The Benefits of Eating Avocados
Amazing Health Benefits
- Avocado is high in oleic acid which has been known to prevent breast cancer.
- The high level of folates in avocado help prevent strokes.
- Avocados help provide defense against oral cancer.
- Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol a compound which has been shown to lower cholesterol.
- By eating avocado you can help prevent age related eye diseases and improve your overall eye health.
- Because of it's Vitamin B6 content avocado can help alleviate queasiness and morning sickness during pregnancy.
- Because of the monounsaturated fats contained in avocados it helps your stomach feel fuller faster helping you eat less and lose weight.
- Avocados are a high antioxident and can be used for treating skin disorders.
- The flesh of a ripe avocado can sooth a sunburn.
- Avocado is a good source of potassium which helps regulate blood pressure.
- Avocados help prevent prostate cancer.
Avocado facts
- Avocados are a fruit not a vegetable.
- Avocados are native to Central and South America and have been cultivated for over 10,000 years.
- Avocados are safe for eating by babies.
- Avocados are sodium and cholesterol free and have only 5 grams of fat.
- Fallbrook, California is the Avocado capital of the world.
- Avocados help lower bad cholesterol.
- One tree can produce between 150 and 500 fruit per year.
- Avocados mixed with ice cream are a favorite dessert in Brazil.
- There are currently 80 different varieties of avocados.
- Avocados have the high protein content of any fruit.
- An avocado does not ripen until it has been picked.
- Avocados contain more potassium than bananas.
Pros and Cons of Eating Avocado
Like any other food these days, there are both pros and cons connected to eating avocados.
One of the surprising benefits is that avocados helps put a stop to that awful morning breath that many of us have when we wake up. It is said that if you eat avocado before bedtime it acts as a mouthwash to clean the bacteria that may be causing the odor.
To my delight I also found that it makes an easy and filling baby food. My grandbabies loved mashed avocado. Because of all the vitamins and minerals avocado is good for the young and the old.
Now for a couple of cons. The first one is that they are so high in fat. One avocado can use up half of your daily recommended fat intake. So, while they are so good in many ways you will need to limit the amount you eat each day.
Another con I need to mention is that it may cause extra stress on your liver especially if you are already having any problems. Avocado encourages collagen growth which is great for your skin but no so much for your liver. If the liver is unable to handle the extra collagen it lead to fibrosis.
So, I guess that old saying "Too much of a good thing can be bad" is absolutely true in this case. The real point is, that avocado is great for the body but in modedration.
Avocado Pasta Salad
Cook Time
Ingredients
- 1 lb tri-color pasta
- 1/2 red pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1/2 green pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced in 1/8" diagonal slices
- 1/2 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1/2 crooknecked yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, minced
- 1 white onion, minced
- 3/8 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 avocados, peeled and chopped
- Vinaigrette
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Rinse and drain pasta and place in large bowl.
- Add all remaining ingredients except for avocado and toss with vinaigrette.
- Just before serving add avocaado and blend well.
- To make vinaigrette place all ingredients in small bowl and mix.
- NOTE: While pasta is cooking prepare vegetables and vinaigrette.
Grilled Avocados
Although avocados are typically eaten raw in a salad or as a side dish, they are also delicious grilled.
Ingredients:
2 large fresh ripe avocados
2 tbsp. fresh squeezed lime juice
1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup fresh salsa
Instructions:
Cut avocados in half and remove seed.
Drizzle with fresh lime or lemon juice and brush lightly with olive oil.
Place cut side down on grills for 2-3 minutes.
Salt to taste.
Fill grilled avocado with salsa.
Note: Do not over grill. Avocado is also delicious filled with chicken salad, macaroni salad, or crab salad.
This recipe serves 4.
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Will you try the Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe?
© 2012 Susan Hazelton
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Comments
AUTHORwrittenworks, They say the oil in avocados soothe the burn. If you decide to try it, let me know how it works for you.
I have always loved avocados. This article contains so much useful information I never knew about! I have also been laying out in the sun a lot lately, but I didn't know you could use avocados on a sunburn! Great information!
- AUTHOR
lindacee, salads are our main food during the summer. And avocados are just an extra yummy plus.
I eat a lot of salads during the summer -- I can't wait to try your avocado pasta salad recipe! What a healthy and refreshing meal. I'm always on the lookout for good deals on avocados. Thanks for sharing the health benefits and yummy recipe! Voted up, useful and interesting.
- AUTHOR
randomcreative, I love them too. You'll like the recipe.
The salad sounds amazing! I love avocados and am always looking for new recipes with them. Thanks for the great recipe and information.
- AUTHOR
Mhatter99, I love avocados. It's wonderful to learn they are good for you.
nochance, they certainly are popular. I could eat them every day. They're great anyway you prepare them. Even sliced with a little salt and pepper.
Avocados are pretty much good for everything. I've always loved them. The best part is that every time I pick up a health magazine it seems there is always an article where they found that avocados are good for something else.
There is a benefit (too)? I eat them 'cause I like them. Thank you for this.
- AUTHOR
vespawoolf, nrither did I until I did a little research. The salad is good, especially on hot days like we've been having.
I had no idea that avocado consumption can help reduce morning sickness. Your salad sounds delicious...will definitely give it a try. Thanks! Voted up and shared.
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