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Avocados are definitely the misunderstood member of the fruit family. They are still called a vegetable by some people, and have a high fat content that as seen many avocado fans cut them totally out of their diet. The truth is that this poor misunderstood soul is jam packed with 25 essential minerals that have seen it become known as the worlds' most potent superfruit.

Avocados help fight cancer

"Although the avocado is high in fat, this fat is made up of mostly monounsaturated fats, which are actually good for our bodies because they contain Vitamin E. This is the main anti oxidant that is generally missing in most Western diets." Says Dr Marc Price. Like olive oil avocados contain a lot of oleic acid. Oleic acid has recently been shown to offer significant protection against breast cancer and is thought to be the reason behind the higher life expectancy of people that live in the Mediterranean whose diets contain a lot of olive oil. Avocados are also a great tool in the battle against prostate cancer and oral cancer. Not only can certain avocado compounds inhibit cancerous growths, they have also been found to seek out and destroy pre-cancerous cells. "I am certain that the cure for cancer lies somewhere within the avocado." Says Dr Price

Avocados lower cholesterol

In Studies conducted at Liverpool's John Moores University people with high cholesterol levels were put on to strict avocado based diets. In every case massive improvements were made in the patients cholesterol levels. Not only was there a decrease in LDL cholesterol, the cholesterol that is considered bad for our bodies, but there was also an 11% increase in the good health promoting HDL cholesterol.

Avocados good for the heart

Heart disease is easily the world's biggest killer. It has been found that if we all ate just one avocado a day that death rate would fall rapidly. This is because avocados contain a high amount of potassium, a mineral that is considered to significantly reduce the risk of circulatory diseases. "Diets containing foods that are a good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke." Says the U.S. Food and Drug Association

Avocados and the nervous system

For are nervous system to run smoothly we need to eat a good balance of Vitamins A, B and C, and it just so happens that avocados contain all of them in good amounts. There are even traces of Calcium and Magnesium, which are thought to calm the mind and aid deep recuperative sleep.

So it makes sense to start introducing avocados in to your meals, but if you are stuck for recipe ideas try going to http://www.avocado.org.au, it is jam packed with great ideas that will help you and your family's health.

Learn more about this author, Roy Skillen.
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