New Research Findings on the BENEFITS OF AVOCADO By Tina Viney APAN from APJ14March

1. naturalingredient
While science is constantly identifying and studying the medicinal
properties of individual chemical compounds of plants, there is also
evidence that in some instances the plant as a whole can provide the
perfect balance of nutrients as a complete formula, and one such plant
istheavocado.
In this article we will look at some of the well-documented new findings
of the benefit of the avocado, both as a food source and a skincare
ingredient.
PREVENTS PROSTATE,
BREAST AND ORAL CANCERS
UCLA in California found that eating one-half of a fresh, medium
Hass avocado with a hamburger (made with 90 per cent lean beef)
significantly inhibited the production of the inflammatory
compound Interleukin-6 (IL-6), compared to eating a burger
withoutfresh avocado.
According to lead author David Heber, MD, PhD, the findings offer
“promising clues” about avocado's ability to benefit vascular function
andhearthealth.As reportedbyMedicalNewsToday:
“The researchers observed a significant peak (approximately a 70%
increase) of IL-6 four hours after the plain burger was eaten, however,
It is well known that avocado is an excellent source of healthful fats,
when fresh avocado was eaten with the burger the inflammatory
but this whole food may also have other unique health benefits. There
compoundInterleukin-6was significantlylower– just40%.
are numerous clinical research studies that have been conducted
specifically on the benefits of Hass Avocado on overall health, and in
“Additionally, the study found that when fresh Hass avocado was
particular, the benefits of avocado consumption for cardiovascular
eaten with the burger it did not increase triglyceride levels beyond
disease, weight management, diabetes, and its ability to enhance your
what was observed after eating the burger alone, despite the extra
body's absorptionofnutrients.
caloriesandfatfromthefresh avocado.
A recent study published in November, 2012 and conducted by
“The pilot study also reported that the difference in peripheral arterial
blood flow (the movement of blood to
different parts of the body, as measured
by PAT), a predictor of vascular health,
after eating the hamburger meal
compared to the hamburger-fresh
avocado meal was approaching
statisticalsignificance.
“PAT scores significantly decreased
(signifying reduced blood flow) only
after the plain burger was eaten
(approximately a 27 per cent drop, on
average) compared to a burger with
fresh avocado (approximately a 4 per
cent drop, on average, signifying less
reductioninbloodflow).”
Various research studies have also
shown that avocado helps in
preventing the development of breast
cancer thanks to its oleic acid content.
Moreover, owing to the presence of
certain compounds, avocado fruit was
found to be very effective in seeking
out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral-
cancer cells and obliterating them
without doing any harm to the healthier
ones. In addition, it is also known for
inhibiting the growth of prostate
cancer.
Eye health is another health benefit that
avocado offers due to its high content
of carotenoid lutein as compared to any
commonly consumed fruit. Lutein
prevents any eye-related disorders by
offering protection against macular
degenerationandcataracts.
Avocado helps in regulating blood
cholesterol level because of its high
beta-sitosterol content. It is shown to
reduce cholesterol as well as
New Research Findings on the
By Tina Viney
BENEFITS OF AVOCADO
APJ 116

2. APJ 117
phospholipids levels to almost 20% if consumed on
adailybasis.
Avocados are extremely helpful when it comes to
maintaining a healthy heart. They are rich in folate –
an ingredient essential for a healthy, problem-free
heart. One cup is enough to satisfy your body's 23%
of the daily folate requirement alone. Additionally,
monounsaturated fats, glutathione and vitamin E in
the avocado are also very beneficial for the human
heart. Not only this, avocado's high folate content
alsomakesitanidealfood for preventingstrokes.
Additionally, avocados have been found to be very
effective in boosting the absorption of certain
nutrients, plus they also improve the human
digestive system. Furthermore, avocados also help
prevent constipation and facilitate weight loss when
consumedinmoderation.
Avocados are a rich source of glutathione, an
antioxidant important in preventing ageing, cancers
andheartdisorders.
galactosamine, a potent liver toxin that interferes with cell synthesis
and results in cell death. The rats fed avocado suffered the least
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fat that is easily burnt for amount of liver damage. The chemical-induced liver injuries
energy and therefore considered a healthy fat. It is also very high in resemble those caused by viruses, so the researchers suggested
potassium and will help balance your vitally important potassium to avocado could potentially offer support in the treatment of viral
sodiumratio(morethantwicethepotassiumthanbananas). hepatitis.Accordingtooneleadauthor,HirokazuKawagishi,Ph.D:
Due to its beneficial raw fat content, avocado enables your body to
Hass avocado contains about 22.5 grams of fat, two-thirds of which is more efficiently absorb fat-soluble nutrients (such as alpha- and beta-
monounsaturated. They're also very low in fructose, which is yet caroteneandlutein)inotherfoods eateninconjunction.
anotherboon.
One 2005 study found that adding avocado to salad allowed the
Avocados are among the healthiest natural ingredients and are also volunteers to absorb three to five times more carotenoids antioxidant
considered a complete diet for babies. They contain over 25 vital molecules,whichhelpprotectyourbodyagainstfreeradicaldamage.
nutrients, including vitamins (A, B, C, E, and K) and minerals such as
copper, potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. Other research has found that avocado was helpful in improving lipid
Moreover, they also contain essential profiles in both healthy individuals and those
proteins, fibre and, as already with non-optimised HDL/total cholesterol
mentioned, for their beneficial levels). In one study, healthy individuals saw a
phytochemicals like glutathione, lutein 16 per cent decrease of serum total cholesterol
andbeta-sitosterol. level following a one-week-long diet high in
monounsaturated fat from avocados. In those
Avocados are one of the safest fruits you with elevated cholesterol levels, the avocado
can buy conventionally grown, and most diet resulted in a 17 per cent decrease of serum
experts do not believe you need to total cholesterol, and a 22 per cent decrease of
purchase organic ones. Their thick skin both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, along
protects the inner fruit from pesticides. with an 11 per cent increase of the so-called
Additionally, it has been rated as one of “good”HDLcholesterol.
the safest commercial crops in terms of
pesticide exposure, so there's no real
need to spend extra money on organic
While consuming avocados will also benefit the
avocados,unless you canafford it.
skin, their use topically is also highly beneficial.
There are many possible ways to use avocado on
the skin, either the complete fruit or the oil. Here
Further research is now discovering
arejustsomeways touse itandtheirbenefits:
additional health benefits. For example,
A mixture of 2-tbsp of
besides its anti-inflammatory properties,
avocado oil and 2-tbsp of castor oil has been
previous research from Japan suggests
found to help with age spots. Simply massage
this powerful fruit may also help protect
the mixture into the spot and leave it for
against liver damage. In one study
approximately 15 minutes.Avocado oil contains
laboratory rats were fed avocado and 22
sterolin, which is able to penetrate deeply into
other fruits. The rats were then given D-
AVOCADO CLASSIFIED AS A 'SUPER
FOOD'
AVOCADO AND THE SKIN
ADDITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS
1. Age-spot remedy:
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 11mg 0%
Total Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Dietary Fibre 10g 40%
Sugars 1g
Protein 3g
Vitamin A 4% | Vitamin C 25%
Calcium 2% | Iron 5%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000
calorie diet. Individual daily values may be
higher or lower depending on calorie needs.
NutritionData.com
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 150g
Amount Per Serving
Calories:240. Calories from fat 184
% DailyValue*
Total fat 22g 34%
Saturated fat 3g 16%
Trans Fat

