Blood pressure: Loaded with potassium and low in sodium, it eases tension in the blood vessel and circulation, which stabilizes blood pressure.
Eye sight: Packed with vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin, the two potent antioxidants, protect the tissues of the eyes from macular degeneration due to aging, damage from the ultra violet light exposure and free radicals.
Pregnancy and depression: Abundant with folic acid or folate, avocado nutrients aids in the fetal development, blocks potential birth defects on babies, stimulates bone health of the mother and decreases depression. Folate stops the build-up of homocysteine, that obstruct the flow of blood flow to the brain, which affects mental health.
Beauty glow
For radiant and youthful skin: Mash one avocado fruit meat, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, blend it together. Afterwards, apply it on your clean face, neck and body. Let it stay for 15 minutes and wash it off with warm water and natural soap.
Choose to be healthy and beautiful always. Eat your avocado.
As I was mixing my avocado flesh with milk, honey and walnuts excitedly, my Italian friend watched me in curiosity and awe – for in the US, Europe, South America, Australia and even in Japan, avocados are used mainly in sandwiches, salad, dips and soups, but hardly in a desert!
Avocado (Persea Americana), which comes from the Spanish word – aguacate – originated from Nahuatl word – ahuacatl, which also refers to testicles – perhaps because of the similarity in shape of the body part and the fruit. It is also known as alligator fruit, avocado pear or butter fruit. Originating from South-Central, Mexico, this fruit is popular in Mexican dishes, a base to a guacamole dip, usually paired with corn tortillas chips – a wonderful treat to the tummy – not only because of its savory taste, but also for its supportive effect to the digestive system.
I know some people who are hesitant to eat avocado, because of its high fat content. While this is true, avocado contains monounsaturated fats or good fats, which is necessary for the function of the body systems. This heavenly fruit contains more than 20 vitamins and minerals.
The right amount of intake is 50 grams or 1/3 portion, medium size avocado, daily or as prescribed by your health care giver.
Health benefits:
Bones and joints: Avocado is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, such as phytosterols, beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. Studies shows that oil extracts from avocado, alleviates arthritis and joints pain, boosts bone health, and wards off osteoporosis.
Digestion and weight loss: Plentiful in insoluble fiber, avocado prevents constipation and a good cleansing agent for the stomach. Fiber takes longer to digest. It gives a feeling of fullness, which prevents you from excessive eating, makes you shed weight. It is low in carbs, hence, kicks-up weight loss.
Cardiovascular system: Powered with anti-oxidants and high in healthy fat, avocado lowers cardio-vascular inflammation, neutralizes LDL, HDL and triglycerides levels and strengthens the heart. It reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Blood pressure: Loaded with potassium and low in sodium, it eases tension in the blood vessel and circulation, which stabilizes blood pressure.
Eye sight: Packed with vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin, the two potent antioxidants, protect the tissues of the eyes from macular degeneration due to aging, damage from the ultra violet light exposure and free radicals.
Pregnancy and depression: Abundant with folic acid or folate, avocado nutrients aids in the fetal development, blocks potential birth defects on babies, stimulates bone health of the mother and decreases depression. Folate stops the build-up of homocysteine, that obstruct the flow of blood flow to the brain, which affects mental health.
Beauty glow
For radiant and youthful skin: Mash one avocado fruit meat, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, blend it together. Afterwards, apply it on your clean face, neck and body. Let it stay for 15 minutes and wash it off with warm water and natural soap.
Choose to be healthy and beautiful always. Eat your avocado.
Namaste.