Avocado
Avocado
Avocado is a green pear-shaped fruit that has high nutritional value. It is a rich source of protein and vitamin A,B,D and E. Avocado has a smooth creamy texture and a mild taste. It can be added to any meal or eaten as a salad.
Avocado when eaten daily might aid in weight loss as it is high in fibers and provides a feeling of satiety.
Avocado acts as a natural moisturizer and is beneficial for skin. It increases collagen production and reduces wrinkles due to its antioxidant property. Avocado pulp can be applied on the face or body skin to manage sunburns, eczema, dryness and psoriasis.
Avocado oil gets easily absorbed into the hair and scalp and improves hair quality. It stimulates hair growth and prevents damage. Avocado oil along with olive oil can be applied to the hair for smooth and shiny hair.
People who are allergic to latex should avoid the use of Avocado as it might lead to allergic reactions[1][2][7-9].
Avocado when eaten daily might aid in weight loss as it is high in fibers and provides a feeling of satiety.
Avocado acts as a natural moisturizer and is beneficial for skin. It increases collagen production and reduces wrinkles due to its antioxidant property. Avocado pulp can be applied on the face or body skin to manage sunburns, eczema, dryness and psoriasis.
Avocado oil gets easily absorbed into the hair and scalp and improves hair quality. It stimulates hair growth and prevents damage. Avocado oil along with olive oil can be applied to the hair for smooth and shiny hair.
People who are allergic to latex should avoid the use of Avocado as it might lead to allergic reactions[1][2][7-9].
What are the synonyms of Avocado?
Persea americana, Abokado, Avocato, Alligator pear[1].
What is the source of Avocado?
Plant Based
Benefits of Avocado
Modern Science View
Avocado helps manage cholesterol levels due to its strong antioxidant property. The dietary fibres present in Avocado lowers the level of total blood cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. Also, the heart-healthy fats present in olive oil improve the level of good cholesterol[2].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Avocado in weight loss. However, the dietary fibers present in Avocado might improve intestinal health. A study also states that eating Avocado gives a feeling of fullness which might help in preventing cravings[1][2].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the use of Avocado in managing menstrual flow. However, a leaf infusion of Avocado might help in managing menstrual cramps[3].
Modern Science View
Avocado might help reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea due to its antimotility property. It slows down the gastrointestinal motility and decreases the sodium and potassium absorption across the intestine. It also has antispasmodic property which relieves spasms of involuntary muscles[4].
Modern Science View
Avocado is beneficial in toothache due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The crushed and boiled seeds of Avocado are used to manage toothache by reducing pain and inflammation in the affected area[5].
How effective is Avocado?
Likely effective
High cholesterol
Insufficient evidence
Diarrhea, Menstrual pain, Toothache, Weight loss
Precautions when using Avocado
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Avocado is safe to be taken in food amounts. It is rich in fat content and calories so it is advisable for people on a diet to use Avocado wisely[1].
Allergy
Modern Science View
People allergic to latex should avoid the use of Avocado as it might trigger allergic reactions[1][6].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the use of Avocado during breastfeeding. So, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before using Avocado during breastfeeding[1].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the use of Avocado during pregnancy. So, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before using Avocado in pregnancy[1].
How to use Avocado
1. Avocado toast for breakfast
a. Add Avocado in your breakfast with a slice of toasted brown bread.
b. Mash an Avocado and put your favorite seasoning vegetables to it.
c. Spread it evenly on a slice of toasted brown bread.
d. Enjoy your delicious breakfast and get health benefits of Avocado.
2. Avocado creamy salad dressing
a. Avocado can be used to make your salad delicious and creamy.
b. For creamy salad dressing, mix all ingredients (garlic, yoghurt, lemon juice, olive oil) with vinegar.
c. Put them in a blender and add chopped Avocado.
d. Blend until it turns creamy.
e. Have it with salad in your daily meals to get benefits of Avocado.
a. Add Avocado in your breakfast with a slice of toasted brown bread.
b. Mash an Avocado and put your favorite seasoning vegetables to it.
c. Spread it evenly on a slice of toasted brown bread.
d. Enjoy your delicious breakfast and get health benefits of Avocado.
