by Vikki McMahon

Created on: March 11, 2009

If you are looking for one food that will give you the most bang for your buck as part of a healthy diet, you cannot go wrong with avocados. With their irregular oval shape and greenish-black skin, avocados are well recognized. What many people do not realize is avocados are a fruit, not a vegetable. Grown mainly in Central and South America, the Mediterranean, and Southern Asia, avocados have been a staple in those regions. They are one of the most nutrient-rich fruits you can eat. Overcoming their high fat reputation, their many health benefits have avocados gaining favor in American diets as well.

The health benefits of avocados are most evident in the very thing that condemned them in prior years. Although high in fat, most of the content is the good monounsaturated fats as well as Omega 3 and 6 fats, believed to help with brain functions.

Packed with vitamins, avocados support the essential systems of the body. High levels of folate enhance the cardiovascular system and aid in stroke prevention. Folate also stabilizes the metabolism and is an important nutrient in prenatal health. Vitamin E also supports a healthy heart as well as promotes healthy skin. Potassium regulates blood pressure. Iron, zinc, and vitamin B6 boost the immune system.

Avocados have scientifically been proven to be cancer fighting powerhouses. High levels of oleic acid can help prevent breast cancer as well as inhibit the growth of oral and prostate cancers. Properties found in avocados are toxic to certain cancers, attacking and destroy the cells.

Many of the nutrients essential to heart health are found in avocados. Glutathione, folate, monounsaturated fats, and vitamin E are found in abundance in avocados. They also contain beta-sitosterols, which lower cholesterol levels.

Avocados are high in antioxidants that have many health benefits. The antioxidant Glutathione, for example, does multiple duties, enhancing heart health, fighting cancers, and battling aging.

Other nutrients found in avocados provide a wide range of benefits and protections. Lutein supports eye health, slowing macular degeneration and the onset of cataracts. The digestive system is also supported. Avocados have been proven to aid in the absorption of other nutrients. Many patients with ulcers do well with avocados in this regard.

The health benefits of avocados are vast. They are versatile enough to be added easily to any diet, used in recipes from salads to sandwiches to dips. Eaten in moderation, avocados provide a healthy boost to any body.

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