The species of the unique Perseus American tree species is evergreen fruit plant which belongs to the laurel family. It is not typical for our country to grow trees of this species, but on the shelves of stores you can often meet their fruit - avocado.
Its second name is "alligator pear". The name known to us was given to the tree by the Aztecs in the third millennium BC! The literal translation means "forest oil".
In appearance, the fruit resembles a green pear. Its flesh is denser, and the flavor specific. Avocado tastes like green pumpkin seeds. Although it is classified as a fruit, the composition of the "alligator pear" is really similar to a vegetable.
Composition and health benefits
Avocado is very rich in useful trace elements. compound, it is also very fortified and beneficial for the body. It contains a lot of oleic acid, which hinders the formation of cholesterol.
The fruit also contains a lot potassium even more than a banana! It contains calcium, magnesium and sodium. Rich in avocado and phosphorus.
Except high concentration and diversity minerals, the composition of avocados also includes a lot of vitamin: provitamin A, B, C, D and vitamins PP.
Vitamin E, which is part of the fruit, inhibits aging and, due to the strong saturation of cells with oxygen, has rejuvenating effect. Avocados also contain various proteins, natural fats and carbohydrates.
Not only dishes prepared from the fruits of this evergreen shrub or tree can be tasty and healthy. Since the main component of the fruits of American Perseus are monounsaturated fats, avocados are often used to prepare a healing gruel for making masks and creams.
Beneficial features ripe avocado fruits are various and numerous:
- Improving immunity by saturating the body with vitamins, beneficial trace elements, fats, proteins, carbohydrates.
- Delicious fruit will help you get rid of excess weight, as it is low in calories and does not contain any sugar in its composition.
- Natural avocado pulp masks help rejuvenate the skin and saturate it with oxygen.
- Eating avocados contributes to the stable course of the processes of the nervous system, improves vision.
- A healthy and nutritious fruit also helps prevent heart attacks.
- People whose diet includes avocados are easier to cope with stress and recover faster. Also, they have a good memory, since avocados have a beneficial effect on a person’s ability to concentrate it.
- The fruit, unique in composition, also has a beneficial effect on the human skin. The skin becomes smoother and more tender.
- By eating avocados, you can significantly reduce the risk of any cardiovascular disease or atherosclerosis.
- Ripe fruits help to normalize the water-salt balance in the body.
- Avocado is also useful for those suffering from hypertension, as it is able to lower blood pressure.
- Alligator pear is used even for constipation!
- For men, avocado is useful because it can increase potency.
fruit calories
It is appropriate to use the fruits of American Perseus as dietary nutrition. After all, avocado is very rich in nutrients, but it does not contain bad fats and sugar.
If you include the fetus in your daily diet, then any dish can be considered dietary, since the calorie content per 100 grams product is only 208 calories!
- Avocado for Vegetarians irreplaceable. Its internal pulp can act as a natural and very effective substitute for meat and other derived animal products. Simple and delicious are recipes for light salads and sandwiches.
- Most people don't buy avocados because they don't know how to choose the right one and how to cook it. In fact, everything is very simple: the fruit follows try for softness. It should not be too dense and hard. It does not matter if you mistakenly acquired a greenish fruit. Since another of its unique properties is ripening even after the fruit has been plucked from the branch. Normal ripening time 3-5 days. Like bananas, avocados are best stored in the refrigerator.
- In order to peel the fruit, you need to cut it in half and remove the stone. The ripened fruit has a soft yellowish flesh, its stone is dark brown. If the fruit is green, it will not be so easy to get the bone, because it will not lag behind the pulp. Easy to remove the bone with teaspoon. Peeling the skin is easier if the fruit is cut into slices. Ripe fruits peel easily. Alternatively, using a spoon, you can remove not only the bone, but also the pulp. Then you don't have to peel the avocado at all.
- low calorie is the use of pieces of fruit with honey or olive oil, which can be sprinkled on a piece of bread. Tastes best rye or White bread. A pinch of salt will also add some piquancy to the sandwich. You can cook avocado deliciously with salmon, or add it to a salad.
Avocado during pregnancy
Many doctors say to avoid during pregnancy exotic fruits, not characteristic of our climate, but recent studies have shown that this position is erroneous. The body is often himself suggests exactly what he needs.
