AVOCADO

DESCRIPTION

Avocados can help pacify aggravated Vata and Pitta doshas in the body. It is Madhur (sweet) in taste. It is mainly Prithvi and Jala Mahabuta Pradhan (earthy and watery respectively) that make it more grounding and satisfying. It has a laxative and stool softener in action. Avocado fruits have greenish or yellowish flesh with a buttery consistency and it is rich in nutty flavor. The avocado tree is large and dome in shape, avocado has oval or elliptical leaves arranged in a spiral on the tips of branches. The leaves have a red pigmentation when first emerge and turn green as they mature. Avocado trees produce small, green-yellow flowers in large. Avocados have fleshy, pear-shaped fruit with a single large seed. Avocado fruits can be purple to green in color with smooth or warty skin. The flesh of the fruit is yellow-green in color, and the consistency of flesh is like butter. Avocado fruit contains one large seed. Avocado trees grown from seed can take 4-6 years to produce fruit whereas grafted plants may produce fruit within 1-2 years.  Avocado fruit is a powerhouse of many essential nutrients and minerals, which are vitamin K, B5, B6, B3, E, and C. avocado also dense in potassium, folate, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, and zinc, and phosphorous. 

Scientific name – Persea Americana 

Family – Lauraceae

AVOCADO HEALTH BENEFITS

Anti-inflammatory property – Avocados are rich in anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve arthritis pain. Avocado is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to lubricate joints and relieve joint pains. The fat of this fruit is unique, includes phytosterols, plant hormones such as camp sterol, beta-sit sterol, and stigmasterol that help keep inflammation under control. It also contains polyhydroxylated fatty acids (PFAs), which are anti-inflammatory in nature.

Regular blood pressure – Avocados keeping your blood pressure at normal levels. Avocados are a good source of potassium and low in sodium, which helps keep your blood pressure under control. Stable blood pressure helps to prevent the risk of heart attack or stroke. 

Good for the Heart – Avocados are also a rich source of antioxidants and monounsaturated fats which help keep the heart healthy and reduce the risk of stroke. Eating avocado also regulates LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, as well as blood triglycerides.

Boost fertility – Avocados help in boosting fertility and better the chances of conceiving. It also helps to increase the success of IVF Treatment. Avocados are nutrient-dense with folate (folic acid) which is key for preconception health.  Avocados are also rich in phytonutrients that may help to protect cells from damage.

Good for an eye – daily intake of avocados in your diet may help to improve eyesight. Beta-carotene and antioxidants are present in avocado which is beneficial for the eyes, also contain lutein and zeaxanthin both of these nutrients help to maintain good eyesight, night vision and minimize damage from ultraviolet rays. Avocados have a high amount of vitamin A, which also helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration that develops with old age. The monounsaturated fatty acids in avocados, help in better absorption of beneficial fat-soluble antioxidants.

Good source of foliate – Avocados are a good source of folate. Pregnant women must include avocados in their diet as folate helps healthy fetal development. Avocado helps to folate which decreases the risk of depression. Folate prevents the build-up of homocysteine. This substance tends to hamper circulation and the delivery path of nutrients to the brain.

Improved digestion – Avocados are loaded with fibers that may help to prevent constipation, and boost digestion and colon health. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, which facilitates bowel regularity, and enhances digestion.

Weight loss – The high-fiber content present in avocado help to make you lose weight well. Fiber takes the longest time to digest, which induces the feeling of fullness and which prevents from bingeing later. Avocados are very low on carbs, which promotes weight loss.

Help absorb nutrients – Avocados ensure better consumption of nutrients from plant source foods. There are many nutrients that are fat-soluble. That means they need to combine with fats for utilized by the body. Vitamin A, D, E, and K are some plant nutrients that are better absorbed with avocado fruit.

Skin – Avocados are rich in vitamin C and vitamin E both of these are essential for keeping the skin healthy and glowing. The natural oils present in avocados deeply penetrate the skin to nourish, soften and hydrate. Avocado has hydrating properties that may reduce fine lines and wrinkles, help keep skin smooth. Avocado boost skin immunity against stress and other environmental factors.

Hairs – Avocado helps to moisturize hairs, encourages your hair to grow, and protects against damage and dryness. Avocado Revitalizes ravaged hair and Improves hair shine.