(NaturalNews) Beware of popular health myths. For instance, throughout the 1990s and into the first few years of this century, popular health “experts” often warned against eating coconut oil or coconut milk, causing many people to eschew a food now known to offer many health benefits. Another lingering popular health myth warns against avocadoes, which wrongly labels them as a dietary culprit because of their caloric and fat content. Yet, the truth is avocadoes can boost health in at least 5 ways:

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Avocadoes provide all 18 essential amino acids necessary for the body to form a complete protein. Unlike the protein in steak, which is difficult for most people to digest, avocado protein is readily absorbed by the body because avocadoes also contain fiber. If you are trying to cut down on animal sources of protein in your diet, or if you are a vegetarian, vegan or raw foodist seeking more protein, avocadoes are a great nutritional ally to include not merely as an occasional treat, but as a regular part of your diet.

Avocadoes provide the healthy kind of fat that your body needs. Like olive oil, avocadoes boost levels of HDL (the “good” cholesterol). HDL cholesterol can help protect against the damage caused by free radicals. This type of cholesterol also helps regulate triglyceride levels, preventing diabetes. A study published early this year in the Canadian Medical Association Journalfound that a vegetarian diet, which includes HDL fats, can reduce levels of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) as effectively as statin drugs.

Avocadoes are an excellent source of carotenoids. Although many people associate carotenoids only with red and orange produce, avocadoes are also an excellent source of this phytonutrient. Avocadoes, also known as alligator pears, offer a diverse range of carotenoids including not only the better known ones such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lutein, but also lesser known varieties of this type of phytonutrient such as neoxanthin, zeaxanthin, chrysanthemaxanthin, neochrome, beta-cryptoxanthin and violaxanthin. Every time you consume foods rich in carotenoids, you deliver high quality vitamin A to your body, thereby protecting eye health. Carotenoids also enhance the functioning of the immune system and promote healthy functioning of the reproductive system. Since carotenoids are fat soluble, eating avocadoes optimizes the absorption of these nutrients.

The combined effect of the deluxe package of nutrients contained in avocadoes offers powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Avocadoes’ unique combination of Vitamins C and E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids helps guard against inflammation. This means avocadoes can help prevent or mitigate against both osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.

The fat content, which causes some uninformed health “experts” to deem avocadoes as unhealthy, actually provides protection against heart diseases. Studies have shown that oleic acid improves cardiovascular health. Oleic acid is the primary fatty acid in avocadoes. Many people now take supplements in order to consume more omega-3 fatty acids to lower their risk of heart disease. Avocadoes are rich in omega-3, delivering 160 milligrams per cup of alpha-linolenic acid.

To get the most nutritional value from avocadoes, avoid those which have become over-ripe. You can identify these at the store because they will have dents and feel overly soft when you hold them. A ripe avocado should have no dents in its skin and will feel slightly soft when squeezed. You can also buy unripe avocadoes, which feel very hard when gripped, and permit them to ripen at home. The portion of the avocado closest to the skin is the most dense in nutrients, so be sure to scrape the skin clean before discarding it.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?…

http://www.naturalnews.com/031081_a…

http://www.naturalnews.com/027509_a…

http://www.naturalnews.com/029864_a…

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151 Page Cookbook With Over 100 Easy To Make Healthy Meals. Every Recipe Has A Gorgeous Full Color Photograph. This Is A Revolutionary Solution For How To Make & Prepare Deliciously Healthy Meals For Increased Energy And Weight Loss That’s Sure To Please.Avocados Can Reduce Cholesterol & Your Risk for Colon Cancer ~ Nutrition & Wellness Tip Visit savantmd.com formore health tips and videos or follow us on http Now that football playoff season has started many of you may be enjoying guacamole which is especially good when made fresh from ripe avocados. The avocado is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals as well as the healthy monounsaturated fats and lots of fiber. In fact, it has more potassium than a banana. Studies have shown that a diet that includes regular intake of avocadoes can reduce cholesterol and we know that diets rich in fiber can reduce your risk for colon cancer. In Asian countries and Brazil the avocado is typically eaten with sugar and milk as a dessert whereas in Spanish-speaking countries it is usually found in savory dishes. However you eat it the avocado is an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Dr. Mark Savant is a General Internist. He has been in practice for over 12 years. received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin www.savantmd.com www.savantmd.com This video was produced by SavantMD Inc. © Copyright 2009 -2011 SavantMD Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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