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.

 Numerous studies have found that a predominantly plant-based diet that includes

foods such as avocados can help to decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart

disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion and hair,

increased energy and overall lower weight.

Healthy for the heart:

According to registered dietitian Patricia Groziak, MS, RD, with the Hass Avocado Board,

avocados contain 25 milligrams per ounce of a natural plant sterol called beta-sitosterol.

Regular consumption of beta-sitosterol and other plant sterols has been seen to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Great for vision:

Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two phytochemicals that are especially concentrated in the tissues in the eyes, where they provide antioxidantprotection to help minimize damage, including from ultraviolet light.

As the monounsaturated fatty acids in avocados also supports the absorption of other beneficial fat-soluble antioxidants such as beta-carotene, including avocados as part of a healthy diet may help to reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Osteoporosis prevention:

Half of an avocado provides approximately 25% of the daily-recommended intake for vitamin K, a nutrient that is often overlooked, but which is essential for bone health. Vitamin K is often overshadowed by calcium and vitamin D when thinking of nutrients important for maintaining healthy bones, however, eating a diet with adequate vitamin K can support bone health by increasing calcium absorption and reducing urinary excretion of calciu

Cancer:

Avocado is a great source of folate also known as vitamin B9. Low levels of folate have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer in women. Adequate intake of folate from food has also shown promise in protecting against colon, stomach, pancreatic and cervical cancers.

Although the mechanism behind this apparent reduction in risk is currently unknown, researchers believe that folate protects against undesirable mutations in DNA and RNA during cell division.

Healthy babies:

Folate is also extremely important for a healthy pregnancy, with adequate intake reducing the risk of miscarriage and neural tube defects. Recent research from McGill University also found a 30% higher incidence of a variety of birth defects in baby mice conceived using sperm from mice with a folate deficiency compared to mice conceived using sperm from mice without a folate deficiency.

Lower risk of depression:

Foods containing high levels of folate may help to decrease the risk of depression as 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 the serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood, sleep and appetite.

Improved digestion: Despite its creamy texture, an avocado is actually high in fiber, with approximately 6-7 grams per half fruit. Eating foods with natural fiber can help to prevent constipation, maintain a healthy digestive tract and lower the risk of colon cancer.

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.

 

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Anti-Aging Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Many of us have been told that the key to sustained weight loss and a happy belly is to eat small, frequent meals, starting with breakfast. Eating this way has been the way that we’ve known to boost our metabolisms and keep weight off. And skipping breakfast, my gosh, you’d better not! Because breakfast is the most important meal of the day! And skipping a meal could slow your metabolism down and cause you to gain weight! But new research says that this may not be the case.

 

Digestion is one of the most taxing functions of the body. What we put into our mouths must get broken down into energy for our cells and this takes incredible work. Any type of fasting, or abstaining from eating, can have amazing restorative benefits . When the body isn’t focusing on digesting food, it can put its energy towards other bodily functions, like detoxification and repair. 

In fact, there are many compelling reasons to try intermittent fasting to flatten your belly and help you lose those extra pounds. Other benefits of intermittent fasting include detoxification (also known as autophagy), increase in human growth hormone, better brain health, an increase in gut flora and reduced risk of disease.