3. the skin to moisture it. Studies suggest that sterolin is effective in If we speak particularly of the avocado
reducingtheoccurrenceofagespots andhelptosoftentheskin. benefits for hair, avocado oil helps rejuvenate and moisturise the
scalp. One can use avocado oil for hair in more than one ways as it's an
So what are sterolins? Sterol is a plant fat found in all plant-based exceptional treatment for revitalising dry, damaged, lifeless hair. It
foods. Sterolin is its glucoside, a molecular structure joined to the deep conditions your locks and scalp and hence leave them looking
sterol. Sterolin is easily destroyed, and without it, the sterol does not lustrous and full of life. Moreover, being a rich source of proteins,
have the same immune-enhancing benefits. Sterolin-1 and Sterolin-2 amino acids and vitamins, avocado oil also helps promoting the
are encoded with two genes ABCG5 andABCG8 that are considered growthofhealthiertresses.
transporters and binders of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and are
found to be indispensable for the regulation of sterol absorption and
Avocado oil is often recommended by
excretion. Mutations in either genes result in a lipid disorder known as
skin therapists to be used on the face on a daily basis for its exceptional
sitosterolemia.
hydrating benefits and because of its high Vitamin A and E levels it
also helps boost the skin's immunity against stress and other
Avocado is a natural moisturiser environmentalhazards.
that contains natural humectants that when massaged into the skin will
quickly plumb and hydrate the skin. You will need an entire avocado
Avocado oil is a natural sunscreen that keeps harmful
fruit to make a facial mask recipe. Crush the fruit until it becomes soft
UV rays from wreaking havoc on your skin and an excellent treatment
mass (paste) the add 1-tbsp of avocado oil to the paste. Cleanse the
formildsunburn.
face and apply the mixture over the facial skin and perform a facial
massage to nourish the skin and activate the blood supply to the skin.
Leave the mask for 15 minutes to allow it to penetrate into the skin
As new research brings to light new findings it is refreshing to know
layers. Gently remove excess mask. You may also find that you do not
that we can still improve the skin with simple and time-proven
needtoapplyanadditionalmoisturiser.
ingredients that are in abundance and easy to access. It's all about
choiceandunderstandingyourclients'needs.
As avocado is also rich in vitamin A, it
benefits the skin by helping to purge off any dead skin cells. As
avocado also contains glutamine amino acid this further helps to deep
JournalofAgricultureandFoodChemistry: InhibitionofCholesterolOxidation Products
cleanse the skin and offers it protection against harsh environmental
(COPs) Formation in Emulsified Porcine Patties by Phenolic-Rich Avocado (Persea
factors. Mix one avocado with a little oatmeal and a few drops of fresh
americanaMill.)Extracts
lemon juice to create an excellent exfoliating, purifying and skin
http://www.betterhealthinternational.com/lib_Moducare.asp
brighteningmask. Liver Injury Suppressing Compounds from Avocado (Persea americana) ACS
Publications
4. Rejuvenating the scalp:
5. Boosting skin immunity:
2. Skin Rejuvenation facial mask:
6. Sunscreen:
CONCLUSION
3. Skin Clearing Mask:
REFERENCE:
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