5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD EAT AN ENTIRE AVOCADO EVERY DAY
After literally thousands of years of eating fat, at some point in the 20th century someone decided they wanted to get a name for themselves by labeling all dietary fats as bad. Avocados, rich in monosaturated fat was lumped together with french fries and fried chicken as bad. However, being mostly monosaturated fat, we now know the fat in avocados is actually very healthy! We are now told that the fat contained in avocados can do such things as help protect against heart disease and even certain cancers. But the health benefits of avocados go much further! Avocados contain nearly all essential nutrients that our body requires. They also contain antioxidant properties; avocados can balance hormones and even reverse aging.
AVOCADOS CAN BALANCE HORMONES, INDUCE WEIGHT-LOSS AND PROTECT US AGAINST DISEASE
Hormones: Avocados contain plant sterols such as beta-sisterol. This is a anti-estrogenic compound. Meaning, it helps block the uptake of the neuro-transmitter estrogen. By augmenting the amount of estrogen our cells uptake, we can increase the levels of progesterone in women and testosterone in men.
Anti-Aging: If you think back to biology class you may remember that out cells have a “power house” that creates energy for the cell to function and re-produce. This is called the cells “mitochondria”. While the mitochondria is essential it is also self-destructive. Meaning, the by-products they create from producing energy are free-radicals. Avocados contain anti-oxidants that are actually able to penetrate the cell wall and enter the mitochondria…essentially beginning the fight against free-radicals directly at their source. Dr. Christian Cortez-Rojo, noted that “avocado oil causes accelerated respiration in mitochondria, which indicates that the use of nutrients for producing energy for cell functions remains effective even in cells attacked by free radicals and that mitochondria can produce little amounts of damaging free radicals.”
Fight Disease: Avocados contain around 20 essential nutrients to maintain health, which include:
- Fiber
- Potassium (more than twice the amount found in a banana)
- Vitamin E
- B-vitamins
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Iron
- Boron
Also, avocados boost your body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble nutrients from other fruits and vegetables, such as alpha/beta-carotene and lutein. Avocados also contain antibacterial and antifungal properties which help to support a healthy immune system. Avocados are a great source of the amino acid lecithin, which protects against liver overload, helps to balance weight, and boosts certain neurological functions.
Benefits of Avocado Oil for the Skin
- Reduces age spots. Avocado oil is high in sterolins (these soften the skin and reduce spots).
- Rejuvenates the skin. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, B vitamins including B1 & B2, vitamin D & E, as well as beta-carotene, potassium and lethicin.
- Boosts collagen. Avocado oil boosts the production of collagen and helps prevent wrinkles.