Two foods have completely taken over every recipe there is, cheese and avocado, and all the credit for their popularity goes to all the celebrities and influencers. What started as a healthier substitute of certain food items for people wanting to become fit or chose an alternate lifestyle slowly became a renowned symbol for a fitter way of life. Avocado has been referenced in movies, the internet has exploded with different recipes, most popular being the avocado toast and the guacamole, some common comics, gifs and NFTs have been made on it.
Avocado or alligator pear is a fruit that is stony on the outside and creamy on the inside. More than a fruit it has now become a cultural icon for millennials and Gen Z, or as they say it “it’s not a fruit, it’s an emotion.”
Health Benefits of Avocado
1. Assists in Weight Loss
Avocado’s pop culture fame should not be the reason for you to eat it, it is more than just a funny gif. It has a rich nourishment value and consists of almost 20 vitamins and minerals. To name a few, it’s got vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, it also is enriched with riboflavin, niacin, folate, magnesium, and potassium.
Avocados are the only fruit providing a significant quantity of healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids or MUFA and are a healthy source of getting lots of nutrition. They are also full of fibre and low in carbohydrates. If consumed as a part of a balanced diet it can aid in weight loss. It also has a sufficient amount of “good fats” which induce a feeling of fullness for a long time, aiding in losing weight. Avocado is also a natural detox.
2. Essential for Babies
Avocados are rich in folate which is vital for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, it decreases the chance of miscarriages and neural tube defects among pregnant women. Avocados are especially helpful for babies but don’t go by their cute green looks, avocado is also a vital food item for babies which helps in their growth during their formative years.
3. Protection from Chronic Diseases
These bell-shaped wonders are capable of preventing major heart diseases and cancers due to the presence of oleic acid and beta-sitosterol. Vitamin K and saponins present in avocados help treat bone diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis respectively. It helps in reducing the risk of depression by inhibiting the build-up of homocysteine which prevents nutrients from reaching the brain.
It also breaks down carbohydrates which result in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Avocados reduce triglyceride levels, bad cholesterol levels and improve good cholesterol, thus maintaining blood pressure levels. Lutein, zeaxanthin, phytochemicals and monounsaturated fatty acids reduce UV damage age-related macular degeneration to the eyes.
4. Aids in Digestion
They are also beneficial for your eyes and their antimicrobial properties improve digestion and evade ailments like food poisoning. It is rich in fibre which helps in the growth of good bacteria in the intestine and relieves constipation thus maintaining a healthy digestive tract and reducing the chances of developing colon cancer. Fibre is also responsible for maintaining regular bowel movements which are vital for the daily excretion of toxins through bile and stool.
Skin Benefits of Avocado
1. Maintains Healthy Skin
Avocado has many uses, from being the main ingredient to being a dressing or a dip, from being used as a moisturizer to a face mask and many more. If used as a natural beauty product, it can be used as a moisturizer, body/facial/hair mask, shampoo, shaving cream, anti-wrinkle eye cream, and psoriasis and eczema treatment cream.
Referenceshttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270406
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-benefits-of-avocado#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4