2. Avocado creamy salad dressing
a. Avocado can be used to make your salad delicious and creamy.
b. For creamy salad dressing, mix all ingredients (garlic, yoghurt, lemon juice, olive oil) with vinegar.
c. Put them in a blender and add chopped Avocado.
d. Blend until it turns creamy.
e. Have it with salad in your daily meals to get benefits of Avocado.
References
- WebMd.Uses for Avocado.[Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Pahua-Ramos ME, Moreno AO, Cevallos GC. Hypolipidemic effect of Avocado (Persea americana Mill) seed in a hypercholesterolemic mouse model. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2012;67:10-16.
- Alvarez SP, Quezada GA, Arbelo OC. Review: Avacado (Persea Americana Mill).Cultivos Tropicales. 2015;36(2):111-123.
- Christian E, Okwesili FC, Parker E, et al. Anti-motility and reductions in the concentrations of gut electrolytes: Mechanisms for the anti-spasmodic use of the seeds of Avocado (Persea americana Mill) in folk medicine. African Journal of Biotechnology.2013;12(37):5610-5617.
- Osuntokun OT, Akinola MO, Aladejana MO, et al. Efficiency of essential oils from Persea Americana stem bark and seeds extract. Journal of Applied Microbiology and Biochemistry. 2017;1(3):1-6.
- Abrams EM, Becker AB, Gerstner TV. Anaphylaxis related to Avocado ingestion: a case and review. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2011 Jun 10;7(1):12. doi: 10.1186/1710-1492-7-12.
- Ranade SS, Thiagarajan P. A review on Persea Americana Mill. (Avocado)- It’s fruit and oil. IJPRIF.2015;8(6):72-77.
- Stücker M, Memmel U, Hoffmann M, et al. Vitamin B12 Cream Containing Avocado Oil in the Therapy of Plaque Psoriasis. Dermatology.2001;203:141-147.
- Peraza-Magallanes AY, Pereyra-Camacho MA, Sandoval-Castro E, et al. Exploring genetic variation, oil and α-tocopherol content in avocado (Persea americana) from northwestern Mexico. Genet Resour Crop Evol. 2017 Mar;64(3):625–36.
- De Oliveira AP, Franco EDS, Barreto RR, et al. Effect of semisolid formulation of Persea Americana Mill (Avocado) oil on wound healing in rats. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. 2013:1-8.
- Hasan N, Ahmad N, Khan Z et al.Health benefits and pharmacology of Persea americana mill. (Avocado).IJRPP. 2016; 5:132-141.
- Moritz A. Timeless Secrets of Health and Rejuvenation. 2005.
- Chaudhary P, Khamar J, Sen DJ. AVOCADO: THE HOLISTIC SOURCE AS A NATURAL DOCTOR! World J. Pharm. Res.2015; 4(8):748-761.
- Bahru T, Tadele Z, Ajebe E. A Review on Avocado Seed: Functionality, Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties. Chem. Sci. Int. J. 2019; 27(2): 1-10.
- Mahmoed MY, Rezq AA. Hepatoprotective Effect of Avocado Fruits Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Damage in Male Rats. World Appl. Sci. J. 2013; 21 (10): 1445-1452.
- Leffler R. Très Green, Très Clean, Très Chic. 2015.
- Usman M, Davidson J. The Health Benefits of Avocado - For Cooking and Health. 2015.
- Bloomsbury Publishing. Super Food: Avocado. 2017
- Weschenfelder C, Lorenzon J, Santos D et al. Avocado and Cardiovascular Health.Open J Endocr Metab Dis . 2015; 5: 77-83. 10.4236/ojemd.2015.57010.
- Martin A, Martin-Mondière C. The Avocado Affair: Discover Avocado’s Most Delicious Partners in Health Through Ancient Rejuvenating Secrets and 70 New Recipes. 2014.
- Dreher ML, Davenport AJ. Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013;53(7):738-750
- Cleaveland Clinic. Can You Eat Too Much Avocado?
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.