Avocado is a fruit of health! Useful properties, how to choose and cook. What is the taste of this fruit? Infusion of avocado leaves for colitis, enterocolitis, dysentery, diarrhea

Avocado is still an exotic product for us. Someone heard about its beneficial properties for the human body. And so he tries to introduce into his diet. True, it is not always clear how it is still eaten raw and cooked.

Someone can not come to terms with the strange taste of fatty, unsweetened fruit. And fruit at all?

So let's figure out what the benefits of avocados are, whether they can harm the body, and how to eat them correctly.

But first, let's find out if an avocado is a fruit or a vegetable, and how and where it grows.

Is it a fruit or a vegetable?

What is an avocado - a fruit or a vegetable, is often asked.

Avocado is a fruit. Although the difference between fruits and vegetables is illusory, simply because there is no strict concept of "vegetable".

A fruit is the fruit of angiosperms. Vegetables are commonly referred to as the stems of plants, their leaves, roots and tubers.

However, vegetables also denote what is actually a fruit, that is, it is a fruit. These are tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, etc. All these, from a botanical point of view, are fruits. But in our view, vegetables.

So an avocado is a fruit. And therefore fruit. But if you like to think it's a vegetable, let it be a vegetable.

Where and how does it grow?

The fruit of the avocado ripens on a tall evergreen tree, which has the same name "Avocado", or Perseus americana ( Persia americana). Perseus lives all over the planet, but only in countries with a hot climate: the USA and Mexico, Spain and Israel, Brazil and Peru, Congo and South Africa, Australia and Indonesia. Does not grow in Russia.

How an avocado grows, you can see in the photo.

Compound

The pulp of one medium-sized fruit contains:

• 9.2 g vegetable fiber;
• 20 g of healthy fats;
• 12 g of carbohydrates (of which only 0.4 g is sugar);
• 28 mg vitamin K (38% of the daily dose);
• 120 mg folate (30%);
• 12 mg vitamin C (24%);
• 686 mg potassium (20%);
• 4 mg pantothenic acid (20%);
• 0.8 mg vitamin B6 (18%);
• 2.6 mg vitamin E (14%);
• 39 mg magnesium (12%).

The fruit also contains a lot of carotenoid antioxidants - lutein and zeaxanthin.

How many calories in 1 pc. avocado?

The answer to this question is usually most of all interested in losing weight.

The calorie content of avocado per 100 grams is 160 kcal. This means that 1 pc. carries 220-230 kcal.

It is especially worth noting the presence in the fetus in a large number of the following beneficial compounds.

Potassium

Potassium deficiency is a very common phenomenon today. And dangerous. Since (hypertension, the formation of kidney stones, osteoporosis, etc.). At the same time, the main danger is not so much an excessive intake of sodium as a lack of potassium.

The benefits of avocados are that they are rich in potassium. The amount of trace element in the fruit is even greater than in such a famous dietary source as bananas.

Just 100 grams of avocado contains 14% daily dose this micronutrient.

Monounsaturated fatty acids

77% of a fetus's calories come from fat. But you should not be afraid of them, since the main amount of avocado oils is oleic acid. So the one that gives.

Oleic acid has significant anti-inflammatory activity. And this allows her to prevent the development of many serious illnesses from obesity and diabetes to cancer and atherosclerosis. For one of the foundations of all these ailments is nominal sluggish inflammatory processes in the body.

In addition, oleic acid reduces the expression of genes associated with development malignant neoplasms. That is, it has good anti-cancer properties.

vegetable fiber

One avocado contains approximately 35% of your daily fiber intake, a quarter of which is in its soluble form, which is friendly to healthy gut microflora.

Vegetable fiber has a lot of health benefits. It helps to lose weight, controls blood sugar and increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin, strengthens the immune system and normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

So, we have more or less figured out the composition of avocados, now we will consider the question of how it is useful for the human body.

Beneficial features

Prevention of diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Avocado monounsaturated fats, together with potassium, magnesium, vegetable fiber, vitamin K and some other biologically active compounds that make up the fruit, contribute to the normalization of the lipid profile.

A diet rich in avocados has been shown to reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides. And increase the amount of lipoproteins high density(HDL).

That is, the fruit helps to normalize the ratio of HDL to total cholesterol and triglycerides to HDL. It is these two indicators that are the most important for assessing the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Prolongation of youthfulness of the skin and eyes

To maintain vision, as well as a healthy young appearance of the skin, carotenoids are necessary. And avocado provides them.

Moreover, it not only supplies the body with those substances (mainly lutein and zeaxanthin) that it has, but also helps the absorption of carotenoids from other foods.

It has been proven that if other foods rich in carotenoids, such as tomatoes or carrots, are consumed simultaneously with avocados, the amount of antioxidants received by the body from them increases by 2.6-15 times.

And this makes it possible not only to improve appearance skin and protect their negative effects ultraviolet radiation, but also to prevent the development of eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Cancer protection

Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that suppress the expression of genes whose products can lead to cancer.

But that's not all.

The fruit also contains many minor biologically active compounds that affect human health, even in small quantities. Many of these substances can switch existing cancer cells to apoptosis (cell death).

Great value for cancer prevention, both the antioxidants of the avocado itself and the ability of the fruit to increase the absorption of these compounds from other products have. Antioxidants protect cell membranes and DNA from oxidative damage, that is, they eliminate the main cause of oncological pathologies.

Prevention of insulin resistance and diabetes

Complex "monounsaturated fatty acid- vegetable fiber "will be an excellent non-drug tool for regulating blood sugar levels and cell sensitivity to the hormone insulin.

It is for this reason that avocados, rich in both monounsaturated fats and fiber, make it possible to prevent the development of metabolic syndrome, which often develops into diabetes 2nd type.

For those people who already have big belly and metabolic syndrome, the fetus helps to return metabolic processes to normal.

Improving mental status and brain function

The human brain is made up of a huge amount of fat. Therefore, a low-fat diet does not have the best effect on his work.

