Do you know what an american persea is? Indeed, the delicious, nutritious and desired avocado. It turns out that it is not only a mouth-watering product, but it is considered a superfood! With high levels of monounsaturated fats such as oleic acid, it is a great contribution of dietary fiber. It also controls and regulates the parameters of carotenoids, tocopherols, phenols, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. Take care of your microbiota, improving digestion and reducing inflammation. As if all its benefits were few, it also prevents cardiovascular diseases, and is beneficial for both the immune system and chronic diseases. Did you know all these magnificent properties of avocado?
American persea: Avocado
Perennifolio tree belonging to the family Lauraceae, has its origin in Mesoamerica and is grown mainly in subtropical countries. It is one of the most exported products globally and considered exquisite by many people. The number of benefits it has is innumerable, so it has been considered a superfood. In toast, sandwiches, salads, with vegetables, nachos or even just! There are thousands of ways to enjoy it.
Benefits of avocado for health
As listed above, the number of benefits you can find in an avocado is huge. From the digestive system to the cardiovascular and immune systems, avocado’s properties keep us healthy inside. Let´s see some of them.
- Cardiovascular health. As we all know, the consumption of saturated and polysaturated fats has a tremendously negative impact on our body. However, the fats present in avocado are healthy, such as oleic acid, which help reduce high levels of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol. In addition, it promotes the creation of HDL (good) cholesterol, causing a balance that prevents cardiovascular diseases. The Journal of the American Heart Association published that the consumption of avocado is related to a lower percentage of cardiovascular diseases.
- Controls bloating. Carotenoids, tocopherols and phenols are bioactive compounds present in avocado, essential to combat inflammation, which is sometimes associated with diseases such as diabetes, cancer or cardiovascular disease. Sprinter Nature published an article explaining that avocado shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in walkers.
- Reduces blood sugar levels. The absorption of glucose in the body is slowed down by the consumption of healthy fats and fibers present in avocado. This creates control over glucose peaks and helps improve insulin sensitivity.
- Stimulates good digestions. According to the National Library of Medicine, avocado intake enriches fecal microbiota, metabolites and health markers. Both stool formation, bowel transit and constipation are improved by consuming avocado. This happens due to the presence of two types of dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble.
Other superfood
As well as avocado, there are many other products that have also been considered superfoods for the great variety of benefits that their consumption brings. For example, turmeric, with incredible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, is used in cooking as well as in baking and preparing teas. Salmon, rich in Omega 3, also provides healthy fats to the body, which are responsible for controlling cholesterol levels.
Other type of products such as whole grains (chia, spelt, buckwheat), are an excellent source of fiber that is advisable to consume daily, especially those who suffer from constipation. We cannot forget to include in our diet some vegetables, such as green leaf like spinach. Source of antioxidants, vitamins and iron (among many other properties), protect the sight, improve intestinal health and reduce the risk of suffering chronic diseases.
As it is logical, some products may like more and others less, but you must consult the large list of existing superfoods and introduce as many as possible to your diet, since without any effort, you are taking care of your internal health, and preventing the emergence of diseases in the future.
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