by Mason Smith

Created on: March 10, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

The Benefits of Avocados

Avocados have many benefits you may not be aware of. Avocados have been shown to have advantages in the prevention and defense of certain types of cancer, including prostateand oral cancers. This fruit can also improve eye and heart health, lower cholesterol, prevent strokes and is a very good source vitamin E.
It is pretty hard to think that avocados can prevent prostate cancer, but according to a study done by researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles, avocados contain a very large amount of carotenoids. Carotenoids are bioactive substances which are being researched for their benefits in preventing types of cancer. The researchers found that an extract of avocados inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells. The amazing fruit can also help prevent oral cancer, which has a 50% mortality rate due to late detection, according to Great Britain's Mouth Cancer Foundation. Avocados have a substantial amount ofPhytonutrients, which increase the amount of free radicals in cancerous oral cell lines and kills the cancerous cells.

The very samecarotenoidfound in avocados that can prevent cancers is also attributed to the fruit's ability to improve eye health. The high amounts of vitamin E in avocados also contributes to this. Thecarotenoidin avocados helps prevent eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration, eye problems which commonly progress with age. Vitamin E, found more in avocados than any other fruit, helps aging of the heart by preventingdiseasesandneutralizingfree radicals.
A common health problem in the American population is highcholesterol, which can lead to heart problems like heart attacks. In a study by researchers at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social in Mexico (Archives of Medical Research, Winter 1996) studied 45 volunteers, whom ate avocados daily for one week. In the one week, there was an average drop of 17% of total bloodcholesterolin the subjects. This is attributed to avocados' amounts of good fat, which can lower the risk of heart disease. If you still believe that avocados might be unhealthy because of their large amounts of fat, realize that the fat in avocados is in fact good for you.
Yet another advantage of avocados is their ability to prevent strokes. Like bananas, avocados are an excellent source of potassium. Potassium is a nutrient proven to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and strokes. Avocados also contain a large amount of folate. Folate rich diets have been shown to help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke as compared to diets with lower amounts of folate.
Avocados have many benefits besides being appetizing and are a very healthy alternative to other foods. Try learning aguacamolerecipe to make for your family's snack time instead of a highcholesterolfood, andthe next time you are out to eat and are deciding between that half-pound burger and fries or the creamy pasta, check to see if their might be a California salad on the menu.

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