Avocado Health Benefits and Nutrition Value
About Avocado
Avocado scientifically known as Persea Americana got its name from Spanish word ‘Aguacate’. It is believed to have originated in the state of Puebla Mexico. Also known as the ‘Alligator pear’ cause of its green bumpy skin similar to that of an alligator. Inside is a yellow- green flesh that is smooth textured and the fruit is eaten discarding the seed. Mexico is the largest producer and exporter of Avocado in the world with about 500,000 metric ton being sent to U.S every year. A steady increase in demand of avocado can be noticed in United States and avocado has found its space in the supermarket shelves all over U.S. In order to meet its growing demand U.S has opened doors and imported avocado from South American countries like Chile, Columbia, Peru and Brazil.
Avocado Nutrition Facts
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- Vitamin K 26% , Folate 20% , Vitamin C 17% Potassium 14% Vitamin B5 14% Vitamin B6 13% Vitamin E 10%
- Contains Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin)
- Contain More Potassium Than Bananas.
- Avocado is Loaded With Heart-Healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids.
- Avocados Are Loaded With Fiber.
Avocado Benefits
- Great for vision.
- Osteoporosis prevention.
- Lowered risk of depression.
- Improved digestion.
- Natural detoxification.
- Protection from chronic disease.
- Eating Avocados Can Lower Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels.
- The Fat in Them Can Help You Absorb Nutrients From Plant Foods.
- Avocados Are Loaded With Powerful Antioxidants That Can Protect The Eyes.
- Prevent Cancer.
- Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis.
- Help You Lose Weight.
- Prevents tumor growth.
- Keep your skin looking young and wrinkle free.
- Scientists have proved that a toxin in avocadoKills the Cancer Cells.
- Used in the treatment of skin disorders.
Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
---|---|---|
Energy | 160 Kcal | 8% |
Carbohydrates | 8.53 g | 6.5% |
Protein | 2.0 g | 3.5% |
Total Fat | 14.66 g | 48% |
Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g | 18% |
Vitamins | ||
Folates | 81 µg | 20% |
Niacin | 1.738 mg | 11% |
Pantothenic acid | 1.389 mg | 28% |
Pyridoxine | 0.257 mg | 20% |
Riboflavin | 0.130 mg | 10% |
Thiamin | 0.067 mg | 5.5% |
Vitamin A | 146 IU | 5% |
Vitamin C | 10 mg | 17% |
Vitamin E | 2.07 mg | 14% |
Vitamin K | 21 µg | 17.5% |
Electrolytes | ||
Sodium | 7 mg | 0.5% |
Potassium | 485 mg | 10% |
Minerals | ||
Calcium | 12 mg | 1% |
Copper | 0.190 mg | 21% |
Iron | 0.55 mg | 7% |
Magnesium | 29 mg | 7% |
Manganese | 0.142 mg | 6% |
Phosphorus | 52 mg | 7% |
Selenium | 0.4 µg | <1% |
Zinc | 0.64 mg | 6% |
Phyto-nutrients | ||
Carotene-a | 24 µg | — |
Carotene-ß | 62 µg | — |
Cryptoxanthin-ß | 28 µg | — |
Lutein-zeaxanthin | 271 µg | — |
Avocado is incredibly nutritious in a single ounce i.e 3.5 grams serving has 26% of vitamin K, 20% Folate, 17% Vitamin C , 14% Potassium, 14% vitamin B5 , 13% vitamin B6, 10% vitamin E. Apart from all this it also contains small amount of magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, Vitamin A and other nutrients. It has 160 calories, 15 grams of healthy fat and no cholesterol or sodium content.
Potassium a vital nutrient is often neglected by people and is not consumed enough by people these days. It is also lesser known that avocado have a higher potassium content when compared to bananas. This nutrient helps in keeping blood pressure under control. Avocado is the fattiest plant food available for ones consumption. It is loaded with fat with 77% of the calories of fat. The majority of the fat is oleic acid, this helps in reducing inflammation. This butter fruit is rich in fiber content. Fiber is an indigestible plant matter that helps in weight loss, reduces blood sugar and also fights obesity. It also aids in smooth functioning of the metabolic system.
How To Enjoy Avocado
Avocado is easy to incorporate with all sorts of food as it is not only healthy but its creamy texture makes it a delight to eat. You can add them in salads, you can make dips or you can simply scoop it with your spoon and indulge in some raw goodness. Guacamole a renowned dip accompanied with nachos and salsa is made by avocado. Avocado brownies, wraps and smoothies are a new attraction for all avocado lovers to binge on. One needs to check for latex intolerance as people prone to it might show symptoms of uneasiness after the consumption of avocado.
95% of the States avocado production comes from California with about 59,000 acres of land used for its production This berry needs a lot of water to grow and the recent drought in California has shaken the ground for all avocado lovers and raised the question is this the last avocado I’m eating? A lot of these climatic changes and other factors have made avocado an endangered trendy food. Right measures are to taken before the world looses on its nutrient star.