But a menu rich in fats helps to cope with depression and chronic anxiety, improve cognitive abilities and memory, normalize sleep and alleviate stressful situations.

Avocados are rich in healthy fats and this is what is useful for the human body.

Does it work for weight loss?

This fruit is a product that is friendly to the process of weight normalization. Why?

Helps reduce appetite

Avocado suppresses hunger. And it is the food that makes it possible. And this is a scientific fact.

It has been proven that if you add half an avocado to a standard dinner, then in the next 5 hours after the meal, you will want to eat much less. And more precisely, by 28%. And it helps to avoid harmful unnecessary snacks for longer.

Here you can argue that at the same time we introduced extra calories into the body, which is bad for losing weight.

Yes. Entered.

But calories don't equal calories. That is why them. This is due to the fact that the same number of calories can cause a different hormonal response in the body, which will affect the rate of metabolic processes in different ways.

So calories that came into the body from carbohydrates lead to the release of a large amount of insulin, which further leads to the formation of additional body fat.

Calories of healthy fats, which come from avocados, do not lead to an increase in sugar levels and the release of insulin. And, therefore, do not contribute to the deposition of fat.

Moreover, the monounsaturated fatty acids present in avocados have other properties that are essential for weight loss. They are:

• burn faster than other types of fats;
• increase the rate of metabolism of body fat;
• help the body burn more calories after eating.

Other Features Helpful for Weight Loss

1. Avocado reduces insulin resistance. This metabolic failure always occurs in overweight people. Especially for those who need to lose weight in the abdomen and sides. Without eliminating the low sensitivity of body cells to insulin, it is impossible to steadily normalize weight, and not just lose weight for a week before vacation.
2. Like any other food rich in antioxidants, fiber and oleic acid, avocado helps fight against chronic inflammation. It is also important for weight loss, since, according to modern scientific views, weight gain is extremely often associated with the presence of chronic sluggish inflammation in the body.

Attention. Don't forget about calories

The extra calories you get with avocados are not to be feared like fire. After all, they help you lose weight. But, of course, everything is good in moderation. And you can't hope to lose weight by adding a dozen fatty fruits to your daily diet.

So how much can you eat per day?

½-1 fruit per day is the most reasonable way to include this product in the diet.

How to choose ripe fruit?

Of great importance is the color of the fruit. The figure shows the relationship between the color of the fruit and its ripeness.

However, it must be borne in mind that avocados are different colors. For example, there are black varieties. They are less common than green ones. But they exist.

Therefore, another tip on how to choose a ripe avocado is to pay attention to its softness. The ripe fruit is slightly squeezed when lightly pressed on it. If there is no squeezing, the fruit is still quite immature. If your fingers go too deep into it, the avocado is overripe.

How to ripen at home?

It is difficult to choose a ripe avocado in the store, as they are intentionally sold unripe. Otherwise, the fruits will not survive transportation from tropical regions to our northern latitudes.

Therefore, overseas fruit must be ripened at home.

These fruits emit ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening of unripe fruits, including avocados.

It is assumed that in this way avocados can be made to ripen in 1-3 days.

In practice, it usually turns out that the result is not as good as it is usually described. And an avocado in a paper bag with other fruits ripens longer - 4, sometimes 5 days.

Often as long as if you just keep it on the table at room temperature, without covering it with anything. Usually, it takes 5-6 days for avocados to ripen in such “Spartan” conditions.

So not really big difference meanwhile, take some action to ripen the fetus or leave it to itself.

But you can put an unripe avocado in the refrigerator only if you do not want it to ripen.

Fast thermal maturation

There is also fast way ripen avocado. Not quite, however, to ripen. Rather roast it a little.

To ripen a completely green and hard fruit in an hour, you need to wrap it in foil. And put in the oven, preheated to no more than 100 degrees.

Every 10 minutes the fruit should be checked for maturity. It usually takes 1 hour to soften a completely unripe avocado.

Such a method of “ripening” does not add benefits and good taste to the fruit. And the texture of it becomes not so creamy. However, in some situations, for example, when you urgently need to serve an avocado salad to the table, you can use it.

How to clean?

1. Cut the fruit lengthwise along the entire perimeter, resting with a knife on the bone.
2. Take an avocado in two hands and turn them in different directions, as if opening a fruit.
3. Cut the bone a little with a knife and pull it out.
4. Cut the pulp lengthwise (and also across if desired) and remove it with a spoon or fingers.

The video shows a master class on how to peel an avocado.

What to do with the bone?

Nothing. Throw it away if you are not going to germinate it. The seeds of this fruit are inedible.

How to eat raw?

Avocados are usually eaten raw.

Basically, you can eat whatever you like. But in order to maximize the benefits of the fetus, it’s good to follow a few rules.

• In no case should one neglect that bright green pulp that is located under the peel itself. It is easy to forget it on the skin and throw it away. You should not do this, since it is in this bright green strip that the largest number phytonutrients, especially carotenoids.
• Avocado helps the absorption of carotenoid antioxidants found in other foods. Moreover, adding this fruit to other products with carotenoids can increase the amount of antioxidants absorbed from food by 10-15 times!

So, it would be a shame not to use such amazing ability avocado. That is why it is most often added to salads that contain other ingredients rich in carotenoids - tomatoes, carrots, pumpkins, etc. A simple and healthy version of this dish is a salad of avocado and tomatoes with soft cheese.

• When preparing salads with avocados, one must remember that this fruit is fat. Therefore, avocado is both an ingredient in a salad and its dressing. This fruit should not be combined with other fatty ingredients. If some other fats are added to the avocado, then quite a bit of olive oil. And, of course, no mayonnaise.

How else can you eat raw avocados?

In addition to salads, fresh fruit:

• add slices to vegetable soups and;
• also put in slices on a plate with stewed vegetables, meat, poultry;
• used for making sandwiches;
• used for nutritious smoothies.

And, of course, you can't forget about the famous guacamole sauce.

How is it eaten ready-made?

There are not so many recipes in which this fruit is subjected to heat treatment. The most common is its use in baking instead of other fats. Usually avocado replaces margarine. To do this, it is added to the dough as much as the recipe says to put margarine.

