Avocado helps fight THESE diseases

The avocado , also known as "green gold," is a fruit native to Latin America that has become incredibly popular worldwide. Its success is not only due to its pleasant flavor, perfect for making sauces, salads, smoothies, and even desserts, but also to the many health benefits its consumption provides.

What is the use of eating avocado?

According to the Digital Library of Traditional Mexican Medicine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the avocado is the fruit of the avocado tree. It resembles a pear, is dark green, fleshy, and oily, and its seed can measure up to 6 cm.

In recent years, according to an article published by the Gaceta UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico), this fruit has gained popularity not only in our country, which leads the world in production and where avocados are an essential part of our cultural and culinary identity, but also in various cuisines around the world. Thanks to its creamy and distinctive flavor, it has become a side dish and main ingredient in numerous dishes and drinks.

But what makes it different from other fruits? Researchers, in a publication in the UNAM's Digital University Magazine, emphasize that avocado is classified as a food that provides oils and fats without protein. This is due to "its abundant lipid (fat) content, which varies between 10 and 30 percent of its pulp, depending on the variety and season."

Along the same lines, it's noteworthy that its pulp contains up to 72 percent monounsaturated fatty acids, considered healthy fats compared to other types of fat, such as trans and saturated fats. It's also rich in oleic acid, a compound necessary for the body's proper functioning.

Furthermore, the official website of HCA Houston Healthcare adds that avocado is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins C, E, and K. It is recommended to include it in your daily diet , as consuming one piece can provide up to 41 percent of the recommended daily value of folate, a nutrient that contributes to the production of healthy red blood cells. It also provides 14 percent of the required magnesium, essential for regulating blood sugar levels.

Other nutrients highlighted by the same source include:

• Riboflavin, which aids in the production of red blood cells and is crucial for growth. Avocado provides 20 percent of the recommended daily value.
• Niacin, used by the body to convert food into energy and keep the nervous system healthy.
• Pantothenic acid, which contributes to the production and breakdown of fats.
• Potassium, essential for the body's cellular functions. Avocado provides 21 percent of the daily value.
• Copper, necessary for energy production, connective tissue and blood vessels.

What diseases does avocado help treat?

Thanks to its nutrients, avocados are considered by various sources to be a food of high nutritional value, which can provide significant health benefits if regularly incorporated into the diet. The Revista Digital Universitaria highlights that this fruit has been the subject of study in efforts to combat obesity, defined as excess adipose or fatty tissue in the body.

UNAM researchers indicate that avocado consumption, as part of a healthy diet to treat obesity, can offer benefits such as improving the gut microbiota, reducing blood lipid levels, and reducing insulin resistance. The same source indicates that another of its positive effects is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis.

The medical news site Medical News Today adds osteoporosis to the list of diseases that can be combated with regular avocado consumption. This is due to its high vitamin K content, essential for bone health, as it promotes calcium absorption and reduces its urinary excretion.

Furthermore, the same source mentions that some of its components could be linked to the prevention of certain types of cancer, thanks to its folate content. This nutrient has also been linked to reducing miscarriages, which promotes proper fetal development and a healthy pregnancy.

Among other benefits of avocado consumption are:

• Cardiovascular health: Contributes to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
• The lutein it contains is key to eye care, helping to prevent degenerative eye diseases.
• It helps reduce the risk of depression, as its components promote the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that improve mood, sleep, and appetite.

Incorporating avocado into your daily diet is a simple way to take advantage of its benefits. However, before making significant dietary changes, it's important to consult with a doctor or nutritionist so that your diet is tailored to your individual needs.

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