Here’s to Your Health: Avocado Health

By Mitzi Reed

 Contributing Writer

Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that helps protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health Avocados have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies Research has shown that certain elements in avocados are able to seek out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.

In a 1996 study by researchers at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social in Mexico, the 45 volunteers who ate avocados every day for a week experienced an average 17% drop in total blood cholesterol. Their cholesterol ratio also changed in a healthy way: Their levels of LDL and triglycerides, both associated with heart disease, went down. Their HDL levels, which tend to lower the risk of heart disease, climbed.

One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. Studies show that people who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don’t. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart. The high levels of folate in avocado are also protective against strokes. People who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower risk of stroke than those who don’t.

Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two disabling age-related eye diseases.

Avocados add great variety to a well balanced, low-fat diet.Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado. In one study, when participants ate a salad containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes lycopene and beta carotene) than those who didn’t include avocados.

Instead of spreading butter or cream cheese on your bread or bagel, use some mashed avocado instead. Replace that mayo you’d usually put on a sandwich with avocado slices. You’ll not only save calories, you’ll be cutting out saturated fat and increasing your daily intake of monounsaturated fat as well

Avocado can be used  as a skin moisturizer, cleansing cream, makeup base, sunscreen, lipstick, bath oil, and hair conditioner. 

The flesh of a ripe avocado soothes sun burnt skin. Just cut the fruit in half and rub it gently over the affected areas. 

Treat yourself to an avocado facial. Avocado has moisturizing elements to help make your skin more beautiful. For years, people have used avocado as a natural facial treatment, especially for dry skin. It’s easy to do in your own home. Just remove your makeup and wash your face with warm water and soap or your favorite cleanser. Mash some avocado and mix it with a little milk or oatmeal and apply it to your face. Leave it there for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with lots of water. 

If you have blemished skin, age spots or sun damaged skin the sterolins found in avocado oil can reduce blemishes and also relieve damaged skin, in particular damage caused by sun exposure. Avocado oil also helps to increase collagen production naturally. 

To your Health,

Mitzi Reed 

The health information provided in this column is for education purposes only.  Mitzi Reed assumes no responsibility in the treatment or cure of any disease or illness and does not claim to be a medical professional, and only speaks from her own experience. The information provided is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician.  

Mitzi Reed is the founder of World Wide Wellness, llc , and is dedicated to raising the awareness,  promoting healthier lifestyles and to empowering people in all aspects of wellness. She is also the founder of SpiritDove, a ministry dedicated to being a messenger of Love, Peace, and Happiness. Mitzi’s passion and purpose is inspiring others to tap into the power and beauty of their soul. Event Coordinator/promoter.Life and Holistic Business Coach, Author and Speaker, Peace and Sacred Activist, Angel Reader, Certified Theta Healer® Practitioner, Reiki Master