One of the most nutrient dense foods offering some very powerful health benefits is the Avocado. Here are just some of the essential nutrients Avocados provide:
? They are a rich source of fibre.
? Avocados are highest of all the fruits in folate/B9, magnesium, potassium and vitamin E.
? Avocados also contain carotenoids, lutein, polyphenols, glutathione, chlorophyll & beta-sitosterol.
? It has one of the healthiest fats in monounsaturated fat/Oleic acid. The only other foods that can claim almost as much monounsaturated fat are olives.
A study showed that after just seven days of eating a diet that includes Avocados there was a significant decrease in the LDL cholesterol and as much as an 11% increase in the HDL cholesterol. Avocados are rich in magnesium needed for healthy bones, regulating blood pressure, keeping a rhythmic heartbeat, preventing migraines and Type 2 Diabetes.
According to research, people who suffered heart attacks are deficient in magnesium. Avocados also have more magnesium than the twenty most commonly eaten fruits.
They are a rich source of potassium which helps to control blood pressure – while protecting against hypertension, stroke, diabetes & heart disease.
Avocados have plenty of folate, which promotes cardiovascular health by reducing the risk for cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
One of the best sources of beta-sitosterol is the Avocado. Beta-sitosterol is a plant compound found in almonds, cashews, peanut butter, peas and kidney beans. Beta-sitosterol competes with cholesterol for absorption & wins that battle. The advantage of this is that it lowers the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Beta-sitosterol prevents rapid cell division as in cancerous growths, thus reducing the risk for cancers. Avocados boost the absorption other nutrients thus enhancing the body’s ability to absorb other nutrients from foods. Along with carrots, Avocados have the healthiest fibre for lowering both blood sugar and cholesterol levels, respectively.
Adding half of an Avocado to a lettuce/spinach/carrot salad increases the absorption of such nutrients as – alpha-carotene by eight (8) times, beta-carotene by thirteen (13) times & Lutein by four (4) times compared to a salad without Avocado. Adding a medium size Avocado to a serving of salsa increases the absorption of the antioxidant Lycopene from the tomatoes by four (4) times and beta-carotene by two (2) times compared to salsa without the Avocado. These plant nutrients work better in the presence of the monounsaturated and the polyunsaturated fats. The monounsaturated fats in Avocados make this possible. Avocados also contain many carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, alpha and beta carotene as well as significant amounts of vitamin E. A recent study showed an extract containing carotenoids and tocopherols which vitamin E in Avocados stopped the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Another healthy option are Pineapples which provide many health benefits. Pineapples contain the digestive enzyme Bromelain which is just one of the many compounds in Pineapples responsible for its health benefits. A fresh Pineapple is filled with sulphur compounds that not only help the body digest protein but also help reduce joint inflammation e.g. arthritic aches and pains. The digestive enzyme Bromelain in Pineapples also has anti-inflammatory properties effective in reducing swelling. Other conditions that Pineapples have been known to treat include:
? Acute sinusitis
? Sore throat
? Arthritis
? Arthritic gout
To get Pineapple’s full benefits, they should be eaten alone. Pineapples have other Bromelaid properties which help with digestion. Pineapples have a unique property when eaten with other foods – when the digestive properties of the Pineapple are used. When Pineapples are eaten alone the body uses its properties effectively and efficiently to clean, repair and heal tissue. According to an Australian study, in the stem of the Pineapple are cancer fighting properties that protect against breast, lung, skin, colon and ovarian cancers.
Pineapples are a very good source of vitamin C – a very powerful antioxidant. It boosts the immune system, enhancing its ability to fight colds & flu. Vitamin C restores both vitamin E & the amino acid – as well as glutathione when the body has used them up. Vitamin C’s antioxidant action protects the body from free radicals by inhibiting their destructive oxidative action. Pineapples are an excellent source of manganese & thiamine (B1). Both nutrients are needed for energy production.
Free radicals encourage the negative conditions related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They can trigger the development of cancers such as colon cancer, as well as the development of other conditions e.g. asthmatic attacks, atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease.
When purchasing Pineapples try plucking a leaf from its crown. If the leaf comes out easily then it is ready. A good Pineapple should smell like a Pineapple, with no irregular marks and heavier for its size. Removing the crown causes it to ripe faster.
To contact Dr. Stan Horne:
1-264-582-7045
1-784-531-1150
Email: naturopathyplus@yahoo.co.uk