Possible harm and contraindications

People who are allergic to latex may develop an allergic reaction to avocados as well.

Also, this fruit should be avoided by those who take Warfarin. Since avocado reduces the activity of this drug.

For all other people, an avocado meal is safe and does not cause any harm to the body.

The benefits and harms of avocados. conclusions

Avocado is a tropical evergreen fruit with multiple health benefits.

Avocado is good for the heart, blood vessels and brain.

However, due to its high calorie content, it should not be included in the diet in too large quantities. Enough ½-1 fruit per day.

Avocados are usually eaten raw, adding to salads and soups, preparing sauces and smoothies.

Today's article is devoted to the exotic avocado fruit, the beneficial properties of which are scientifically substantiated and are the subject of close attention many scientists, doctors and nutritionists. A tree reaching a height of up to 20 m is cultivated in many regions with a tropical and subtropical climate (Southern and North America, Africa, Israel, Jordan), and Mexico is considered its homeland.

American Persea or avocado is an evergreen plant whose fruits are rich in vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and especially valuable mineral compounds.

The ancient Aztecs called this fruit forest oil, and the British called it “alligator pear”, for the resemblance of a tuberous peel of rich green color to crocodile skin and a shape reminiscent of the pear fruit that is familiar to us.

The avocado fruit is a one-seeded pear-shaped berry, 5 to 20 cm long and weighing 0.05 to 1.8 kg. The pulp of a mature alligator pear, in the center of which a large seed is located, has an oily texture, soft green or yellow-green color.

The stone, leaves and peel of the plant contain persin, a fungicidal toxic substance that is dangerous for both humans and animals. When it enters the body, the work of the gastrointestinal tract worsens and various allergic reactions occur.

From the ripe pulp of the fruits of the alligator pear, a healing spruce with a greenish tint, which has a nutty flavor and a liquid texture, is used in cooking, cosmetology (home and industrial) and for the production of pharmaceuticals.

The taste of the pasty and buttery pulp of the ripe fruit is reminiscent of a combination of butter and puréed leafy greens with delicate nutty notes, like cedar grains.

• Unripe fruits have a hard and dense texture, the taste is close to raw pumpkin or an unripe pear.

Culinary value of avocado, how is it eaten and what is it combined with? It should be noted that the fruits are not subjected to heat treatment in any form. The easiest way to enjoy an alligator pear is to cut the fruit in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh from each half with a small spoon, enjoying each serving.

Another option is to cook vegetable oil with spices. The pulp, peeled from the skin, is kneaded with a fork until mashed, add olive oil, salt, dried spices and ground pepper, after which they are used for spreading on bread (the most delicious is avocado with black pastries) or in combination with fresh and boiled vegetables.

In addition to being consumed in its natural form, the pulp of a ripe avocado is used by culinary specialists as the basis for the preparation of nutritious exotic cold snacks.

In salads, the alligator pear is ideally combined with fatty fish and seafood (shrimp, rapana, mussels).

It is possible to replace the traditional butter for sandwiches with the tender pulp of a tropical fruit. They love avocados and confectioners. All kinds of sweet creams, mousses, milkshakes are prepared from it. In Brazilian cuisine, there are many recipes for desserts based on the pulp of ripe fruits.

Avocados are especially appreciated by fans of plant foods. In vegetarian cuisine, fruits are used to stuff sushi and as an alternative and complete replacement for meat and eggs.

To avoid rapid oxidation of the surface of the cut fruit (when the pulp comes into contact with oxygen molecules, enzymatic darkening occurs), it is sprinkled with sour lime or lemon juice.

Avocado - the benefits and harms

Avocado - benefits for women

The amount of vegetable fats in the pulp reaches 22.5%. Avocados are 72% water. The calorie content of the product is 158 kcal / 100 g, the presence of proteins, carbohydrates and dietary fiber (fiber) in it, respectively, 2 g, 1.8 g and 6.7 g for every 100 g.

• The fruit is famous for the almost complete absence of sugars (up to 2%), which makes it indispensable in dietary nutrition.

The fruits contain water- and fat-soluble vitamins: group B, ascorbic acid (C), K, PP, choline, tocopherol (E) and retinol (A).

It affects the diverse content of macro- and microelements, including: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, sulfur, zinc. Avocados also contain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, 18 essential amino acids, ash and a whole range of antioxidants, including powerful glutathione.

Alligator pear is indispensable for health of cardio-vascular system. Vegetable fats contribute to the normalization of cholesterol metabolism and help to reduce the level dangerous cholesterol in the blood, while the concentration (high-density lipoprotein) increases significantly. According to scientists, in just 7 days of taking avocados, the level of "bad" cholesterol is reduced by about 23%!

• Potassium and other biologically active components of the fruit exhibit antiarrhythmic action and contribute to the elimination of tissue swelling.

The use of avocados simultaneously with other foods leads to an increase in the absorption of their biocomponents in the digestive system. This is due to the fact that in the presence of fatty compounds of the fruit, some vitamins are actively dissolved, in particular carotenoids and lutein.

For example, eating a salad of carrots, pumpkins, celery and avocados will bring the body 5 times more carotene than the same dish, but without the alligator pear. It should be noted that carotenoids are not only powerful antioxidants, but also substances responsible for improving the functioning of the reproductive and immune systems, as well as indispensable for the health of the organs of vision.

Regular inclusion of avocados in the diet helps to create effective protection from toxic substances for liver cells. Exotic monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as biologically active components vegetable oils(olive, sesame, linseed, pumpkin, walnut), protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

The presence of effective antioxidants in the pulp of the alligator pear prevents oxidative stress in the body.

Avocado – vegetable source essential amino acids, the deficiency of which is observed in vegetarians and adherents of a raw food diet. The fiber present in the fruits helps to cleanse the intestines from metabolites and toxins, and also activates the evacuation ability of the organ.

