Health
–
Avocado pear has so many health benefits including the prevention of Alzheimer disease
| By Chinwe Okafor | Jan. 27, 2014 @ 01:00 GMT
AVOCADO pears are distinct fruits with high-fat content and calories. With subtle buttery flavour, the popular fruit which has a high nutrition profile similar to that of some edible nuts and seeds also has a lot of health benefits which some people do not know about. A seasonal fruit like apples avocado pear belongs to the rose family whose health benefits are mostly in the skin of the fruit. This means that for people to derive maximum health benefits, from the fruit, avocado pear should be eaten with the skin. The fruit is also a popular cuisine for vegetarians as its used to prepare sandwiches and salads instead of meats due to its high fat content.
Avocado pears mature on the tree but ripen only after their harvest and once they ripen, they turn dark green or deep purple and yield to gentle pressure. The fruit is one of the healthiest foods in the planet as they contain in excess of 25 essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C, E, & K, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. It also contain fibre, protein, and several beneficial phytochemicals such as beta-sitosterol, glutathione and lutein, which may protect one against various disease and illness. Though the fruit has the high fat content, the variety is healthy fat variety because it’s a monosaturated fat.
Studies have shown that oleic acid in avocado pear inhibits the growth of breast and prostate cancers.
Ada Alaneme, a health expert said that avocado pears contain a high level of boron which helps the body to retain calcium and prevents or retards osteoporosis. It is an excellent source of dietary fibre which is good for the heart. “Eating pears can also reduce the risk of stroke by up to 50 percent. They contain vitamin B6 and folic acid, which helps to regulate homocysteine levels. They also contain the carotenoid called leutein which is an antioxidant that specialises in protecting the eyes from oxidative stress damage leading to poor vision, cataracts and muscular degeneration.
“Foods that are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as avocados, are the secret to a brilliant brain. Avocado pears are one of the top brain-healthy foods that can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease because they contain omega-3 fatty acid content but also its vitamin E and folate.” According to an international journal, “Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Disorders,” high doses of Vitamin E neutralises free radicals and the build-up of proteins to reverse the memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients; reverse symptoms of Alzheimer’s in the early stages and retard the progression of the disease.
Studies have also revealed that fresh avocado pear is a very rich source of potassium. The combination of avocado’s high potassium content is 30 percent more than banana. The omega-3 and oleic acid content in the food are beneficial towards reducing blood pressure. Avocados are rich in vitamin B commonly known as folic acid which helps to promote healthy cell and tissue development. One cup of avocado pear juice provides about 23 percent of the recommended daily value of folate. Its high folate amount is essential in the prevention of birth defects, such as neural tube defect and spina bifida.
According to the National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements, “This is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy.”
Tags: Alzheimer disease Avocado pear fibre folic acid
