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Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit

A bite of this wildly nutritious tropical superfood can deliver a cornucopia of benefits for the human body. Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, can be either sweet or sour, depending on the species. The most common form of dragon fruit, which is smaller than a cantaloupe, red, and covered with spiky growths, can protect the body from aging and diabetes.

In the U.S., the exotic fruit has gone under the radar compared to many mainstream fruits and health foods, such as apples and kale. Typically, it is widely distributed from South Florida, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, and Vietnam, according to the University of Florida. Dragon fruit also undergoes food irradiation in the U.S. when shipped from overseas to improve its safety and extend its shelf life by reducing or eliminating microorganisms and insects.

Although exotic, it is safe for consumption even by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and continues to grow in popularity while becoming more affirdable in the U.S. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, but it is also a rich source of fatty acids. Kevin Meehan, a holistic practitioner and founder of Meehan Formulations and owner of Teton Valley Health Clinic in Jackson, Wyo., told Medical Daily in an email: “It is not this fruit's vitamin C content which gives it the health potential but rather its fatty acid and phosphorus content.”

Replenish your body and feed it the six benefits of this tropical superfood.

1. Anti-Aging

Antioxidants are essential for keeping the skin tight and firm. They fight off free radicals that circle around the body that are known to cause problems like cancer. Dragon fruit is a good source of antioxidants due to its vitamin C content.

Meehan reminds eaters probably the most overlooked nutrient in this fruit is its phosphorus punch. “One of the most important key regulatory events in our cells require phosphorus and the phospolipids are primary components of cellular membranes. This could help in preventing premature aging,” he said.

2. Cancer Prevention

Aside from vitamin C, dragon fruit contains carotene, which is linked to several anti-carcinogenic qualities, including reducing a number of tumors. Moreover, lycopene, responsible for the red color in dragon fruit, has been shown to be linked to lower prostate cancer risk. A 2011 study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention found lycopene intake of less than 2,498 mcg/day increased the risk of prostate cancer, whereas a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and lycopene-rich foods, including being physically active, can significantly reduce the risk.

Moreover, the peel of dragon fruit contains polyphenols, which are chemicals often found in nature. “There is the possibility that some of these polyphenols work as affinities to estrogen receptors and possibly alter the attachment behavior of this and other hormones to their receptor sites on cells,” Meehan said. “This could be one reason why it may protect against certain forms of cancer.”

3. Cardiovascular Health

Dragon fruit can help boost your heart health, as it decreases bad cholesterol levels while improving the good levels. A 2010 study published in the journal Pharmacognosy Research found the consumption of dragon fruit may lower the risks of developing heart disease and developing high blood pressure. This exotic fruit is also a good source of monosaturated fats which help to keep our heart in good condition.

4. Diabetes

The high amount of fiber in this exotic fruit can help stabilize a person’s blood sugar levels. It also helps to inhibit the sugar spikes that occur after eating high glycemic index foods. In the same study in the journal of Pharmacognosy Research, researchers found dragon fruit had a valuable effect on the oxidative stress from aortic stiffness in diabetic rats. This suggests regular consumption of the fruit could be beneficial in preventing common issues linked to diabetes.

5. Digestion

Dragon fruit has a significant fiber content. This means it can improve the body’s bowel movements by facilitating the passage through the digestive tract. The consumption of this exotic fruit can help reduce the chances of conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

6. Immunity Booster

The high levels of vitamin C found in dragon fruit can give the body’s immune system a boost while also stimulating the activity of other antioxidants. The presence of high level of vitamin C, minerals, and pytoalbumin is involved in fighting free radicals and possessing antioxidant properties. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, as well as calcium, phosphorous, iron, protein, niacin, and fiber also contribute to improving the functioning of your immune system.

Add this exotic fruit to your diet to feed yourself back to good health.

Source: https://www.medicaldaily.com/benefits-dragon-fruit-6-health-reasons-eat-more-exotic-fruit-341194

Avocado Health Benefits

From toast toppings to desserts and smoothies, the versatile avocado is often touted as a health food. Find out about the 23 nutritional benefits of avocados.

