Article by Chetana
Avocados are one of the healthiest fruit on the planet owing to their high nutritional value. The fruit originated in Mexico and dates back to 10,000 years B.C. Botanically this fruit belongs to the Lauraceae family, its scientific name being Persea Americana. It is fondly known as the alligator pear because of its leather- like exterior. Technically, avocado is a large berry with a huge seed in it. It has a smooth and soft flesh, a creamy texture and a mild flavor. The silky texture and versatile flavor, as well as the huge benefits of avocado, make it a favorite among people of all age groups.
Nutritionists have unanimously proclaimed that avocado is a complete food. It is rich in healthy nutrients like Vitamin A, B, C, E, K, fibre, folate, potassium, copper and protein, which are used to prevent various skin, hair and health ailments. A medium-sized fruit contains around 4 grams of protein. This fruit has low sugar content. A half avocado contains approximately 0.2 grams of sugar.
Avocado is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids that are highly beneficial for the skin. Avocado oil is an important ingredient in cosmetics and skin care products for its skin nourishing properties. Some of the benefits of avocado for the skin include:
1. Antioxidants:
Avocado contains antioxidant carotenoids like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which provide significant protection from free radicals and other environmental damage that leads to premature ageing. Several scientific studies have proven that carotenoids improve the density, tone, and thickness of the skin.
2. Vitamins:
Vitamin C is an extremely beneficial nutrient for the skin. It is very important to consume foods rich in Vitamin C on a regular basis as this nutrient is water-soluble and cannot be stored in the body. Vitamin C helps in the creation of collagen, a nutrient required for binding the skin cells and maintaining its firmness. It also detoxifies the body, removing all the toxins that cause acne. Vitamin E prevents free radical damage and oxidation of the skin cells, preventing ageing. It also reduces the effect of UVA and UVB radiation from constant sun exposure. Avocados are rich in Vitamin A, which helps to remove dead skin cells, revealing clearer skin underneath.
3. Monounsaturated Fatty Acids:
The skin benefits of avocado stem from the high levels of oleic acid present in it. Omega 9 fatty acids are the building blocks of healthy skin. Monounsaturated fats maintain the moisture in the epidermis, making the skin soft and hydrated. It regenerates damaged skin and reduces redness and irritation. Avocados act as humectants to draw water into the skin, making it healthy and glowing.
Read: DIY Homemade Avocado Face Masks
Avocado contains nutrients like iron, copper, magnesium, amino acids and folic acid that are essential for the nourishment and growth of the hair.
4. Smooth and Silky Hair:
The moisturizing properties of avocado make the hair soft, smooth and easy to manage. Use a hair mask twice a month to improve the elasticity of your hair. The high fat content in avocado makes the hair less dry and prevents breakage. You can make your own conditioner by mashing avocados to form a smooth paste. This hair mask will reverse hair damage, making it shinier and more manageable.
5. Prevents Hair Fall:
The Egyptians were the first ones to use avocado to control hair fall and promote hair growth. They are high in Vitamin B and E, which strengthen the hair follicles and repair the damaged scalp, preventing hair loss.
6. Avocado Oil:
Avocado oil is gaining popularity with every passing day. The texture of this oil is very light, which enables it to get easily absorbed into the scalp. Regular use of this oil cures hair problems like dandruff, scalp psoriasis, flaking, and hair fall.
These fruits do not only taste great but also provide various benefits to our health as well. Some of the benefits of avocado include:
7. Heart Health:
The monounsaturated fats, glutathione and Vitamin E in this healthy fruits are very beneficial for the health of the heart. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has revealed that consuming 1 avocado a day can effectively lower the cholesterol level without decreasing the high-density lipoprotein. The monounsaturated fats control triglycerides in the bloodstream, lowering the risk of heart diseases. It is rich in folate, a nutrient essential for preventing strokes. A cup of avocado provides 23% of the daily folate requirement. Avocado contains Vitamin B6, which regulates homocysteine levels, preventing the risk of heart diseases. It also contains potassium, which controls high blood pressure.
8. Cancer:
Several researchers have concluded that oleic acid in avocado may help to prevent breast cancer. It contains several compounds and phytochemicals that are effective in halting the growth of cancerous cells. It obliterates the cancerous cells without harming the healthy cells. It also helps to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.
9. Prevents Birth Defects:
One cup of avocado amounts to 23% of the daily recommended value of folate. This healthy nutrient promotes healthy cells and tissue development in the fetus. Folate in avocado is also essential for preventing birth defects like neural tube defect and spina bifida.
10. Mental Health:
The high doses of Vitamin E in avocado neutralize free radicals and the build-up of protein, preventing memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients. It reverses the symptoms and slows down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in the early stages. Folate in avocado also prevents the formation of tangled nerve fibres associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
11. Rich Source of Fibre:
Avocado is an extremely rich source of fibre. One medium-sized avocado contains 10 grams of fibre, amounting to 50% of the daily requirement. It contains both soluble and insoluble fibre, making it one of the most powerful and healthy foods. Insoluble fibre cleans the wastes from the body by efficiently increasing the bowel movements. This not only prevents constipation but also reduces the possibility of colon cancer. Soluble fibre also controls appetite by keeping the stomach full for a longer time.
The superb benefits of avocado will surely tempt you to include this nutrient-dense fruit in your diet. We would love to read your feedback on this post. Do not forget to leave us a comment below.
Article by Chetana
This is Chetana, an Amateur Makeup artist from India and Founder of StyleCraze.com – India’s largest beauty network. I am completely addicted to Makeup & beauty especially the Colour play and the process involved.
Image credit: subbotina / 123RF Stock Photo
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avocados are very good to burn body fat and also for weight loss in general. I eat 1 avocado per day. Most important I use it on my face packs. Thanks for sharing.
Good for you, Saanvi!
You are doing the right thing for your health and skin, avocados are full of good benefits, and most of all, the healthy fats.
hi. Nice to see you after a long time. Really nice and informative post. I have always the problem of hair fall. But now i will use it to prevent hair fall. I really don't know about it. But any ways thanks for sharing
Hi Hira,
Thanks for visiting!
It has been a while since you came by, hope it works for you, good luck !
Yes dear actually i was very busy now a days. But I still visit your site daily to see your amazing posts.
Thanks, Hira !
Started eating a half an avocado each day. Had many digestion problems, which are now gone! Skin looks better, more energy, didn't realize the breath benefits, but now that I think of it that has been a benefit as well! A magic fruit!
I eat one avocado every day to stay healthy, strong, and to have a positive attitude.