The combination of selenium, carotene, zinc, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and phytosterols - the most powerful prevention of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. These substances effectively eliminate inflammatory processes in the body and increase its protective functions.

Experienced cosmetologists recommend that their clients not only regularly eat fruit, calling it “skin cream that works from the inside”, but also make face and hair masks based on the pulp of the fruit. In such procedures, the benefits of avocados for women are invaluable, since the product has rejuvenating, moisturizing, anti-wrinkle and regenerating properties, and a high concentration of vegetable fats contributes to the proper nutrition of the epidermis and curls of ladies of all ages.

• See more

The alligator pear will help and everyone who wants to lose weight, throw off excess weight or just following the figure. The inclusion of avocados in a diet for weight loss, in the amount of 150 grams per day, will allow you to not feel hunger attacks for a long time. In this case, the body will be provided with most of the bionutrients necessary for its normal functioning.

Easy Avocado Salad Recipes

Simple recipes with avocado, photo

Cooking delicious and nutritious snacks is not difficult even for a novice cook. We bring to your attention 2 original recipes for salads from products, the purchase of which in the supermarket will not be a problem.

Simple and quick salad

This salad is used as a complete breakfast, lunch or dinner for anyone on a low-calorie weight loss diet. Despite the simplest recipe, avocado diet salad is very useful for the body of both women and men.

Mix the peeled and pureed pulp of half a fruit with diced 1 boiled egg, 1 medium cucumber, 1 bunch of green onions, season with a tablespoon of olive oil.

exotic salad

And for a festive feast with Mexican motives, a salad with avocado and shrimp is ideal. They are stuffed into tortillas and served as a savory appetizer for an aperitif. In a food processor, grind to a paste 2 peeled sweet peppers, 4 king prawns, the pulp of half an avocado, a tablespoon of lime juice, the same amount of olive oil.

The resulting mass is salted and peppered to taste. Fans of spicy dishes are advised to add chili pepper powder to it. Next, the sauce is evenly distributed on four tortillas, and diced peppers (1 pc.), Avocado (1/2 pc.) And whole king prawns (12 pcs.) Are spread on top.

• Each cake is wrapped in a cone and laid out on a flat dish.

Harm and contraindications

In rare cases, an allergic reaction occurs to the fetus. You should not eat more than 200 grams of pulp per day (for an adult), since the high nutritional and energy value can lead to weight gain.

Care should be taken with the peel, leaves and stone of the exotic, which include poisonous compounds. Do not let children and pets play with them. Patients with an allergy to latex should avoid eating alligator pear.

Avocado, the benefits and harms of which are biochemical composition pulp is a welcome guest on the table of everyone who has no contraindications to its use and strives to comply with the rules of rational nutrition.

Avocado, the second name is alligator pear, is the fruit of an evergreen tree, which is considered a distant relative. Homeland are South America and Mexico, but it was the gardeners of Europe who mastered the secrets of growing this plant. Avocado is a real giant, because it grows up to 20 m, and even at the same time it branches strongly.

The fruit is extremely rich in nutrients and has a high calorie content (245 calories per 100 g). However, it does not contain harmful fats and sugar, which gives the fetus the right to enter the diet of those who consume dietary products.

There are also a lot of minerals in avocados: sodium, manganese, phosphorus, (a record amount - more than is contained in).

The composition of avocados is not offended by the content of vitamins: , provitamin A, group B, a large amount. The fruit also contains natural hormones and other active substances which have a rejuvenating effect on the human body.

How it is eaten

Fruit must be peeled. If the fruit is ripe, then it is cleaned quickly and effortlessly. The large bone, which is located in the center, must be removed; it cannot be eaten. And then it all depends on your preferences: avocados can be added to salads, and also consumed as an independent dish, cut into slices (like a melon).

Beneficial features

Avocados are popular with people on a vegetarian diet. How useful is avocado?

1. Helps cleanse the blood bad cholesterol. And all thanks to oleic acid, which is part of the fruit. It is she who fights the formation of cholesterol deposits and cleanses the blood.
2. Protects the body from the effects of viruses at the cellular level, fights against age-related changes. A large amount of vitamin E helps with this.
3. Reduces the risk of heart and vascular diseases, improves memory. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are active here. If they are not enough, then atherosclerosis develops.
4. Normalizes the activity of the heart. This is facilitated by potassium, which brings the water-salt balance back to normal.
5. Reduces blood pressure indicators. That is why it is useful for those suffering from hypertension, as it returns pressure indicators to normal. naturally.
6. Normalizes the process of blood circulation. This task is performed, as well as copper and iron, which prevent the development of anemia.
7. Helps improve performance. This happens due to the presence of mannoheptulose, which has a positive effect on the nervous system, removes drowsiness, irritability, and fatigue.
8. Antioxidant effect. Fights free radicals.
9. Increases the body's defenses. Vitamin C helps with this, so avocados are useful during colds and viral diseases.
10. Normalizes activity digestive system eliminates constipation.
11. Fights malignant cells. Thanks to phytonutriens and phytochemicals that destroy and stop the development of certain types of neoplasms.
12. Helps strengthen bones and teeth. Phosphorus and calcium help in this.
13. Avocado is a source of protein because it is vegetable analogue meat. The fruit benefits those who build muscle mass.

The benefits of avocados for women

For the beautiful half of humanity, the use of fruit will be useful as cosmetic product. Masks and oils containing avocado prevent aging skin, moisturizing it and protecting it from fungal diseases and viral nature. For these purposes, it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes.

• A very valuable oil is obtained from the alligator pear, which is used in massage, and also as an additive in cosmetic cream. Avocado oil is an ideal treatment for nails, face and body. Also, the use of oil will help solve such skin problems like dermatitis, eczema, acne or inflammation on the face.
• Hair restoration and elimination of their fragility. Mix the avocado, after chopping it, with a beaten egg and a little olive oil. Apply to hair along the entire length, rubbing into the roots, wrap your head with a towel, leave for 30-40 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Rejuvenating masks for the décolleté, neck and face. 1 st. l. mix well chopped avocado pulp with 2 yolks and 5 ml of cream. Apply the mass on the face, neck, leave for a quarter of an hour, then rinse. The mask has a positive effect on irritated or overdried skin.
• To cleanse the skin of the face, you can prepare such a mask: mix equal amounts of avocado pulp, honey, flour, mayonnaise, a raw egg. Apply the mass on the face, wait 15 minutes and rinse. If the skin is oily, then it is recommended to use a mixture of alligator pear with kefir or homemade yogurt.