1. Avocados are chock full of nutrition.

​2. Avocados are a particularly good source of potassium.

​3. These tasty fruits are also a great source of vitamin K.

​4. Eating more avocados is a wonderful way to load up on healthy fats.

​5. Avocado oil is safe to cook with.

​6. Because of their fat content, avocados can increase absorption of nutrients from other sources.

​7. Avocados are a great source of dietary fiber.

​8. You can lower your cholesterol levels and your triglycerides with avocados.

​​​​​9. In general, eating avocados is associated with higher-quality diets and reduced instances of metabolic syndrome.

​1​0. Avocado may be helpful when it comes to preventing cancer.

​1​1. Avocados may be able to curb the side effects of chemotherapy.

1​2. Achieve your weight loss goals.

​1​​3. Potentially relieve the painful symptoms of arthritis.

​1​4. Protect your liver from damage.

​​​​​1​5. Improve psychological health.

​​​​​1​6. Protect your brain against cognitive decline.

1​7. Avocado may assist with wound healing.

1​8. Eating avocados can protect your eye health.

​​​​​1​9. Avocados have antimicrobial qualities.

​20. Avocado oil can protect your skin from damage.

​21. Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age lines.

​​​​​22. Avocado may be useful in hair care.

​23. Treat type 2 diabetes.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

25 Amazing Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar: Health, Home & Beauty!

The many uses of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) are ancient and well known. Anyone can replace his or her daily cleaning, beauty, and cooking items with apple cider vinegar and make their lives more healthy and chemical free.

Beauty and Hygiene Uses

1. Facial Cleanser and Toner

Because of apple cider vinegar’s natural antibacterial properties, it is a perfect face cleanser. It will reduce breakouts and normalize pH levels. Dilute the apple cider vinegar with water and apply it to any blemishes.

2. Bad Breath Treatment

Use apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash to remove bad breath. All one has to do is swish it at night before bed and let it work through the night.

3. Bruise Fading

Swelling and inflammation from bruises can be easily removed with an application of apple cider vinegar. It will also remove some of the discoloration.

4. Healthier Hair

To remove hair product build up and grease, a rinse of ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar and 4 cups water is perfect. Rinse after shampooing and follow with cold water. Also, for dandruff, spray the scalp with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.

5. Deodorant

The chemicals found in most commercial deodorants are toxic and unsafe for long-term use. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) will help reduce underarm smells and will no longer smell like vinegar once it dries.

6. Teeth Whitening

Treating your teeth with one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water will help to remove stains. Also, it will help with bad breath as we mentioned earlier. However, those with sensitive teeth, affected by acids, cannot use vinegar.

7. Foot Treatment

For smelly feet, apple cider vinegar is a must use. All one has to do it soak his or her feet for about ten minutes and then rinse. Bye bye foot odor!

Home Uses

8. Odor Neutralizer

Apple cider vinegar acts as an odor neutralizer. Just put a dish of it near the offensive smell and it will be no more.

9. Weed Killer

Mix ½ gallon apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup salt and 1 teaspoon dish soap. This mixture will kill almost any plant.

10. Cleaner

Equal parts water and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) will create a chemical-free home cleaner that will remove grime and bacteria. Use it on any surface imaginable and don’t fear the smell. It will go away as it dries.

Uses for Food

11. Baking

Add fluffiness to cakes, cookies, or anything else by adding apple cider vinegar. An amount for any recipe can easily be found, and the taste will go away while it bakes.

12. Soups

Adding apple cider vinegar to soup gives it a brighter flavor. Careful! Not too much.

13. Juice

Adding apple cider vinegar to juice will give anyone incredible health benefits without the strong taste. Again, careful! Not too much.

14. Sauces

For tangy sauces, use apple cider vinegar. It is great with barbecue sauce, marinades, or just regular condiments.

15. Salads

Buying salad dressing is unnecessary. Mix ACV, organic olive oil, and herbs, for the perfect homemade salad dressing.

