Published 13:28 IST, October 22nd 2019
Diet Tips: Why should Avocado be a part of your everyday diet plan
Your every day diet plan should include food items that are rich in vitamins and minerals; one such fruit is Avocado and here are some of its health benefits
- Lifestyle News
- 3 min read
Avocadoes are stone fruits with a creamy texture that grow in favourable warm climates. They are also known as alligator pear or butter fruit. Avocado provides a good amount of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFA) and it is the only fruit to provide the body with these acids. Avocados have several health benefits and it is rich in nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the health benefits of avocado.
Nutrient-rich avocados
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, one serving of an avocado contains 64 calories, almost 6 grams of fat, 3.4 grams of carbohydrate, less than a gram sugar and almost 3 grams of fiber. Avocados are rich sources of vitamin C, E, K, and B6. They are also rich in magnesium and potassium. Avocadoes provide the body with the right amount of fat that keeps the body full and satiated. When a person consumes fat, the brain gets signalled to turn off the appetite. Also, consuming fat slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates, which helps to keep the sugar levels in the blood stable.
Avocadoes helps the health of the heart
Avocadoes have 25 milligrams per ounce constituent of natural plant sterol called beta-sitosterol. Regular consumption of beta-sitosterol has been seen to improve the level of cholesterol in the body which in-turn helps in maintaining heart health.
Great for Vision
According to a medical study, avocadoes are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, the two phytochemicals that are present in the tissues in the eyes. They provide antioxidant protection to help minimize damage, which also includes protection from ultraviolet light. The monosaturated fatty acids in avocadoes help in absorbing other beneficial fat-soluble antioxidants that helps in improving vision. Intake of avocadoes helps in reducing the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
Lowers risk of depression
Avocadoes are a rich source of folate. A high level of folate may help to decrease the risk of depression as folate helps in preventing the build-up of homocysteine. It is a substance that can slow down circulation and delivery of nutrients to the brain. Excess of homocysteine can also cause interference in the production of serotonin and dopamine that regulate the mood, sleep, and appetite of the body.
Natural Detoxification
Avocado provides the body with an adequate amount of fiber that promotes the regular bowel movement, which is important for the daily excretion of toxins through bile and stool. Dietary fiber also helps in treating inflammation and regulates the immune system.
Updated 17:45 IST, October 22nd 2019