Avocados: Good for Youthful Skin
Friday, June 27th, 2008Can something so sinfully rich and delicious possibly be good for you? Yes! Avocados are one of nature’s most complete foods. They are packed with nutrients and vitamincs C and E which is good for promoting fresh and more youthful skin, as well as protecting you from heart disease, cancer, as well as birth defects.
It is true that Avocados contain fat. However, this is one of the healthiest types of fat we can consume. Studies show that when we increase the amount of monounsaturated fat in our diet, we decrease the LDL cholesterol levels circulating in our blood. Consequently, lowering circulating levels of cholesterol decrease our risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and Atherosclerosis.
Also Avocados help in the fight against heart disease due to their fiber. Avocados contain more fiber than the majority of its fruit counterparts. Fiber reduces LDL cholesterol levels in our blood by attaching to bile acid forcing our bodies to use cholesterol to produce more. It may also helps in the fight against hypertension and certain types of cancer.
In addition, avocados contain 60% more potassium than bananas helping the fight against hypertension. Increased potassium levels are associated with decreased blood pressure. Not only does potassium decreases your blood pressure; it also decreases your chance of death in the event that you have a stroke.
Folate is also a member of the avocado package.
They contain more folate than oranges and green leafy vegetables. Most women fail to eat enough folate before pregnancy. Women who do have an adequate folate intake early in pregnancy protect their children from birth defects such as spina bifida. Folate is also linked to the prevention of heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels in our body. Homocysteine levels in high amounts can lead to heart disease.
Avocados are packed with phytochemicals that fight heart disease and cancer. They have no nutritive value. However, phytochemicals reduce our chance of heart disease and cancer.
Here are two examples Beta-sitosterol and Glutathione:
Beta-sitosterol found in twice the level as most plants. This prevents cholesterol from being absorbed, lowering our cholesterol, and inhibits tumor growth.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals thus preventing the development of cancer and heart disease.
If you are worried about the potential of heart disease, cancer or more youthful looking skin, this is the perfect fruit for you. Avocados are an important edition to your diet. Remember that variety is important. Each fruit and vegetable has different nutrients that will protect you against heart disease, cancer and many other diseases.







