by Dagny Roth

Created on: March 06, 2009   Last Updated: March 27, 2009

The Avocado is a popular and valuable fruit which has an array of nutritional benefits.

Avocado is one of the most recommended foods for bodybuilding and medicine for cholesterol-related heart disease. The avacado is native to Central America and is a fruit belonging to the genus Persea in the Lauraceae family. It was once considered to be the 'King of Fruits' and was consumed only by the royal clan. Avacados are rich in potassium content and a good source of vitamins A, B1, D, E, K & B. The fruit is also said to assist with high blood cholesterol levels. They also contain amino acids, lecithin and other fatty acids. These are useful for people suffering from skin problems. The Avocado oil is useful in treating skin orders like Eczema and Psoriasis. The oil is deep olive green in color and has a sweet nutty aroma. It is a terrific skin nourisher and makes the skin glow. Many companies have capitalized on the benefits of avacados by using them for conditioners and facial treatments. Avocado or an avocado extract is good for prevention or treatment of breast cancer as well as prostate cancer? Research indicates some scientists believe that avacodo has a great effect on the myocardium (heart muscle tissue) as well as on tissues of the lactating mammary gland. These benefits are currently being studied.

Not only does the avocado have a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids including "oleic acid", which has recently been shown to offer significant protection against breast cancer, but it is also a very concentrated dietary source of the "carotenoid lutein"; it also contains measurable amounts of related carotenoids plus significant quantities of vitamin E. It is also a terrific first food for babies with it's soft and light texture. Many parents are giving their children avocado's as a first food rather than other fruits which may contain high quantities of sugars not healthy for teeth or the digestive system. Avacados are easily broken down and melt in the mouth.

A few slices of avocado in salad, or mixing some chopped avocado into salsa will not only add a rich, creamy flavor, but will greatly increase your body's ability to absorb the health-promoting carotenoids that vegetables provide. Compared to any other vegetables such as carrots, spinach, or fruits, just a slice of avocado improves your body's ability to absorb carotenoids. The old addage "just an apple a day" may be changing to "just an avacado a day!"

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