Native to Mexico and Central America, Avocados are Europe’s new found obsession. Sprinkled with lemon juice and paprika, or sandwiched with bacon and lettuce, avocado salads and burgers are top notch cuisine items in restaurants and fast food points now a days and it looks like the love affair is not going to end anywhere near soon. A recently concluded study by Hass Avocados Board published in Washington Post reveals that the consumption of Avocados soared to 5 billion in 2015 nearly four times the amount in 2005. "The demand has just been incredible," said Emiliano Escobedo, director of the Hass Avocado Board. "I think avocados are pretty much mainstream at this point."
Creamy buttery fruit as they are, avocados are also rich in various health benefits. As per nutritionist Laura Flores, “Rich in fat content, Avocados are ideal choice for Vegetarians who have restricted access to fat- rich food content”. According to epidemiological National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHMES) study funded by the Hass Avocado Board, American avocado consumers had better overall diet quality, nutrient levels, and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome. Here are a few elaborated reasons why you should increase your Avocado consumption to a day every day.
Avocado for Lowering Cholesterol
High intake of Avocados reduces the cholesterol level in blood. According to a recent research, mild hypercholesterolemia patients showed a 17% decrease in total serum cholesterol levels after seven-day rich diet in avocados. A 22% decrease in LDL (harmful cholesterol) and triglyceride levels and an 11% increase in HDL (helpful cholesterol) were also seen in these patients. It was also revealed that additional consumption of one avocado for five weeks by obese patients having moderate fat levels results in lower circulation of LDL in blood. This effect was attributed to avocado's composition of monounsaturated fats, dietary fiber, phytosterol and beta- sitosterol.
Avocados are a rich source of dietary fibers with one-half of avocado providing 20% of Daily Value fiber. Avocados also rank the highest in Lutein, which acts as an antioxidant and beta-sitosterol, which block cholesterol absorption.
Apart from lowering cholesterol, Avocados enable the body to absorb more nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, according to California Avocado Commission. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 recommends that Americans should increase their intake of natural dietary fiber containing foods. These reduce the risk of heart disease, over weight, and type-2 Diabetes, as well as help provide a feeling of fullness and promote healthy laxation.
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