No substances have been found in avocados contraindicated for expectant mothers. On the contrary, the fruit is rich in folic acid (vitamin B9), which prevents underweight and the development of diseases of the nervous system in a child.
Vitamins A, B, E, K, C and the minerals that avocado contains are useful for pregnant women, they prevent a lot of possible complications, including heart problems. The fruit strengthens the immune system, helps with colds and, which is especially important for women, effectively fights with stretch marks.
Contraindications to the use of avocados during pregnancy no, you just need to make sure that no allergies, wash thoroughly and do not eat with the skin. Doctors recommend that pregnant women eat half a fruit a day.
Harm and contraindications
The determining factor is individual fruit intolerance, which only a small percentage of people living on the planet have.
The use of fruits should be treated responsibly, as the composition of their peel and seeds includes harmful toxin, which at high concentrations can harm the body. Mainly, the digestive system can suffer. But the bones and hard skin of the fruit are almost never used for cooking.
The evergreen plant is best avoided by pets such as cat and dog. Sometimes avocados can be harmful to other animals as well. Leaves and bark should be avoided in general.
The presence of an allergic reaction also indicates that this fruit contraindicated for internal and external use.
Please note that if the fruit of American Perseus is digested, it acquires a specific bitter taste and smell.
Avocado oil in cosmetology, reviews:
Avocado has also found its use in cosmetology. Made from ripe fruits healing oil, which can be used for care for the skin of the face, hands and hair.
The impact of the nutrients that make up the avocado is noticeable after just a few applications of the vitamin-rich mask. The main ingredient is usually ripe pulp or essential oil avocado. It not only saturates with vitamins, but also has regenerating properties.
For hair
Used to restore dry and brittle hair natural oil avocado. It improves their structure, making hair stronger and preventing further breakage.
Bad weather and wind are no longer terrible for hair if applying oil is regular and properly executed procedure. Natural oil gives the hair structure smoothness, makes their color more saturated and shiny.
Hair care with any avocado products is always effective and has lasting effect. In cosmetology, avocado oil is used in the process of caring for any type of hair. Only the methods are different.
Especially indispensable unrefined oil avocado for dry and brittle colored hair. It Not only restore their structure, but also give the hair a delicious nutty flavor.
Svetlana, 27 years old
I recently found a recipe for hair care that involves the use of avocado oil. I noticed the effect after the first time! Since I often use a straightening iron and a hair dryer, my hair has long acquired an untidy look and has become very brittle. Already after three times the oil was applied to the hair, they began to look neat and natural, a shine appeared. I am very pleased! They say that even dry dandruff can be eliminated with it.
For face
In cosmetology, avocado oil is used to moisturize and saturate the skin with nutrients. Also, unrefined oil is excellent protects the face from wind and other external factors.
because of frequent use the skin on the face becomes smooth, elastic, it has a healthy appearance and remains constantly moisturized. The regenerative components provide a quick recovery and eliminate signs of fatigue or stress.
Since natural avocado oil does not clog pores, it can be used even with the presence of oily and problematic skin . Usually it is simply applied to the face along the massage lines and left overnight.
Very effective is a moisturizing lotion with the addition of almond oil and a few green tea bags.
Anna, 32 years old
Avocado oil helped me remove age spots on my face and eliminated signs of inflammation. Dry skin looks natural and youthful again. So I'm very happy with my choice.
Most people in stores walk past exotic avocados, and for good reason. The Aztecs, who lived BC, attributed them to stimulating fruits for unusual shape and high nutritional value (of which, of course, they could only guess). In our time, it has been scientifically proven that avocados are not just some mythical character - an aphrodisiac, like rhinoceros horn or Spanish fly, but a fruit with a unique combination useful substances bringing great benefit to all mankind.
The beneficial properties of avocados are due to its composition - a rich set of vitamins, macro- and microelements: vitamins A, D, K, E, C, PP, zinc, potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, etc. In addition, avocado contains a large number of protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids. The cholesterol content in this fruit is 0%.