Scientists also argue that the effect of avocados on the body of women after forty years is difficult to overestimate. The fruit contains biologically active components that are similar in their action to hormones. They fight a decrease in estrogen production, which helps delay the onset of menopause.

For men

If there is a weak potency, the alligator pear will help, because it is a natural aphrodisiac. For men who work hard physically, the fruit will restore strength in a short time.

Application for medicinal purposes. Traditional medicine recipes

• Treatment of gum disease. It is necessary to mix 1 tbsp. l. avocado oil + 1-2 drops of orange oil + 1-2 drops of oil tea tree+ 1-2 drops of lavender. Apply the mixture on a swab of gauze or cotton and apply for 15-20 minutes to the affected gums. Do the procedure 2 times a day.
• Getting rid of worms. You will need a peel from one fruit, carefully chop it with a knife and pour 100 ml of hot boiled water in the evening. And in the morning, the infusion should be drunk on an empty stomach. Treatment is carried out for three days. For children, you can add a little sugar.
• fresh avocado cleanses blood vessels. If you systematically use an alligator pear every day (half of the fruit will be enough), then a decrease in the amount of bad cholesterol and an expansion blood vessels will be guaranteed.
• For making jam that will help solve constipation problem, you should mix avocados, prunes, dried apricots, figs with a blender, taking products in equal quantities. Add honey to the mass, mix until smooth and place in a glass container, store in the refrigerator. Use 1 tsp. three times a day after meals to get rid of constipation, for prevention - once a day.
• avocado oil- an indispensable tool for the body. It is recommended to include it in the daily menu for those people who suffer from anemia and cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, ischemic disease, heart attack, stroke, high arterial pressure). The oil also helps with gastritis, stomach ulcers and duodenum, with other diseases of the digestive system.

Avocado during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The beneficial properties of the alligator pear also apply to women who are pregnant and breastfeeding.

1. Vitamins and monounsaturated fatty acids are useful during pregnancy, as they positively affect the formation of the placenta, as well as the brain, nervous system and organs of vision in the unborn baby.
2. prevents congenital malformations in the baby.
3. Thanks to the microelements included in the composition of avocados, possible problems with the heart and blood vessels in the fetus, and in the mother - the activity of the digestive system is getting better.
4. Avocado masks will help a woman solve the problem of skin stretch marks in the area mammary glands, hips and abdomen during pregnancy.
5. Alligator pear perfectly supports the defenses of the body of a pregnant woman.
6. Some experts believe that avocados are a valuable find for nursing mothers, because this fruit contains proteins. plant origin, which are so necessary for babies. Others give information that it is better for breastfeeding women to refrain from eating fruit, as it can provoke diarrhea in an infant.

At what age can children

Babies are encouraged to introduce avocados as complementary foods. after a year of life. In that age period fruit will be good food for the crumbs. However, the first time exotic avocado puree should be given carefully, starting with half a teaspoon and observing the reaction of the child.

Contraindications and harm

Despite the large number of useful properties, avocados have contraindications for use. Let's consider them in more detail.

1. The stone and leaves of the alligator pear are forbidden to be consumed by both people and animals. These parts of the plant contain a special toxin that can provoke the development severe reactions from the side immune system(up to anaphylactic shock), as well as cause irreparable harm to the digestive system.
2. The fruit should not be eaten by people with individual immunity to any component of this product, with manifestations of allergies to citrus fruits and latex.

Undoubtedly, avocado is a very valuable fruit plant. In order for it to benefit the human body, it is necessary to apply it, taking into account contraindications. Be healthy!

We offer you to get acquainted with another exotic fruit in the article.

Avocado is a unique fruit. Most fruits are predominantly carbs, but he is mostly healthy fats.

Let's see how avocados are useful for the human body.

Useful properties of avocado

1. Nutritional value

Avocado is the fruit of the Persea americana tree; There are many types of this fruit, varying in shape (from pear-shaped to round), and in color (from green to black). The average weight is from 220 grams to 1.4 kilograms.

Avocado contains 20 various vitamins and minerals. A 100 gram serving contains (as a percentage of daily allowance consumption):

• Vitamin K - 26%
• Folic acid - 20%
• Vitamin C - 17%
• Potassium - 14%
• Vitamin B5 - 14%
• Vitamin B6 - 13%
• Vitamin E - 10%

Also present in small amounts: magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin).

100 grams of an avocado contains 160 calories, 2 g of protein, 15 g of healthy fats, and 9 g of carbohydrates, of which 7 g is dietary fiber (i.e. it can be classified as low-carb foods).

It is low in sodium and cholesterol, and low in saturated fat.

2. Avocados have more potassium than bananas

Statistically, most people lack potassium in their diet. Potassium maintains electrical gradients in the cells of our body, and performs many other important functions.

100 g of avocado contains 14% of potassium from the daily requirement, and 100 g. bananas - 10%. Bananas are considered one of the richest sources of potassium, but avocados still have more of it. Of course, in fairness, it is worth noting that bananas are cheaper, and you can eat much more of them, so the primacy in this matter still remains with them.

Why do we need potassium? It normalizes blood pressure high pressure increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.

3. Avocado contains monounsaturated fatty acids

In fact, 77% of the calories in an avocado are from fat, which is why it is considered the fattest of all plant foods.

However, we are not talking about any kind of fat - most of the fat in it is oleic acid. It belongs to the monounsaturated fatty acids, and has various beneficial properties. It is also abundant in olive oil.

According to scientific research, oleic acid reduces inflammation and can act on genes associated with the occurrence.