Health Uses

16. Weight Loss

Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) makes one feel full and unable to eat as much as normal. It is also known to restrict fat buildup. Sneak apple cider into your diet whenever possible.

17. Cleansing and Detox

The acids in apple cider vinegar bind with toxins and help to remove them from the body. It also improves circulation, contributes to removing mucus and clears out the lymph nodes. Try it out today!

18. Sore Throat

Remove painful sore throat bacteria by gargling with apple cider vinegar. You may be astonished to discover your sore throat gone in no time.

19. Sunburned or Itchy Skin

Remove itchy skin from bug bites, poison ivy, or jellyfish stings with apple cider vinegar. Also, treat sunburn pain with a cup of apple cider vinegar added to a tub of water.

20. Energy Boost

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a great daily energy drink. Dilute 1 to 2 tablespoons in a big glass of water, and sip it along with your meals one or two times a day.

  

21. Prevent Diabetes

Apple cider vinegar consumption is shown to reduce blood sugar levels. Take some before bed and let it work overnight. Some people see as much as a 6% blood sugar drop in the morning.

22. Lower Cholesterol

It is possible that taking apple cider vinegar will help to reduce harmful types of cholesterol. Some studies have shown reduced LDL levels in rats that are given AVC as part of their diet.

23. Clear Sinuses

Sip a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar to clear the sinuses, prevent infection, or stop a cold. It will help anyone to breath a little easier.

24. Improve Digestion

If someone is suffering from an upset stomach or fears an upset stomach in the future, all they need to do is sip a combination of water or juice and apple cider vinegar. Digestion requires acids and the acids in apple cider vinegar help.

25. Remove Warts

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent wart remover. Soak a cotton ball in vinegar and hold it in place over the wart with a bandage or medical tape overnight. Continue until the wart falls off.

Green Tea Benefits

 Healthy Benefits of Green Tea

1. Chock Full of Antioxidants

Antioxidants, why are they good for us anyway?
Well, when we eat, our bodies have to turn food into energy. As a result, this generates some byproducts within our bodies called free radicals. These chemicals are pretty awful, and can severely damage our bodies through a process called oxidation. Free radicals are also, theoretically, the main driver in aging.
But have no fear, we can combat the negative effect of free radicals by consuming antioxidants, and one great way to do this is by drinking green tea.
In clinical trials published by the American Society for Nutritional Sciences, scientists found that numerous studies suggested that the consumption of tea may bring positive health effects. The hypothesis behind these benefits stems from the high levels of flavonoids, antioxidants that scavenge free radicals.
Benefits of flavonoids include, but are not limited to:

• Fighting Viruses
• Helping Prevent Cancer
• Preventing Inflammation
• Helping with Allergies

2. Cancer Fighter
 A cup of tea keeps the doctor at bay? According to cancer.gov, definitely possible!
Green tea has been shown to activate our internal detoxification enzymes which may hinder tumor growth. Many teas are packed with antioxidants, but the direct mechanism of cancer prevention hasn’t yet been fully established. The good news is there is a relationship between cancer prevention and tea consumption.
According to livescience.com, an ongoing study of women with breast cancer showed that polyphenols in green tea may slow down proteins that are part of tumor cell growth.
Dr. Katherine Crew, assistant professor of medicine and epidemiology at Columbia University, also conducted a study in men with prostate cancer and found that green tea drinkers had markedly lower prostate-specific antigen, which is linked to prostate tumor growth.
So see?
Evidence suggests that both sexes can enjoy the cancer fighting benefits of green tea.

