Avocado. An ally of health.

Originated in Mexico and currently cultivated in half of the world, it is a fruit with multiple qualities making it one of the most precious jewels of health.

The properties of the avocado would be the following:

It would be able to increase and reinforce the immune system due to its large quantity of Vitamin C as well as cooperating in the development of elastin and collagen, thereby decreasing the emergence of wrinkles, dryness of the skin and redness within the face.

Its abundant quantity of folic acid or Vitamin B9, improves cardiovascular health through reducing levels of Homocysteine which is a substance that when elevated produces Heart issues in patients with cardiovascular diseases and also acts as a potent antianaemic for pregnant women thereby preventing the appearance of spina bifida in newborns.

It is a potent antioxidant that aids in the prevention of cancer due to its abundant quantity of Phytosterols and it would reduce the levels of LDL Cholesterol or bad cholesterol due richness of monounsaturated fatty acids y vegetable oils such as Omegas 9, 6 and 3. Its great quantity of fibre would also aid in the reduction of levels of LDL Cholesterol or bad cholesterol.

Two other antioxidants present within the avocado that intervene in the peripheral nervous system and in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, which is the main cause of blindness in people over the age of 60, are Lecithin and Lutein.

The presence of Vitamin E, would slow down the action of ultraviolet rays within the skin, thereby decreasing its aging.

Its richness in Vitamin K, would contribute to the blood coagulation process and its cooperation with Vitamin D would prevent the emergence of osteoporosis.

Its high concentration of Vitamin B6 fights against depression and the minerals present within the avocado such as copper, zinc, magnesium, and above all potassium, would contribute towards the management of blood pressure.

The avocado would also aid in the preservation of smooth and soft skin when used as a cream.

Lastly when referring to its seed, researchers from the universities of Waterloo in Canada and Perugia in Italy, published a study in June 2015 that highlighted the fact that a substance named Avocatin B had been found which would aid in the proliferation of leukaemia cells. According to these researchers it is an exciting finding that would aid in the development of new treatments that would treat this disease.

Apart from the avocado being a tasty fruit, eating avocado often or having it accompanying our meals daily would make it a great ally of our health.

Dr. J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus