The avocado is a fruit of the Lauraceae family and is native to Central America. It was called by the Aztecs as ahuacatl which means testicle due to its shape, while the Spaniards called it “pear of the Indies”.
The truth is that its creaminess and flavor has made it increasingly popular all over the world. More and more families are including avocado in their cuisine.
But, did you know that besides being delicious, avocado is highly nutritious and healthy? It has properties that offer many benefits for the health and well-being of our body. After knowing what avocado can offer you, you will never leave it out of your diet again.
Avocado Properties
Avocado is not only a delicious fruit, but also high in nutritional and healthy properties. That is why it is common for nutritionists to recommend including avocado in our daily diet.
These are its properties:
Abundant in healthy fats
23% of avocado is composed of fats. But don’t worry, not saturated fats, those that are harmful. But of monounsaturated fats, those that are necessary for the health of our heart and the proper absorption of other vitamins. Another place to find healthy fats is in olive oil, but avocado is a cheaper alternative.
Full of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the most abundant in avocados, functioning as a perfect antioxidant and serving as a protector of cell membranes. 100 g of avocado contains all the vitamin E we need in a day.
Minerals and other vitamins
Vitamin C (ideal for the immune system), and minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc also stand out.
Benefits of avocado
Reduces inflammation and replenishes muscle wasting
Avocado is a food widely consumed by athletes, since thanks to its potassium and magnesium it helps muscle recovery. It is also used to replenish energy expenditure. And because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a perfect fruit for those who suffer from arthritis.
Rich in folic acid
Avocado is also a fruit rich in folic acid, a very necessary vitamin for women during pregnancy. In addition to providing energy to the mother during this period so strong for the body, it prevents premature births and malformations in the baby.
Lowers cholesterol
This fruit especially helps heart health. Avocado contains unsaturated fats (healthy fats) that help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and triglycerides. While it increases healthy fats. That is why it is often included in diets that aim to improve heart health and prevent diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Relaxes the nervous system
Thanks to its high load of magnesium and vitamin B, avocado is perfect for reducing stress, as it helps relax the nervous system. It also improves the immune system through vitamin C.
Helps control appetite
If we want to control our appetite, we should include avocado in our diet. Since it provides soluble and insoluble fibers that provide satiety sensation, and therefore, decrease the anxiety to eat.
This same fiber is also useful to combat constipation, as it improves the intestinal tract.
Good for eyesight
Avocado can also help in the prevention of cataracts, thanks to the fact that it is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.
Helps control your weight
Believe it or not, avocado is included in the diet of both those who want to gain and those who want to lose weight. Because of its high amount of fiber and few carbohydrates, it is a good ally to lose weight.
But if we want to improve our physical performance, muscle recovery and weight, avocado is also recommended. Above all, because of the healthy fats it provides.
Antioxidant Properties
Avocado also has antioxidant properties that help improve the health and appearance of the skin. In fact, many skin cosmetics get their properties from avocado oil.
As normally seen in a spa, the pulp can be used to prepare skin masks, which help prevent the appearance of wrinkles. It can also be used for dermatitis or burns.
Good for the health of our hair
Its nutrients, density and creaminess are great allies of your hair. In addition to being easy to apply, avocado pulp moisturizes damaged and dry hair. It also seals split ends and makes your hair softer and silkier, and less unruly and frizzy.
You can use the avocado that you have outgrown and no longer want to consume to apply to your hair.
For all these reasons, it is a good idea to include avocado in our lives. If this is your plan, we recommend you to take a look at our Hass avocados. The particularity of this avocado is that it is harvested throughout the year and we will have no problem in making it part of our daily life.