3. Brain Enhancement

Drink tea and be smarter! Sound too good to be true?
Well according to a study from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Basel Switzerland, sipping on green tea enhances memory. Until last year, the effects of green tea on cognitive function were speculative, but with the improvements in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Dr. Stefan Borgwardt could view the increased connectivity in the cortices of the brain after consumption of green tea. Specifically, green tea drinkers showed increased connectivity in key parts of the brain associated with memory.
The study used healthy male volunteers and found that when given a soft drink containing green tea extract, those consuming green tea extract not only showed increased connectivity in parts of the brain, but improved performance on working memory tasks as well.
Let me go brew a mug real quick before I finish the rest here!
4. Anti-Anxiety and Relaxation

A study published in the Journal of Trends in Food Science & Technology by Dr. Juneja and team states that theanine acts as a neurotransmitter that increases alpha waves in the brain. Alpha waves are considered to be an indicator of relaxation. Human volunteers were given 50-200 mg of l-theanine and were shown to have increased alpha waves without drowsiness.
So it appears you can drink green tea to help mellow you out, without falling asleep. I better gift some to my buddy.

5. Heart Health

According to the Harvard Heart Letter, Japanese adults who drank more than five cups daily were at 26% lower risk of heart attack or stroke. While research around mechanisms of action is limited, there were no red flags, so it can’t hurt.
In another study, Athens Medical School took 14 volunteers and had them either drink green tea or caffeinated hot water. Using blood pressure cuffs and ultrasound to check whether arteries were widened or not, the doctors found that those that drank green tea had significantly wider arteries, meaning lower risk in heart diseases like atherosclerosis.

6. Fat Burner

“Green tea has thermogenic properties and promotes fat oxidation beyond that explained by its caffeine content per se”. That’s what Dr. Abdul G. Dulloo, author of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition said to WebMD.

While caffeine has been shown to help burn fat and increase metabolism, it’s good to know the effect of green tea on metabolism is much more than that, because simply ramping up caffeine intake will definitely give you the jitters.
Another piece in the Journal of Advances in Nutrition mentioned that a number of studies have witnessed how green tea can improve fat burning.
While overall research is still limited, given the health benefits of green tea, if it is a fat burner to boot, why not?
We already know that green tea is full of antioxidants, is good for both the heart and brain, and can help fight cancer, so why shouldn’t we drink it?

7. Anti-Bacterial
Get sick, and the doctor gives you antibiotics. We’ve all been there, but are prescribed antibiotics the way to go? I think not! What about a natural remedy? Now I’m not saying green tea will cure you once you’re already infected (probably not), but it certainly can’t hurt.

Green tea contains other antioxidants called catechins. According to a study published in the Food Science Technology Bulletin, these catechins, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), can hinder development of many bacterial species. These catechins can stick themselves into the films that cover the bacteria. By lodging into the outside layers of bacteria, EGCG and ECG may upset the bacteria from doing what it is supposed to, which is make you ill.

8. Cholesterol Control
High cholesterol is pretty common, 73.5 million adults have high LDL cholesterol, which I mentioned in my article on coconut oil. So odds may be that many of us are looking for ways to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol. Not only is green tea basically amazing so far, but it can also help us with cholesterol levels.
According to healthaliciousness.com (sweet name), research shows that drinking up to 10 cups of green tea a day has a large effect on cholesterol.
Granted, 10 cups is a whole lot, but no worries, each cup you drink may reduce your cholesterol! So coupled with eating healthy and exercising, you’ll be in the lower cholesterol range in no time.

9. Oral Health
We all love food right? Why else are we here reading nutrition secrets?

Well, I love food. The problem is when you eat food (which is all of us), we may introduce substances like bacteria into our mouths that may cause cavities. Oh, and if we eat sugar, that’s a whole different ball game because some bacteria use sugar to multiply, and this may potentially increase cavities.
Ok, so cavities are no fun but how can green tea help keep the inside of our mouths healthy?
Here’s a quick synopsis of items listed by besthealthmag.ca:

• Cavities – Green tea is anti-bacterial, as mentioned above. It may help reduce bacteria and acid in the mouth.
• Gums – Green tea’s antioxidants are anti-inflammatory. As such they may aid in controlling gum disease.
• Tooth Loss – A study in the Journal of Periodontology showed that green tea may markedly reduce enamel loss.
• Oral Cancer – Not only can green tea help prevent breast and prostate cancer as mentioned above, but may slow the progression of oral cancer as well.
• Stinky Mouth – Bacteria and other microbes make our breath smell, and green tea’s anti-bacterial properties fight stinky bacteria too!

