NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF AVOCADO PEER.

Avocado is one of the world’s most perfect foods. It is easily digested and contains over 25 essential nutrients including iron, copper, magnesium, and essential fatty acids that help the body to function optimally. Avocados increase the body’s ability to assimilate nutrients, so they are a wonderful addition to green leafy salads to ensure proper absorption of all the vitamins and minerals. They are also an excellent source of glutathione which helps to boost the immune system, strengthen the heart, rebuild the nervous system, and slow the aging process. The mono-unsaturated fats in avocados reverse insulin resistance which helps to steady blood sugar levels. Due to its nutritional profile, it is one of the closest foods to mother’s breast milk, being a complete and easily assimilable food with protein ratios that are equal to breast milk. Avocados are high in folate which is essential for women in child-bearing years and is also known to aid in preventing strokes and reducing the risk of heart disease. They are very good sources of soluble and insoluble dietary fibre which helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent constipation. An avocado contains Lutein, Beta and Alpha carotene which acts as protective scavengers against oxygen species (ROS).
  Apart from being an excellent source of fibre, avocado reduces the risk of diabetes, promotes lower body weight and prevents cancer. Avocados are rich in phytochemicals which have been reported to help prevent development of cancer. Avocado's sugar content is low compared to other fruits; half an avocado contains 0.2g of sugar.
  Research suggests that one-half of a fresh avocado with lunch may satisfy hunger in overweight individuals reducing their need to snack after meal. Phytonutrient compound found in avocados such as polyphenols and flavonoids have been found to have anti-infammatory properties thereby reducing the risk of inflammatory and degenerative disorders. The high amount of folate in avocado is essential in the prevention of birth defects such as neural tube and spina bifida. Avocado is one of the best natural mouth wash and bad breath remedies. It cleanses tongue and bad breath. The avocado oil is added in many cosmetics because of its ability to nourish the skin and make the skin glow. It also aids in treating Psoriasis, a skin disease that causes redness and irritation.
    Try adding a few avocados to your diet each week and enjoy the benefits of this delicious and health promoting fruit.
STAY HEALTHY. REMEMBER!!!! ADEQUATE NUTRITION, HEALTHIER SOCIETY. For more info. contact:

Kenneth Mercy (B.sc Human Nutrition & Dietetics)
Consultant Nutritionist
http://mercynutritioncorner.blogspot.com
kennethmercy@yahoo.com
+234 806 134 4343