Health Benefits of the Humble Avocado

Finding the best foods for proper nutrition can be difficult for anyone, particularly in this fast-paced modern society of ours.  However, if you want good health and better nutrition, you might not need to look any farther than your local farmer’s market for the humble avocado.  What might the avocado offer in the way of health benefits?  

One of the most impressive benefits found with the avocado is the cancer fighting properties offered.  The avocado has been shown to help prevent prostate cancer, as well as oral cancer and even breast cancer.  The high level of oleic acid contained in the avocado seems to be the key to fighting cancer in the human body.

Another health benefit of the avocado is the fact that it offers twenty-three percent of your RDA of folate.  This is essential for proper heart health and function, and can reduce your chances of developing heart disease by a significant amount.

For those concerned about their cholesterol, the fact that avocados are high in beta-sitosterol is a blessing.  This compound has been shown to combat high cholesterol in the body and doctors claim that just a single week of eating the right amount can reduce cholesterol levels by seventeen percent.

You will also find that the avocado offers benefits for vision, as well.  The fruit contains a considerable amount of lutein, which is essential for good eye health, and can protect against the development of cataracts and other eye problems.  When it comes to preventing strokes, the avocado is a significant aid, thanks to its level of folate.