10. Stomach Health
Stomach issues are very common. If I could have a dime for every time someone told me they have inflammatory bowel disease or heart burn, I’d have…well I guess I’d have a couple bucks.

But according to Medscape, the CDC posted in 2012 that about 20% of people have either ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease. And according to Florida Hospital, more than 40% of Americans suffer from heart burn at least once a month. Youch.
The anti-inflammatory effects of green tea mentioned above may also help with stomach issues like colitis. A study at the University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine found that EGCG found in green tea may help both colitis and Crohn’s disease. Not to mention that green tea’s anti-cancer properties also apply to colon cancer.

11. Nectar of Youth

Not only this, but the anti-inflammatory and fat burning aspects mentioned above, and resultant better health, would likely improve life span as well.
Free radicals also affect our skin, and the antioxidants in green tea may help inhibit free radicals from breaking down collagen, the protein in our skin that keeps us looking young.
One thing I’ve noticed about green tea, is that when I drink it in the morning without eating anything, it gives me a little upset stomach. So what I do now is I put a little creamer or milk into it after it has steeped.

 (Source: http://www.nutritionsecrets.com/health-benefits-green-tea/)

Benefits of Lemon Water

Lemon Water Benefits

 

Lemon Water Nutrition Facts

Lemons are loaded with healthy benefits, and particularly, they’re a great vitamin C food source. One cup of fresh lemon juice provides 187 percent of your daily recommended serving of vitamin C — take that, oranges! Lemon juice also offers up a healthy serving of potassium, magnesium and copper.
Check out what other benefits one cup of fresh lemon juice adds to a plain glass of water. Here are some lemon water nutrition facts:

• 61 calories
• 3 grams protein
• 6 grams sugar
• 0 grams fat
• 112 milligrams vitamin C (187 percent DV)
• 303 milligrams potassium (9 percent DV)
• 31.7 micrograms folate (8 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligrams vitamin B6 (6 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligrams thiamin (5 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligrams copper (4 percent DV)
• 1 gram fiber (4 percent DV)
• 14.6 milligrams magnesium (4 percent DV)
• 0.4 milligrams vitamin E (2 percent DV)

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5 Benefits of Lemon Water

For such a simple drink, the list of lemon water benefits is impressive. Even if you’re not a big H2O drinker, you might find yourself reaching for a glass when you check out how awesome it is for your body and mind!

1. Aids in digestion and detoxification

Because lemon juice’s atomic structure is similar to the digestive juices found in the stomach, it tricks the liver into producing bile, which helps keep food moving through your body and gastrointestinal tract smoothly. Lemon water also helps relieve indigestion or ease an upset stomach.
The acids found in lemon juice also encourage your body to process the good stuff in foods more slowly. This drawn-out absorption means insulin levels remain steady and you get more nutrients out of the foods you consume. Better nutrient absorption means less bloating. Lemon water benefits the enzyme functions in your body, stimulating the liver and flushing out toxins. Because it’s a mild diuretic, you might find yourself using the bathroom more often, helping the urinary tract get rid of any unwanted elements. All of this helps detox body & skin.

2. Bumps up the vitamin C quotient

Since your body doesn’t make vitamin C on its own, it’s important to get enough of it from the foods and drinks you ingest. Luckily, lemons are chock-full of the vitamin.
What are the benefits of getting enough vitamin C? It stimulates white blood cell production, vital for your immune system to function properly. As an antioxidant, vitamin C also protects cells from oxidative damage. Plus, getting enough vitamin C helps the immune system keep colds and flu at bay. Drinking lemon water daily ensures your body gets a sizable amount of vitamin C daily.

3. Rejuvenates skin and heals the body

The antioxidants found in vitamin C do double duty in lemon water. They fight damage caused by free radicals, keeping your skin looking fresh. Getting enough vitamin C from your lemon water also keeps the body producing collagen, essential in smoothing out lines in the face. And, in one recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, regularly consuming vitamin C led to younger-looking skin and less wrinkles.

