Who doesn’t love guacamole or avocado toast? Not only are avocadoes delicious with just about everything, they offer a wide variety of health benefits. While most people are already aware that avocadoes help boost skin health thanks to their healthy fat content, here are some of my favorite lesser-known health benefits of avocadoes:
Leukemia Treatment: An exciting study published in the medical journal Cancer Research found that a compound found in avocadoes, known as avocation-b, induces the death of leukemia cells. While the research is still in its early stages, since there are so many health benefits of avocadoes it is worth adding more to your diet if you’re suffering with this condition.
Autism Spectrum Benefits: If you or someone you know is on the autism spectrum, you may want to start eating more avocadoes. That’s because avocadoes contain a powerful healing nutrient known as glutathione. Research published in Medical Science Monitor found that glutathione effectively treated the effects of autism-related conditions. The study focused on glutathione supplements but it is still worth enjoying more of these versatile fruits.
Osteoarthritis Pain Alleviator: According to research in the journal Arthroscopy, avocadoes were found to have positive effects on pain levels in those suffering from osteoarthritis of the knees or hips.
Other Anti-Cancer Benefits: Research in the Journal of Experimental Therapeutics and Oncology found that avocadoes have several anti-cancer benefits. Not only do they encourage cancer cells to commit suicide, they also directly inhibit cancer cells and their growth.
Anti-Microbial Effects: As antibiotics become increasingly less effective against superbugs, it’s good to know that research published in BioMed Research International found that avocadoes exhibited antimicrobial activity against some bacteria and fungi. Just one more reason to enjoy more avocadoes.
Heart Health Benefits: Thanks to the presence of vitamin K in avocadoes, these delightful foods also boost heart health.
Boosts Carotenoid Absorption: When avocadoes are eaten alongside foods with carotenoids like beta carotene primarily found in orange and green vegetables, they increase the amount of these nutrients absorbed. That means extra eye and skin health benefits for adding avocado to your leafy green salad or with those carrots or squash you’re eating. And, yes, avocadoes contain some carotenoids but there are other vegetables that offer more of these critical nutrients.
How to Add More Avocadoes to Your Diet
Most people already know how delicious avocados are in guacamole. But, don’t let your avocado repertoire stop there. You can also add avocado to you smoothies, salads, dips, sandwiches, wraps, and even top soups with slices of avocado. You can blend avocado with cocoa and a sweetener for a delicious and healthy chocolate mousse. They can also be added to other desserts as a cake ingredient (replacing some of the oil or butter in a recipe) or a frosting (simply blend avocado and some icing sugar and cocoa or other flavor to use as a frosting for cakes, cookies, or cupcakes.
Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM, RNCP, ROHP, is an international best-selling & 21-time published book author, and a celebrity nutritionist. Discover more amazing foods that can transform your health in Dr. Cook's latest e-book: FOOD FIX: The Most Powerful Healing Foods and How to Use Them to Overcome Disease, available now for immediate download. Her work has been featured in Woman's World, First for Women, Huffington Post, Reader's Digest, WebMD, Reviews.com, and Prevention. Learn more about her work at DrMichelleCook.com.
