Say goodbye to health problems (Nutritional values of Avocado pear)

Avocado pear or alligator pear is a large berry containing a single large seed known as a “pit” or a “stone” long thought to have originated in South Central Mexico and scientifically known as Persea Americana. They have a green-skinned, fleshy body that may be pear-shaped, egg-shaped, or spherical but the most common is the Hass and they have a lot of nutritional values.

Avocado is rich in several vitamins (B, k, C, E), potassium and copper. It also contains phytosterols and carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Avocado consists of 73% water, 160 calories, 15% of healthy fat, 8.5% carbohydrates and 2% protein. It contains very little sugar when compared to other fruits. Most of the carbohydrate content is fiber i.e 9 grams of carbs, 7 are fiber, while the remaining 2 are “net carbs”, making avocado a low-carb friendly plant food. The majority of the fat it contains is oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid that is also the major component of olive oil and believed to be responsible for some of its health benefits.) The fats are also resistant to heat-induced oxidation, making the oil a good choice for cooking. Also it does not contain any cholesterol and sodium. All these nutritional properties make it work wonders for the body.

Ø It protects the eye

Because of its content of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, avocado keeps the eye healthy, it reduces the risk of age-related eye diseases.

Ø It keeps the heart healthy

According to researches avocado reduces blood cholesterol and triglycerides by 20%, it lowers the harmful LDL cholesterol by 22% and increases the good HDL cholesterol by 11%.

Ø Avocado may help in the prevention of cancer

Studies suggest that it may help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy in human lymphocytes. Also it reduces the growth of prostate cancer cells. However, it is good to note that these studies have not been proven yet.

Ø Avocado helps in reducing body weight

Following some studies avocados are weight loss friendly, because of its high fiber content and low carb content.

Ø Avocado may help relieve symptoms of Arthritis

Some studies show that avocado and soybean oil extracts can reduce osteoarthritis.

Ø Avocado helps the body to fight against infection

Because of its high content in vitamin C, which helps protect the body against infection and disease and supports healthy skin and bone growth.

v In addition to all these, avocado is great for beauty treatments because it supports beautiful skin.

HOW TO USE

There are several methods of application but I’m  going to tell us the two easiest.

Avocado and honey mixture

ü Mash  a ripe avocado and mix it with one tablespoon of honey. Spread it lightly on your face avoiding the eye area and leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes, then wash it off with lukewarm water. (This will tighten your skin and reduce aging marks.

                                      Avocado, egg whites and lemon juice mixture

ü Mash the avocado until it’s smooth, add 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon or teaspoon of lemon juice, mix together and apply over your face avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.


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LDL (Low-density lipoprotein)

This is a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a moderate proportion of protein with little triglyceride and a high proportion of cholesterol that is associated with increased probability of developing atherosclerosis.

HDL (High-density lipoprotein)

This is a lipoprotein of blood plasma that composed of a high proportion of protein with little triglyceride and cholesterol and that is associated with decreased probability of developing atherosclerosis.

(Text credit: Merriam Webster dictionary)