Avocados: Why are they a 'superfood'?
| May 24, 2019, 17:35 IST
Avocadoes are a favourite among millennials. And why wouldn’t it be? They can easily be transformed into dips, spreads, salads, and even desserts. Even restaurants have taken up to the trend. Avocadoes are creamy, savoury if you want it to be. They may be extremely popular on the gram. But aside from being pretty, they also serve major health purposes. It has a high-fat content and still finds its place in a weight watchers’ kitchen. They’ so nutritional, that they’re often called a superfood. Have you ever wondered why?
According to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, "The avocado has the distinction of being the fruit with the highest fat content. This may sound unhealthy, but its beneficial monounsaturated oils, which can lower blood pressure and lubricate joints, have earned it the title "the olive oil of the Americas." The flesh and oil contain antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory, helping to lower the risk of diseases, such as arthritis, and boost women's fertility."
According to the USDA dietary guidelines, a 100-gram serving of avocados contains about 160 calories. While being high in calorie content, it's the good fat i.e. monounsaturated fat, which gives it the ability to lower bad cholesterol.
Ahead are some benefits of the superfood
For youthful skin
Fibre-Rich Fruit
A high-fibre diet is often linked with a healthy digestive system. The high fibre content in avocado may help in bowel regularity and improve the flora of the intestines by working as a pre- and pro-biotic.
Packed With Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Avocados are a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory properties due to the good fats present in this fruit. "They include phytosterols, plant hormones such as campesterol, beta-sitosterol, and stigmasterol that help to keep inflammation under control. It also contains polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PFAs), which are anti-inflammatory. Also a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lubricate joints and reduce arthritic symptoms," notes the book, 'Healing Foods'.
According to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, "The avocado has the distinction of being the fruit with the highest fat content. This may sound unhealthy, but its beneficial monounsaturated oils, which can lower blood pressure and lubricate joints, have earned it the title "the olive oil of the Americas." The flesh and oil contain antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory, helping to lower the risk of diseases, such as arthritis, and boost women's fertility."
According to the USDA dietary guidelines, a 100-gram serving of avocados contains about 160 calories. While being high in calorie content, it's the good fat i.e. monounsaturated fat, which gives it the ability to lower bad cholesterol.
Ahead are some benefits of the superfood
For youthful skin
Fibre-Rich Fruit
A high-fibre diet is often linked with a healthy digestive system. The high fibre content in avocado may help in bowel regularity and improve the flora of the intestines by working as a pre- and pro-biotic.
Packed With Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Avocados are a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory properties due to the good fats present in this fruit. "They include phytosterols, plant hormones such as campesterol, beta-sitosterol, and stigmasterol that help to keep inflammation under control. It also contains polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PFAs), which are anti-inflammatory. Also a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lubricate joints and reduce arthritic symptoms," notes the book, 'Healing Foods'.