Also, those fats that avocados contain are resistant to oxidation caused by exposure to high temperature- this means that avocado oil is suitable for preparing healthy and wholesome food.

4. Avocados are high in fiber.

Fiber or dietary fiber is not digested gastrointestinal tract, but at the same time (or normalization of weight), lower blood sugar, and in general, reduce the risk of many diseases.

Fiber is soluble and insoluble.

Soluble fibers serve as food for beneficial intestinal bacteria, on the vital activity of which the normal functioning of our body as a whole depends.

100 g of avocado contains 7 g of fiber, which is 27% of the recommended daily intake.

About 25% of the dietary fiber in it is soluble, and, accordingly, 75% are insoluble.

5. Avocado Helps Lower Cholesterol

There are various studies confirming the ability of avocados to affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels; in particular, a decrease in the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood was observed up to 22%, triglycerides decreased up to 20%; at the same time, an 11% increase in “good” cholesterol was found.

6. Avocado supports health

Regular consumption of this fruit helps to maintain healthy lifestyle life — such a conclusion was made on the basis of a study of 17,567 people in the United States. It turned out that those whose diet contained avocados were generally healthier than those who did not eat this product.

Those who regularly ate avocados received more nutrients, had half the risk of metabolic syndrome (a set of symptoms that are one of the main factors associated with heart disease and diabetes).

People who regularly ate avocados were more likely to be close to normal weight, and they also had more "good" cholesterol.

True, it may be premature to say that it was the avocado that caused the improvement in health; however, studies have established a link between regular consumption of this fruit and the maintenance of good health.

7. Avocado helps plant foods to be better absorbed.

In particular, this applies to the fats that it contains. Some nutrients(for example, vitamins A, D, E, K, as well as carotenoids) are fat-soluble, i.e. For their assimilation, fats must be present.

According to one study, adding avocado (the product itself or the oil from it) to a salad increased the absorption of antioxidants from 2.5 to 15 times.

Those. It turns out that avocados are useful not only by themselves, but it also helps other products to be more beneficial for our body.

8. Avocado is good for the eyes

It contains the antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which are very important for eye health.

Studies show that these two antioxidants are strongly associated with a reduced risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, common in older adults.

Thus, the regular use of avocados supports the health of your eyes, acting, among other things, on the “perspective”.

9 Avocado Can Prevent Cancer

Although there is still little data on this subject, nevertheless, according to one study, avocados help reduce side effects from the effects of chemotherapy on human lymphocytes.

Avocado extract has also been found to be able to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.

10. Avocado extract and arthritis

Various studies have shown that avocado and soybean oil extract (referred to as "avocado and soybean unsaponifiables") can reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.

However, it has not yet been established whether the this effect the action of the avocado itself or the whole extract.

In one study, it was found that people who eat this fruit are 23% more likely to feel full during meals, and their desire to eat again in the next 5 hours is 28% lower.

If these effects of avocados can persist for a long time, then simply incorporating avocados into your diet can naturally limit excess calorie intake and help you eat healthier.

In addition, it has a lot of fiber, but it is low in carbohydrates, so this combination will already contribute (provided, of course, that we still eat right).

12. Avocado fruit is tasty and good in different dishes.

A remarkable property of this fruit is that it can be added to various dishes, or even eaten raw.

It has a creamy, rich texture that pairs well with a variety of products.

When the avocado is ripe, it will feel a little soft to the touch. If it is peeled, then the product will begin to oxidize quickly - this can be slowed down by adding lemon juice.

This is the health benefits of avocados. Now let's see how it can be harmful.

Harm and contraindications of avocado

1. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If a nursing mother eats avocados in large quantities, the child may experience indigestion (which, however, can also occur in an adult if he / she eats this fruit in large quantities).

2. Hypersensitivity

In this case, it is better not to eat this product, because. the result may be increased sensitivity of the skin and vomiting.

3. Allergy

Avocado allergy is possible, which manifests itself in such forms as hives, itching, redness of the skin and eczema.

It can also cause irritation in the mouth and swelling of the tongue.

4. Various side effects

The following side effects have been reported in people who have eaten avocados: flu, paralysis, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, migraine, fever, drowsiness, and asthma.

Of course, the likelihood of such effects occurring is very relative.

5. Liver damage

The potential harm of avocados lies in its ability to damage the liver. This is especially true for certain types of avocado oil. In particular, it is best to avoid the Mexican avocado, which contains estragole and anethole- Substances with carcinogenic properties.

If you have liver dysfunction, it is better to refrain from eating this fruit and its oil.

6. Latex sensitivity

Avocado increases the level of IgE antibodies in the blood serum, which can cause an allergic reaction.

7. Cholesterol

Avocado lowers cholesterol, but when consumed in large quantities, it can lead to problems.

The fact is that it contains a lot of Beta-sitosterol (beta-sitosterol), which absorbs necessary for the body cholesterol.

8. Calories

If you are on a diet, limit this product in your diet, because. it contains a lot of calories.

9. Medicines

Eating a large amount of avocado can reduce the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs, and also leads to blood thinning.

These are the beneficial properties and contraindications of avocados for the human body.

Exotic "alligator pear", "Persea americana" or avocado- the fruit of an evergreen tree of the Laurel family. This evergreen tree is native to Mexico. There are more than 400 types of avocados growing on the planet, and thanks to unique properties it has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most nutritious fruit in the world. Why are the beneficial properties of avocados so valuable and who is harmful to use the "alligator pear"?

avocado calories

A ripe avocado has a pasty pulp that resembles the most delicate butter with a nutty tinge. The fruits contain biologically active elements that prevent aging, and there is more potassium, which is good for the heart, than in a banana. The nutritional value of 100 g of fruit is about 200-240 kcal.

