Avocado (alligator pear or butter fruit) is a bright green fruit with pitted leathery skin. This one-seeded berry is a subtropical fruit. It is famous for its rich, creamy, and nutty flavor. The nutty buttery texture of avocados makes them an excellent base for dips, salads, and toppings.
Avocados are the native fruit of Mexico and Central America. It is an essential ingredient of many traditional Mexican and Central American cuisines.
The creamy green flesh of an avocado is rich in many health-boosting nutrients. They are highly rich in fibers, antioxidants, vitamin B and E, folate, potassium, and magnesium, making avocado a superfood.
Health benefits
Avocado is one of the most nutritious fruits. It is rich in fibers, proteins, essential nutrients, and good fat. Some of the numerous health benefits of avocado are:
- Avocados are rich in vitamin C, B2, B3, B5, B6, E, K, and folate, which bear countless health benefits. They boost our immune system, protect our body from oxidative damage, and lower the risk of certain cancers. These multivitamins have a positive impact on our nervous system. They also decrease illness duration and improve overall health.
- Avocados are rich in fibers that improve gut health. Avocado also increases the good bacteria in our digestive tract. The fiber-rich diet also enhances weight loss.
- Avocado contains potassium and healthy fats that regulate blood pressure and lower cardiovascular inflammation. Beta-sitosterol (plant version of cholesterol) present in avocado lowers the cholesterol level in our blood. All these factors benefit our heart health.
- Avocado contains lutein and zeaxanthin antioxidants. These antioxidants protect the tissues in our eyes from UV light damage and prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataract.
- Eating avocado during pregnancy is a boon for a child’s neural development. Folate in avocado prevents congenital problems in the baby’s brain and spine.
- Avocado is rich in biotin and vitamin E that are good for hair and nails. Avocado oil is beneficial for hair loss and damaged scalp.
- Using avocado as a face mask makes skin soft and supple.
Because of its buttery and nutty flavor, avocado is the main ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. We can add it in many ways to our menu and enjoy its delicious taste and countless health benefits.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/avocado-nutrition