Benefits of Avocado

Avocado, scientifically known as Persea Americana, is the fruit of the avocado tree, which is highly rich in healthy fats. It is a stone fruit with a creamy texture. It is also known as alligator pear or butter fruit.

Avocados are a very nutritious food that contains 20 different vitamins and minerals. Avocado contains vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. It also contains magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorous, vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin). It is a low carb food and contains 2 gm of protein and 15 gm of healthy fats. It provides a substantial amount of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA).

Benefits of Avocado

1. Avocados contain a natural plant sterol, i.e., beta-sitosterol which helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

2. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two phytochemicals present in avocados which provide antioxidant protection to eyes to minimize damage.

3. Vitamin K present in avocado is very essential for bone health as they increase the calcium absorption and decrease the urinary excretion of calcium.

4. Avocados provide an adequate amount of folate which protect against colon, stomach, pancreatic, and cervical cancers.

5. Folate present in avocados also helps to decrease the risk of depression as it helps to prevent the build-up of homocysteine (the substance that impairs the circulation of nutrients to the brain).

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