4. Helps shed pounds

Regularly sipping on lemon water can help you lose those last pounds. That’s because lemons contain pectin, a type of fiber commonly found in fruits. Pectin helps you feel full longer; that satiated feeling means you’ll chow down less throughout the day. Plus, did you know that when you’re even mildly dehydrated, you’re more prone to things like headaches, fatigue and an overall bad mood? Chugging down lemon water helps your body stay hydrated and feeling happy.

5. Boosts energy and mood

Skip the morning cup of coffee — lemon water can boost energy levels without the caffeine crash. Here’s how it works: Our bodies get energy from the atoms and molecules in foods. When negative-charged ions, like those found in lemons, enter your digestive tract, the result is an increase in energy levels au naturel.
Additionally, just the scent of a lemon has been found to reduce stress levels and improve moods. Don’t forget to offer a glass to grumpy co-workers or family members.

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History and Interesting Facts About Lemon Water

Here are some interesting lemon water facts & history: Until about the 10th century, lemons were used mainly as decorative plants. The Crusades in the 11^th century brought the plant into Europe, and it made its first appearance in the New World in the late 1400s. Lemons and other vitamin C-rich fruits were particularly treasured for their ability to ward off scurvy. Today, the main producers of lemons include Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey and the U.S.
And though I love the benefits of lemon water, there are tons of ways to use lemons. Here are some of my favorites:
Deodorize your kitchen naturally. Add one cup of lemon juice to the dishwasher, and run it on the rinse cycle to disinfect and rid it of any lingering odors and deodorize your kitchen naturally. Need to clear up a bad kitchen smell? Add fresh lemon peels, cinnamon sticks and cloves to a pot of water and simmer on the stove.
Use lemon essential oil regularly. Mix lemon essential oil, baking soda and coconut oil and rub on teeth. Leave for two minutes to reap the effects of this natural tooth whitener. Mix lemon oil, baking soda and honey for an all-natural face wash. Need to spruce up your silver before company comes over? A lemon oil-soaked cloth will get rid of tarnishes quickly.

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How to Buy and Use Lemons

Ready to jump on the lemon water bandwagon? Here are a few things to keep in mind at the store:

• There are three main types of lemons available in the U.S. Eureka and Lisbon lemons are both sour and tart. Eureka lemons have textured skins and few seeds. Lisbon lemons tend to have a smoother skin and no seeds. Meyer lemons, a sweeter variety, are becoming more common. These lemons have Mandarin oranges in their family tree, giving these fruits a deeper color than traditional lemons.
• When buying lemons, opt for ones that are fully yellow and, if possible, organic. If the fruit is still green, it isn’t fully ripe. Thinner-skinned lemons are juicier. Keep away from lemons that look dull, wrinkled or excessively hard.
• Storing lemons in a sealed plastic bag keeps lemons fresh much longer than leaving them at room temperature.
• To make preparing lemon water even easier, juice several lemons into an ice cube tray and freeze. Pop a few cubes in a glass of water to have fresh lemon juice at the ready anytime.
• When preparing lemon water, it’s best to add the lemon juice to room temperature or warm water — start with half a lemon’s worth of juice. Drinking cold lemon water can be a shock to your system.
• You get the benefits of lemon water whenever you drink it, but sipping on it in the morning will kick-start your day. Try a glass about a half hour before breakfast; the lemon juice in your belly will help your body absorb your breakfast nutrients better.

(Source: https://draxe.com/benefits-of-lemon-water/)

The Benefits of Avocado

 AVOCADO

Avocado's have been famous nowadays not just because of its health benefits but because of its beauty benefits. I love avocado's and I proved that this fruit is amazing. Thanks to this fruit I'm beautiful inside and out! :D

1. Absorbs Other Nutrients

Avocado has a rich fat content that makes it easier to absorb fat solubles such as vitamins A, K, D, and E, which means that adding this creamy fruit to any vegetable-dense meals will help you get all of the vitamins of your food. Without fat in your diet, the body would not be able to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in that meal.
Marci Clow, an MS, RDN at Rainbow Light told Medical Daily in an email: “Because of the fat content in avocados, they will facilitate absorption of fat-soluble nutrients (vitamins  A, D, E & K) when combined with foods containing those nutrients.”