Useful properties of avocados are explained by its unique composition. The fruits contain:

• folate
• Niacin, thiamine
• Riboflavin, pyridoxine
• Vitamins of groups A, C, E, K, PP, D
• Pantothenic, oleic acids
• Copper, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, selenium
• Alimentary fiber
• Polyunsaturated organic acids
• Vegetable fats (about 48 by weight)
• Carbohydrates, proteins

Avocados contain almost no sugars (only about 1.5) and unhealthy fats, due to which they are included in the diet of diabetics. Eating only 50 grams of avocado, a person receives a daily amount of carotenoids, useful for vision and youthful skin. Vegetable fats contained in avocados are easily absorbed by the body and do not increase cholesterol levels.

For those who are only going to introduce this amazing fruit into the diet, you should know the contraindications of avocados. It is given to children with caution - if a child is allergic to citrus fruits, it is better to postpone taking avocados.

Avocado contraindications:

• Allergic reaction to latex
• Component intolerance
• Chronic diseases of the stomach and pancreas
• Children under 3 years old

When choosing an avocado, one should not forget that, like any "overseas" product, the fruit can be treated with chemicals. Before use, you need to rinse the avocado well, and if there are visible damage on the peel, it is better to refuse to take such a fruit.

Avocado: useful properties

"Persea americana" is a healthy and nutritious fruit. It has a regenerating and strengthening effect on almost all human organs.

The use of avocados increases the efficiency of the brain, improves digestion, strengthens the heart, and normalizes the pH balance of the body. For vegetarians, this fruit is an essential part of the daily diet.

The beneficial properties of avocados are manifested in such an effect on the body:

• The blood is cleared of cholesterol, the likelihood of the formation of cholesterol plaques is reduced.
• Thanks to vitamin E, body tissues remain elastic, collagen is produced, and wrinkles are smoothed out.
• Eating avocados reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis. The fruit contains a record amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• Blood pressure decreases, and if you eat fruit regularly, you can get rid of hypertension.
• Hematopoiesis and blood circulation are normalized. The use of avocados prevents anemia and anemia due to the content of iron in the composition.
• Increases efficiency, immunity. Eating one avocado per day, a person gets rid of fatigue, irritability, depression.
• The phytochemicals and phytonutriens in avocados destroy cancer cells and prevent their growth.
• The use of "alligator pear" contributes to better absorption of carotonoids.
• Avocado has powerful aphrodisiac properties. It has a positive effect on potency, reproductive functions and libido.

Valuable oil is produced from avocado fruits, the calorie content of which is equal to meat and eggs. According to the content of building proteins, avocado is the leader among high-calorie fruits: grapes, pears, apples.

The dream of a woman is to always look young, attractive, healthy. Eating avocados improves the hormonal background in a woman's body, improves metabolism, and significantly reduces the risk of cancer.

Introduction to the diet of fruits improves the condition of the skin, hair, nails of a woman. The beneficial properties of avocados make it possible to use the juicy pulp in the form of cosmetic masks to smooth wrinkles.

The use of avocado helps to moisturize the epidermis, relieve inflammation. Fruit-based masks and products activate blood circulation, affect the regeneration of damaged cells, stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, which prevent aging.

Benefits of avocado for weight loss

1. Useful enzymes that are part of avocados can be listed for a very long time. However, the fruits contain a large amount of L-carnitine. The substance is an amino acid with a strong antioxidant effect.
2. The amino acid activates fat synthesis, participates in lipid metabolism and increases blood circulation through nerve fibers. As a result, a person feels a tangible surge of energy.
3. L-carnitine acts as a conductor through which fatty acids pass, getting into the mitochondria. Substances are burned, converted into pure energy. Without such an amino acid, a person simply cannot lose weight.
4. Do not be afraid of the abundance of fat in the composition of avocados. All enzymes are of exceptional benefit and are indispensable for human body. Such substances reduce the negative effects of bad cholesterol on the organs.
5. L-carnitine is included in the diet of every athlete, in sports nutrition amino acid can be found as a separate component. The substance speeds up the metabolism and improves the quality of blood flow. The product produces insulin, which also has a positive effect on natural metabolism.
6. The fruits are rich in fiber. Many people know what qualities dietary fiber has. The substance has a positive effect on the digestive function, cleansing the gastrointestinal tract from toxins, cholesterol and uric acid. Fiber is responsible for detoxification.

Benefits of avocado for skin

Avocado pulp is used for the mask. It is desirable that the fruit is ripe. You need to cut it, remove the bone, take out everything to the very skin. Grind the oily part with a blender or just knead well with a fork. Then add other ingredients according to the recipe.

What you need to know:

1. Masks are applied only to cleansed skin. You can pre-peel.
2. Cleanliness of dishes, brushes, sponges, water, ingredients used is also of great importance.
3. Nourishing masks can be applied to the area around the eyes. They will improve the delicate skin of the eyelids, take care of it, help get rid of fine wrinkles, crow's feet.
4. Wash off the masks with warm water, then apply a suitable moisturizer. If the skin type is oily, then it is enough to rub the face with tonic.

The frequency of procedures depends on the problem, additional ingredients, skin characteristics. If it is dry, sensitive, then you can make avocado masks up to 3 times a week. For oily and combination types, 1 time in 5-7 days is enough. Anti-aging masks are better to take a course of 8-12 procedures.

Fatty acids have always been in demand among adherents folk cosmetology. On the basis of oil or pulp of avocados, healing masks for the skin are made. After a month of regular use, the condition of the epidermis improves, the face is noticeably tightened.

1. Fat mask. Remove the stone from the fruit, prepare puree based on the pulp using a blender. Add half a dessert spoon of lime juice, mix and spread over the steamed skin of the face. Leave for half an hour, do not rush to wash off. Massage your face while exfoliating. Rinse with plain water and wipe the skin with ice cubes.
2. Mask for dryness and flaking. Similarly to the previous method, grind 1 fruit into gruel. Mix it with 15 gr. honey, 10 gr. regular face cream Apply to the skin and wait a third of an hour. Remove the remnants with sponges, wash yourself, carry out the procedure three times a week.
3. Scrub for the skin.Crush a handful oatmeal, mix with gruel half an avocado. Add 3 ml. alligator pear oil, add some body cream. Can you substitute cereal? coffee grounds. Apply the scrub on your face, rub in with massaging movements, rinse off.

