This superfood avocado: what’s its secret?
The soft and juicy avocado is now appreciated all over the world. It is often referred to as a superfood because of its wholesome properties. Avocado is the fruit of the Persea americana tree. Its home is Central America and Mexico. Although the fruit resembles a nut in appearance and vegetable in a chemical composition and flavor, avocado is considered a fruit. The avocado is sometimes called the “alligator pear” for its shape and bumpy green skin, similar to that of a crocodile.
As early as the third millennium BC, the Aztecs, who called it “forest oil”, used it in traditional medicine, for example, to treat scabies, as well as the first food for children. In 1998, the avocado was listed in the Guinness Book of Records for its high caloric content.
This exotic superfood is a source of minerals such as potassium, fiber, folic acid and vitamins B, C, E and K. Its low sugar and high fiber content make it a good choice for diabetics. Avocado consumption also provides weight loss benefits.
Avocados support heart and brain health and accelerate the absorption of nutrients. According to researches, avocado oil in salads increases the absorption of nutrients by the body at least 2.5 times. Thus, the fruit is not only very nutritious, but it also enhances other plant foods.
Nutritionists recommend this product for overall health improvement. Mannoheptulose, which is found most of all in avocado, has a positive effect on the nervous system, by relieving fatigue and drowsiness.
The easiest way to introduce avocado into your daily diet is to cut and add it to salads, spread on toast instead of butter. It is also used to make smoothies and homemade mayonnaise.
It should be noted that avocado oil possessing powerful antibacterial, nourishing and moisturizing properties is widely used in cosmetology. It is found in many masks, creams and balms.
