by Shelley Peterson

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

There is a lot of nutrition packed into avocados. Not only are they tasty but they provide several essential vitamins and minerals necessary for overall health. They also help the body absorb nutrients from other foods.

Although avocados are considered high in fat they contain Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which provide energy while helping to lower bad cholesterol levels. They are a great source of heart healthy monounsaturated fat.

The fat in avocados may help to raise HDL (good cholesterol), which protects arteries, and lowers LDL (bad cholesterol).

Avocados contain vitamins A and C as well as some B vitamins, calcium and magnesium. These vitamins help maintain the nervous system and the calcium and magnesium helps to keep the body calm and assists in achieving recuperative sleep. This is necessary to keep the nervous system functioning efficiently. The B vitamins along with the iron content of the avocado also help with the absorption of carnitine (an important amino acid found in red meat), which aids in the utilization of fat.

Avocados have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate as well as breast cancer. Avocados contain other bioactive substances such as carotenoids, which, may contribute to cancer prevention. There is also some evidence that avocados can help reduce the potential for oral cancer. Oral cancer is more likely to result in death than breast, skin or cervical cancer according to Great Britain's Mouth Cancer Foundation. Eating avocados may be a strategy for preventing oral cancer.
According to researchers at Ohio State University nutrients taken from avocados can inhibit oral cancer cells by killing some or stopping the growth of pre-cancerous cells from developing into cancers without affecting the normal cells. This protective effect is attributed to the high levels of phytonutrients or phytochemicals (plant compounds thought to have health-protecting qualities)

Although while avocados have not been seen as a cure for cancer they can be seen as a good food option that helps lower the risk of having to deal with cancer later in life.

Avocados also contain more lutein than other types of fruits. Lutein helps protect the eyes from the development of cataracts or macular degeneration. It also helps to minimize other vision problems that occur with age.

Avocados are a good source of potassium and folate, which, aid in the regulation of blood pressure, circulatory diseases, heart disease and stroke. It has been found that women who have a higher intake of dietary folate have a 55% lower risk of having a heart attack or ending up with a fatal heart disease.

This tasty fruit is the highest fruit source of vitamin E a powerful antioxidant. It helps to slow down the aging process and protects against some common forms of cancer by neutralizing free radicals that cause cell damage.

So with all the benefits of eating avocados who wouldn't want to try it? So dig in and find out what avocados can do for you.

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