Incredible Benefits of Avocado Fruit for Skin, Hair and Health

Colloquially known as the Alligator Pear, avocado is a native to Mexico and Central America, which is slowly gaining popularity as one of the healthiest foods across the world. Rich in over 25 different nutrients, avocados also contain Vitamins A, B, C, E and K besides iron, copper, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, fibre and protein.  Here are some of the benefits of making avocado a part of your daily diet –

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• Avocados promote cardiovascular health. With a rich variety of nutrients including Vitamin E and monounsaturated oleic acid, research has shown that avocados can help to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and at the same time increase the more beneficial high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This is especially helpful for those with diabetes as keeping the cholesterol levels in check is vital since there is a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Avocados’ list of heart-healthy nutrients is a long one! Vitamin E prevents cholesterol oxidization, folate reduces the dangerous homocystenine levels in the blood, potassium helps in proper regulation of blood pressure while the phytosterols help to reduce cholesterol absorption and the dietary fibre helps to control the blood sugar levels. Research has even shown that the high levels of folate present in avocados can also protect against heart stroke. Definitely reason enough to include this tropical fruit in your menu indeed!
• If avocado is not your thing, use avocado oil for cooking instead. Rich in oleic acid and phytosterols, avocado oil is a much healthier substitute.                                                                                                                                                                                                              
• Instead of an expensive anti-aging cream which may not deliver what it promises, you might want to try a diet rich in avocado. Rich in anti-oxidants, avocado is beneficial in preventing the symptoms of aging. It helps boost the immune system slowing down the aging process whilst encouraging a healthy nervous system at the same time. The monounsaturated fats present in avocado help to improve your skin tone too. These help to control the moisture levels in the top layer of the skin making the skin soft and healthy. The omega-9 fats also help to repair the damaged skin cells and Vitamin C helps to maintain the skin’s elasticity keeping it looking younger for long.                                                                                                                      Image by © BRETT STEVENS/cultura/Corbis
• Generally, foods rich in calorie-count are not considered healthy. But the avocado which is high in fat and calories actually helps in weight loss! Studies have proven that the monounsaturated fatty acids are far more likely to be used as slow burning energy rather than getting stored as body fat.

The avocado has a leather-like skin, and the interesting part is that it is more beneficial if you peel it right.  Studies have shown that the dark green flesh that lies just under the skin is where the carotenoid antioxidants are stored in highest concentration. So, while peeling an avocado, it’s best to simply neck and peel instead of slicing into that dark green portion any more than necessary. There are many more health benefits to the avocado; we’ve just listed out a few for you. So, next time you are out shopping for groceries, don’t pass by this healthy and delicious fruit. Pick up some; and enjoy its health benefits to the fullest.