What Avocado Pear Can Do

Fri, Jun 27, 2014
By publisher
4 MIN READ

Health

Recent studies have revealed that eating avocado pear can bring about a big relief for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and associated disorders

|  By Chinwe Okafor  |  Jul. 7, 2014 @ 01:00 GMT

THERE is now hope for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Such people can now have some relief by consuming avocado pears. Avocado pear which contains vitamin E helps to neutralise free radicals and in the build-up of proteins to reverse memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients; reverse symptoms of Alzheimer’s in the early stages and retard the progression of the disease, according to a publication in an international journal, ‘Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Disorders.’ Avocado pear is a distinct fruit with high-fat content and calories.

With a subtle buttery flavour, the popular fruit has a high nutrition profile similar to that of some edible nuts and seeds. Avocado pear also has lots of health benefits which some people do not know about. As 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 it’s used to prepare sandwiches and salads instead of meat due to its high fat content.

Pears on the Avocado tree
Pears on the Avocado tree

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 contains 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 a high fat content, it is 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 because they contain vitamin B6 and folic acid which help 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 as well as vitamin E and folate.” According to an international journal, “Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Disorders,” a high dose of Vitamin E neutralises free radicals and also helps in the build-up of proteins to reverse memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients; reverses symptoms of Alzheimer’s in the early stages and retards the progression of the disease.

Studies have also revealed that fresh avocado pear is a very rich source of potassium.  Avocado’s high potassium content is 30 percent more than what is found in banana. The omega-3 and oleic acid contents in the food are beneficial in 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.

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