Avocado: The Prolific Green Fruit, Vegetable, and Nut Combined

If a single, organic avocado tree can produce up to 2000 fruits in one lifetime, then it should be a viable food option for sustaining the world population with its incredible nutrient value. One of the most evolved plants on the planet, avocados grow in dry, arid climates, as well as more temperate ones. Incredibly, this super food has a biochemical profile that would make other fruits, vegetables and nuts blush, since it contains the nutrients of all three. In fact, avocados are so important to our overall health that studies have even found avocado-eaters to be especially healthy.

Here is why the health benefits of avocados are some you will not want to miss:

• Avocados have enough protein in them to (almost) replace meat or cheese. This is why they are a staple food of many vegans and vegetarians.

• Avocados are full of 13 essential minerals that our bodies need to carry out a plethora of vital functions, from repairing red blood cells to balancing our endocrine system to preventing anemia. They contain potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, and more.

• The fruit is a great source of linoleic acid and oleic acid, important forms of monounsaturated fats that the body needs to keep us at a healthy body weight and improve cardiovascular health.

• Avocados can lower your cholesterol levels significantly and may help to regulate cravings for other, less healthy, man-made fats that convenience foods are packed with.

• A spoonful of avocado oil daily can help to prevent pre-mature aging. Full of both vitamins A and E, avocados help to restore smooth skin and repair aging skin.

• Avocados provide great energy with their high B vitamins content, containing three important B vitamins: pyridoxine (B6), pantothenic (B5) and folate.

• Avocados help with sluggish digestion due to their high fiber content. A long standing remedy for constipation is to mix two avocados with just one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, then eat one spoonful at a time.  Avocados also help with colitis, ulcers, and bowel disorders.

• Mashed avocado can be used as a great natural skin-moisturizing mask. Just mix a few avocados with some mashed whole oats and a teaspoon of lemon juice for a facial mask, or you can also put the mixture on dry skin elsewhere – like the hands, elbows or knees. Leave on for 20-30 minutes and then rinse clean.

• You can recycle the pits of avocados to make new trees by planting them in organic soil, with the flat end facing downwards. This means you will have new avocados to consume or augment your beauty regime in as little as a year.

Additional Sources:

NutritionData.Self