10 Must-Know Health Benefits
of Eating Avocados

Yes, avocados are full of vitamins, fiber, potassium and numerous other minerals and nutrients. But these superfoods also have some very important health benefits. This article will introduce 10 of them:

1. Avocados assist in lowering cholesterol.

Not only do avocados lower bad cholesterol, but they also increase the levels of good cholesterol in the blood, according to research conducted in 1996. In the study, those who followed an avocado-rich diet showed a 22-percent decrease in bad cholesterol and an 11-percent increase in the amounts of good cholesterol.

2. Eating avocados assists weight loss.

Various studies have proven that eating avocados provides the body with a variety of nutrients, and those who eat this superfood are likely to have a lower body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement.

3. Avocados can regulate blood sugar.

The high concentration of monounsaturated fat found in avocados assists with insulin resistance and helps regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, the fiber found in the fruit maintains blood sugar levels at a regular rate.

4. Avocados could help prevent cancer.

The numerous phytochemicals found in avocados are believed to assist in preventing various forms of cancer including prostate cancer, skin cancer and cancer of the mouth. A 2007 study found that these phytochemicals discourage cancer cells from increasing. Also, the oleic acid found in avocados is believed to assist in preventing breast cancer.

5. Eating avocados reduces the risk of Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome causes a number of symptoms that increase the risk of various diseases including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Recent research showed that eating avocados can reduce the risk of this syndrome. In addition, the monounsaturated fat, vitamin E and other substances found in avocados all assist in keeping the heart healthy.

6. Avocados help regulate blood pressure.

The high levels of potassium found in avocados are believed to help the body maintain a healthy blood-pressure level.

7. Avocados reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Avocados contain various important antioxidants, as well as Omega 3 fatty acids and other ingredients, which are all anti-inflammatory agents. As a result, they reduce the risk of various inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

8. Avocados can prevent birth defects.

Folic acid is one of the most important nutrients to consume during pregnancy as it helps prevent birth defects. Avocados contain approximately 23 percent of the recommended daily value of folic acid for pregnant women.

9. Avocados are good for the skin.

Vitamin C and vitamin E, both found in avocados, keep the skin well-nourished. Avocados are also believed to help treat psoriasis.

10. Avocados keep your eyes healthy.

The carotenoid lutein, which is found in avocados, is believed to reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related loss of vision.

Avocados are clearly one of nature’s healthiest gifts, and they have become part of organic diets around the world. If you want to learn where to find the best organic food near you, Organicrestaurants.com has a list of eateries that cater to the organic lifestyle. To find one that’s close to home, check out our Organic Restaurant Search page.

SOURCES
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
nutritionj.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov