by Jennifer Gerber

Created on: March 09, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

Eating a daily supply of avocado or alligator pear, as it is sometimes called, has many health benefits including lowering cholesterol, regulating blood pressure, improving heart health and preventing some cancers. This versatile fruit derives from Central & South America and can be found on the Persea Americana tree which is a tall evergreen that grows to 65 feet in height. The Aztecs utilized this fruit within their culture and the name avocado was actually taken from their word "ahuacatl". The avocado is grown in tropical and subtropical climates. Today the major producers are located in the United States (California and Florida), Mexico, Columbia, Dominican Republic and Brazil.

Avocados are an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, C, E & K, potassium, fiber and monounsaturated acids. As a matter of fact, they have over double the amount of potassium as bananas. Potassium, of course, is a valuable mineral which aides in regulating blood pressure, as well as, guarding against circulatory disease, the leading cause for heart attacks and strokes. In addition, 23% of the daily intake for folate, an important nutrient associated with heart health, can be found in avocados. The oleic and linoleic acids that are in the oil of avocados have been linked to lowering cholesterol levels. Researchers have also shown that the mix of carotenoids and tocopherols that are present in avocados inhibited the growth of both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. They have also been shown to provide protection against breast cancer and oral cancer. One other valuable benefit with eating avocados is that it increases your body's ability to absorb carotenoids, a group of nutrients that contains lycopene and beta carotene, which is found in various vegetables. Last but not least, it is also a fantastic source of glutathione which is an important antioxidant utilized in the fight against anti-aging.

Although avocados are traditionally linked with Mexican cuisine, they can actually be incorporated into a variety of dishes. Many health aficionados are known to utilize this fabulous fruit in salads, as a spread for sandwiches, or even as a garnishment for various soups. In addition, chips and salsa would not be complete without a side of traditional guacamole which is probably the most famous use of avocados. Many Americans have shied away from this fruit because of its high fat content, but don't let the numbers fool you. Yes a medium size avocado has 30 grams of fat. However it is also good fat, the kind of fat that we all should be including in our food choices. Regardless of how you decide to consume this fruit, make sure that you are incorporating it into your daily diet. It has definitely earned its title as one of the World's Healthiest Foods.

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