Avocado is a fruit which grows on the avocado tree. It is roughly pears shaped, large, usually yellowish-green or black, pulpy fruit of the avocado tree, which is grow in warm climate, for this reason it is also referred to as ‘alligator pear.’ or butter fruit because it is mainly due to their shape and the leathery appearance of their skin.The edible portion of the avocado is the creamy flesh within, which is light-green in color, and not sweet in taste.

the versatile avocado is the only fruit that provides a substantial amount of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Avocados are a naturally nutrient-dense food and contain nearly 20
vitamins and minerals.

The avocado (Persea americana ) is a
tree, long thought to have originated in South Central Mexico, classified as a member of the flowering plant family
Lauraceae. Recent archaeological research produced evidence that the avocado was present in Peru as long as 8,000 to 15,000 years ago. Avocado refers to the tree's fruit, which is botanically a large berry containing a single large seed.

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Magnoliids
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Persea
Species: persea americana

Nutrients in Avocado

Avocados are considered a “superfood” and have a special position in the food calorie pyramid. Avocados are rich in various nutrients such as vitamins, and minerals . They are also a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids and have a low sugar content. They are a good source of energy and contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals. Avocados contain magnesium , potassium, copper,calcium ,
iron, manganese, phosphorus and zinc . They also contain minerals such as vitamin C, B6, B-12, A, D, K, E, thiamin, riboflavin , and niacin. Furthermore, they are a great source of dietary fiber, and a single serving can provide more than 40% of the daily requirement!

Health benefits of avocado

Avocado has been known to have many nutrients and therefore considered as one of the best food you can eat, and it more beneficial when eaten raw.

1. Lower risk of depression

Foods containing high levels of folate may help to decrease the risk of
depression because folate helps to prevent the build-up of homocysteine, a substance that can impair circulation and delivery of nutrients to the brain.
Excess homocysteine can also interfere with the production of serotonin , dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.

2.Help digestion

Eating foods with natural fiber can help prevent constipation though its creamy texture, an avocado is actually high in fiber with approximately 6-7 grams per half fruit.

3. It may help in osteoporosis treatment

Substances called saponins, found in avocados, soy and some other plant foods, are associated with relief of symptoms in knee osteoarthritis, with further research planned to determine the long-term effects of isolated extracts.

4. Protection from chronic disease

According to the Department of Internal Medicine and Nutritional Sciences Program of the University of Kentucky , high fiber intakes are associated with significantly lower risks of developing
coronary heart disease, stroke,
hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases. Increased fiber intake has also been shown to lower blood pressure and
cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and enhance weight loss for obese individuals.

5. Good for vision

Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two phytochemicals that are especially concentrated in the tissues in the eyes where they provide antioxidant protection to help minimize damage, including from ultraviolet light.
As the monounsaturated fatty acids in avocados also support the absorption of other beneficial fat-soluble antioxidants, such as beta-carotene , adding avocados to your diet may help to reduce the risk of developing age-related
macular degeneration .

6. Natural detoxification

Adequate fiber promotes regular bowel movements, which are crucial for the daily excretion of toxins through the bile and stool.
Recent studies have shown that dietary fiber may also play a role in regulating the immune system and inflammation..

Enjoy!!!!!