Avocado - Source of Amino and Essential Fatty Acids

Avocado is a rich whole food in that it contains rich nutrients like vitamin A, B-complex,C,E and folic acid, among others. It also contains rich minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, copper and other trace elements. All these are essential in the fight against excess acidity in our body. In addition, avocado contains 18 types of amino acids, 7 types of fatty acids (including omega 3 & 6), plus it has higher protein content than cow's milk.

As the water content in avocado is high (some 70-80 percent), it easily burns off as fuel for our body's energy needs and leaves little if any, acidic waste as compared to sugar-based food which leaves behind acidic ash waste in our blood.

Though high in fat content, these are mainly monounsaturated fats like essential fatty acids (EFAs- like omega 3 and omega 6), a balance of these fatty acids are essential to keep our heart healthy and prevent heart diseases. These monosaturated fats also help to lower our cholesterol levels.

Nutrient-dense avocado is touted to help inhibit the growth of tumor, particularly prostrate tumor due to the presence of beta-sitosterol and phytosterol. Certain sterols can reduce the absorption of cholesterol in our intestines and hence, reduce our blood cholesterol.

Studies have shown that avocado contains a biochemical called lutein, which helps to protect our body against different forms of cancer, particularly prostrate cancer. Research shows that lutein when combined with lycopene - found in tomatoes - could drastically reduce the growth of prostrate cancer cells! So help yourself with avocados and tomatoes for breakfast.

An antioxidant called glutathione is found in avocado that helps our body fights the damage caused by free radicals. It is also high in vitamin E which is known to slow the aging process of our body. All these and more will give you enough reasons to lap up your diet with avocados.