by Jane Mays-Evans

Created on: March 10, 2009   Last Updated: September 06, 2010

Avocados are green colored, pear shaped fruits that are raised in Mexico, California, and other parts of South & Central America. These fruits are not only pretty and delicious, but they are also very healthy. There are many factors that make avocados healthy and they are useful to combat several medical conditions. From salads, to dips, sauces and desserts, avocados can be added to any meal and they taste pretty good to be so good for you.

Avocados help lower cholesterol, fight Type 2 diabetes, regulate blood pressure, prevent heart disease, battle strokes, and combat cancer. Because the avocado is low in fat, it helps maintain healthy cholesterol. Avocados contain heart healthy monounsaturated fats called oleic acids. Monounsaturated fats lower the levels of LDL cholesterol which is bad for the body and higher the levels of HDL cholesterol which is good for the body. Raising the HDL helps protect the body's arteries from being clogged. Also, avocados contain fiber which helps lower cholesterol as well.

Studies show avocados help lower blood sugar. Monounsaturated fats can help with the sensitivity of cells to insulin and that can help keep blood sugar down. They can lower your LDL cholesterol and reduce the amount of triglycerides in your blood. This information has been backed by the American Diabetes Association. ADA includes avocados in their recipe collections.

Avocados can regulate blood pressure because they contain potassium. They contain twice as much potassium as bananas. Potassium is recommended by the American Heart Association as a substance that fights high blood pressure. Studies show people with high blood pressure have often been placed on potassium diets. Yet another reason why avocados are so great!

Heart disease can be prevented by eating avocados. Avocados can help control your blood pressure and your cholesterol which helps maintain a healthy heart. Another reason for eating avocado is that it battles strokes. Avocados contain potassium, magnesium, and fiber which all three help fight strokes. Studies done by health professionals suggest a person who diets with potassium is less likely to have a stroke than one who does not. Potassium, fiber, and magnesium are definitely good for fighting strokes and definitely found in avocados.

Finally, avocados help combat cancer. Researchers suggest eating fibers can help protect the body against cancers such as colon and breast cancer. Avocados are full of fiber as well as Vitamin C which is also helpful in fighting cancers because it can neutralize harmful radicals in your body. Overall, avocados are not only tasty in dips such as guacamole, but they are amazing for you health!

Learn more about this author, Jane Mays-Evans.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.