Avocado

Avocado (popularly known as alligator pear and butter fruit) is a delicious fruit that grows on evergreen and tall trees. The avocado tree can grow up to a height of 20 meters. The tree bears alternate leaves, small light yellow flowers and pear shaped single seeded fruit that we know as avocado. The tree is a native of Central Mexico. It also grows in central and south America, particularly Brazil.

Part used: Flesh or pulp of fruit.

Chemical composition: Avocado contains phytosterols, carotenes, vitamins B, C and E, unsaturated fats, carbohydrates and fibre. It also contains many minerals including manganese, zinc, selenium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium.

Medical benefits: Avocado is full of antioxidants and vitamins, which makes it an extremely healthy fruit.

• It is anti-inflammatory and prevents rheumatoid arthritis.

• Due to the presence of folic acid and potassium, Avocado is beneficial for heart diseases, stroke, and lower blood pressure. It helps lower cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis.

• Folic acid also prevents birth defects in pregnant women.

• Carotenes present in Avocado are beneficial for the eyes. It also helps prevents aging, age related macular degeneration and cataract.

• Avocado helps controls the bad breath and prevent cancers of prostrate and mouth.

• Avocado also contains antioxidants and Vitamin C, which limits cell damage caused by free radicals.

• The high fibre content in avocado helps improve digestion, weight loss, and maintaining blood sugar levels. It also improves insulin resistance in diabetes and reduces requirement of insulin.

• Avocado oil containing Vitamin E, which is a tonic for skin. It delays the aging process, stimulates collagen and prevents wrinkle formation.

Contraindications: The fruit can be allergic to some people otherwise it is a safe fruit.

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