2. Eases Arthritis Symptoms

Avocados contain phytosterols, carotenoid antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, and polyhydroxolated fatty alcohols, which make the fruit an anti-inflammatory agent. Dr. Matthew Brennecke, a board certified naturopathic doctor practicing at the Rocky Mountain Wellness Clinic in Fort Collins, Colo., believes avocados can help with arthritis and osteoarthritis-related pain via avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), an extract that increases collagen synthesis that is an anti-inflammatory agent.
“We’ve seen that a natural vegetable extract made with soybean and avocado oil will slow down the advancement of osteoarthritis,” Brennecke told Medical Daily in an email.

3. Reduces Risk of Certain Cancers

Avocados possess a mix of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which makes them able to combat certain cancers, including mouth, skin, and prostate. A 2007 study published in the journal Seminars in Cancer Biology found the phytochemicals in avocados can selectively induce cell cycle arrest, inhibit growth, and induce apoptosis in precancerous and cancer cell lines. In other words, it is the phytochemicals in this fruit that encourage cancer cells to stop growing and die out.
The consumption of avocado can also be beneficial during chemotherapy. These sessions often drain the body out of gluthathione — a powerful antioxidant source — but avocado can help. “Avocados contain rich sources of both vitamin E and glutathione, and if chemotherapy is reducing your glutathione storage supply, avocados are a great way to get that antioxidant back into your system,” Brennecke said. “A low supply of gluthathione can make the healthy cells vulnerable to chemotherapy damage.”

4. Lowers Cholesterol

The super fruit is filled with fats that are good for you, specifically monounsaturated fat, which helps to lower bad cholesterol. This is because avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, according to Cohen, which is a compound that lowers blood cholesterol levels. “If you worry about your body’s cholesterol levels, avocados are a great solution because they will actually lower your LDL and increase your HDL levels,” she said.
A 1996 study published in the journal Archives of Medical Research found patients with high cholesterol who added avocados to their diet for one week had a 22 percent decrease in bad cholesterol and triglycerides and an 11 percent increase in good cholesterol. It also improved cholesterol for people who already had good lipid levels but was shown to be more effective in people with mild cholesterol problems.

5. Boosts Eye Health

An ounce of avocado contains 81 micrograms of lutein, along with zeaxanthin, two phytonutrients which are essential to eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, according to Clow, which act as antioxidants in the eye, lowering risk of developing age-related eye conditions. Adding avocados to your daily diet can protect the tissues of the eye from sun damage and the formation of cataracts and macular degeneration. It is the fat content in avocado that helps the body absorb the carotenoid.

6. Boosts Heart Health

The mono- and polyunsaturated fats in avocados not only help reduce blood cholesterol levels, but they help decrease the overall risk for heart disease. Avocado’s high vitamin B6 and folic acid content helps to regulate homocysteine levels, according to Cohen, which is what reduces the risk. A 2013 study published in Nutrition Journal found avocados were associated with a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of symptoms shown to increase the risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. Overall, avocado consumption is associated with improved diet quality, nutrient intake, and good heart health.

7. Promotes Weight Loss

Avocado’s smooth and creamy texture actually contains 6 to 7 grams of fiber for half of a medium-sized fruit. Its rich fiber content can help you feel full faster and longer, making it a go-to weight loss aid.
“Additionally, 75 percent of the fat in an avocado is unsaturated, which makes it a great substitute for foods high in saturated fat plus the oleic acid, one of the unsaturated fatty acids, may help to activate the satiety center in your brain that makes you feel full,” Clow said.
The benefits of this naturally nutrient-dense fruit will help you stay healthy and live longer.


 (Source: http://www.medicaldaily.com/fit-food-fruit-7-benefits-avocado-long-healthy-life-332918)