1. Many people know that avocado oil is not inferior in calories to chicken meat, and in terms of protein it surpasses grapes, pears and apples. In terms of the usefulness of fats, oil is surpassed only by coconut.
2. The fruit oil contains a whole complex of vitamins and trace elements. Raw materials are actively used in various directions.
3. The product prevents the formation of early wrinkles and age spots on the skin. The oil is taken orally, the composition is useful for women during menopause and premature aging.
4. The product is used for cosmetic purposes. Regular use of the oil deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin cells. The dermis stops peeling and drying up. The skin is regenerated at the cellular level. Oxygen metabolism is normalized.
5. The protective properties of the oil, when used systematically, prevent various diseases of the skin. Experts from Europe have created a product based on avocado extract. The composition effectively fights against skin ailments.

Avocado: useful properties for men

Since ancient times, avocados have been considered a male fruit. The fruits of this tree are a symbol of energy, strength, men's health. By consuming fruit daily, a man gains good health, and problems of impotence or infertility bypass him.

This natural aphrodisiac has a positive effect on the sexual activity of a man, strengthens potency. Folic acid contained in fruits saturates the body of a man with energy, breaks down proteins.

The introduction of avocados into the diet of a man has a beneficial effect on the state of his nervous system. Fatigue goes away, working capacity increases, the heart muscle strengthens.

It is useful to use avocados for athletes to build up muscle mass and increase endurance. Also avocado is great prophylactic from prostatitis and prostate adenoma.

Avocado pit: useful properties

The avocado kernel is a rich source of tannins, tannins. Oversaturation of the body with them can lead to intoxication. However, in small doses, tannin is not dangerous. Few people know that avocado seeds are used in the production of almost all dietary supplements.

Also, the avocado seed contains about 20 vitamins (PP, Beta-carotene, vitamin B1, B2, B6, B9, vitamin C) and minerals, monounsaturated fatty acids, macronutrients - calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine. Trace elements - iron, iodine, zinc, copper, manganese, fluorine, molybdenum, fluorine, cobalt, aluminum.

This bone contains antioxidants that fight free radicals.

Avocado seed benefits:

• Protects blood vessels from the formation of cholesterol plaques.
• It is a natural antibiotic, neutralizing the action of dangerous pathogens of yellow fever and Candida fungal infections.
• Prevents the growth and development of cancer cells.
• Protects the body from the action of free radicals.
• Helps to establish digestive functions relieves diarrhea, dysentery.

Since the avocado kernel is very bitter in taste, many consider it more harmful than beneficial for the body. Of course, it is impossible to eat such a product in large quantities.

Before use, the bone is removed from the hard top layer. Then the contents are crushed in a blender, baked in the oven and ground in a coffee grinder. Only after that, in a minimum amount, can it be added as an additive to the first and second courses, provided that avocado contraindications do not apply to you.

In the diet of a pregnant woman, only fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables should prevail. Avocado is a vitamin "bomb", nutritious and useful fruit not harmful to pregnant women.

The fruit contains folic acid- a substance needed during pregnancy in an amount of about 800 mg per day. The introduction of avocados into the diet is an excellent prevention of fetal developmental defects.

Avocado monounsaturated fats contribute to the proper development of the brain, the organs of vision of the fetus and the normal growth of the placenta.

Potassium ensures the normal activity of the heart, and carotenoids have a positive effect on vision future mother. After studying the benefits possible harm and contraindications of avocados, scientists came to the conclusion that the fruit can be safely introduced into the diet of pregnant women.

During lactation, a nursing mother can be introduced into the diet of avocados, if there are no individual contraindications for use. This should be done gradually and in small portions.

All useful material present in the fruit breast milk enter the body of the baby, contribute to its development and proper weight gain. It is recommended to introduce exotic avocados into the diet after the newborn reaches the age of 2 months.

However, it should be remembered that any “overseas” fruit is alien to an organism adapted to fruits growing in its native region. And no matter what healthy avocado if you do not like it, it is better to postpone its introduction into the diet for a while.

Types of avocado

On the shelves of supermarkets in Russia, there are mainly three types of avocados. These fruits differ in color, taste and shape.

Common types of "alligator pear":

Floridan: Light skinned, firm flesh, sold in the winter and spring seasons. Ideal for rolls and salads.

Pinkerton: Thick pimply dark green rind. The stone is small, due to which there is a lot of pulp in the fruit. Can be used for any food.

Californian: The skin is brown and the flesh is soft and tender. This variety is harmoniously combined with mashed soups, is part of cocktails, sandwiches. On sale all year round.

To choose the right avocado variety, you need to be guided by the following rules:

1. Peel ripe fruit elastic, with light pressure it bends, but restores its shape. The unripe fruit is hard as a rock. An overripe avocado is too plastic.
2. The ripeness of the fruit is determined by shaking. If you can hear the sound of the stone inside, you can take the avocado.
3. A good fruit has no damage, dents, spots.
4. To determine the ripeness of an avocado, you need to slightly raise the stalk. Under it, consider the pulp: if it is green, the fruit is ripe; brown - overripe; yellow - unripe.

If you purchased an unripe fruit, you should not be upset. You need to hold it at room temperature for several days, and the fruit will ripen on its own. Putting a green fruit in the refrigerator will spoil it. The ripening process will be accelerated if you put an avocado next to bananas or ripe apples.

How to store avocado

A ripe avocado will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in the lower vegetable compartment.

Unused fruit slices are wrapped in cling film and stored at a temperature not exceeding +10°C (2-3 days). Before being placed in a film, a slice of avocado is sprinkled with lemon juice. If this is not done, the avocado will turn black.

The beneficial properties of avocados are preserved even when the fruit is frozen. To do this, remove the bone, cut the fruit into slices and place in the freezer compartment.

You can turn the pulp into a puree, since the fruit after defrosting will still not be elastic. To do this, the fruit is cut, the peel is removed, the stone is removed and crushed in a blender. After that, the puree is sprinkled with lemon juice and stored in the freezer.