Useful properties of avocado
Increased digestibility
A 2005 study found that the absorption of many of the nutrients found in foods is better when these foods are eaten with avocados. Vegetable fat (avocado contains a large amount of it) contributes to the most efficient absorption of fat-soluble nutrients (lutein, alpha- and beta-carotene) from avocados and other products in combination with it. For example, a salad with vegetables and avocados allows you to absorb 3-5 times more carotenoids from this dish than from a salad with vegetables without avocados.
Liver protection
Another study on avocados was done in Japan. The result was proof of the indisputable benefits of avocados for the liver. Laboratory rats participating in the experiment were given a powerful toxin d-galactosamine, leading to necrosis of liver cells (as in liver damage caused by viruses). The group of rats that ate avocados along with other fruits had the least damage to this organ. Thus, avocado can become a starting point in the discovery of new methods and means of treating viral hepatitis. Lead Author scientific work Hirokezu Koejishi recommends paying attention to this delicious and useful fruit protecting the liver from damage.
Prevention of oral cancer
In the course of another study at Ohio State University (USA), a combination of substances was found in avocados that finds and destroys malignant oral cancer cells, and is absolutely safe for healthy cells. Stephen D'Ambrosio, study leader and fellow in molecular carcinogenesis at the Ohio State Cancer Center, noted that this is only the first study of avocados in the treatment and prevention of oral cancer. The results, he added, will certainly be taken into account in the treatment of other types of cancer.
Increasing levels of "good" cholesterol
Let's reassure those who are worried about the high fat content in avocados. The monounsaturated fats found in this fruit increase the level of "good" cholesterol or HDL in the blood, just like olive oil does. Avocado helps protect cells from damage and free radical damage. "Good" cholesterol - a means of preventing diabetes. A study published in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association proves that a vegetarian diet that includes HDL fats lowers LDL fat levels in the body as effectively as strong medications.
Source of amino acids
Great news for vegetarians and raw foodists as they need admission more squirrel plant origin than all the rest. Avocado contains all 18 amino acids needed for protein formation and optimal body development. Amino acids can be formed in the human body and come from food. Proteins and amino acids are best absorbed from high-fiber fruits (avocados have it all!).
Eye protection
Avocados are an excellent source of carotenoids, which are essential for maintaining the health of the organs of vision. The large amount of vitamin A contained in avocados protects the eyes, improves the functioning of the immune and reproductive systems. Avocados are an ideal source of carotenoids because carotenoids are best absorbed when combined with fat.
Reducing "bad" cholesterol levels
Avocados are rich in beta-sitosterol effective tool lowering blood cholesterol levels. The study showed that patients suffering from mild form hypercholesterolemia, in one week can lower the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood by 22.5% and raise the level of "good" cholesterol by 11%, if in its dietary ration they will include avocado daily.
Neutralization of inflammatory processes
Avocado has powerful anti-inflammatory properties due to unique combination vitamins E and C, selenium, carotenoids, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and phytosterols. These substances fight inflammation in the body and help prevent the development of osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.
Heart protection
Minimizing the occurrence of congenital diseases
Avocados are rich in substances (folate, folic acid, B vitamins) that reduce the risk of birth defects in children, such as spina bifida and neural tube defects.
That's not all unique properties avocado. Read more about the benefits of avocados.
How to choose an avocado?
When choosing an avocado in a store, pay attention to it. appearance. Dark spots on the fruit are a sign of overripeness. Therefore, give preference to a fruit with a clean (without cracks and stains) and intact skin, which should be slightly creased with a finger when pressed. If you don't plan to eat avocados right now, then choose heavy and tough fruits that will ripen in your home at room temperature in a few days.
Please note that in the refrigerator, unripe avocados do not ripen, but deteriorate and lose their aroma and freshness if they are there for more than 5 days.
Avocado: how to peel?
Did you know that the health benefits of an avocado depend on how you peel it? This fruit contains a complex set of phytonutrients, including carotenoids (there are as many as 11 in California fruits), which protect the human body from various cancers, cardiovascular diseases and aging. However, according to a study by UCLA (University of California Los Angeles), the highest concentration of phytonutrients is concentrated in a thin dark green layer of pulp in contact with the skin. Therefore, in order to preserve the maximum amount of antioxidants in the pulp of the avocado, the fruit must be peeled by hand, like a banana. For this:
- Make a longitudinal incision around the bone.
- Holding the avocado halves in your hands, twist them in opposite directions to separate them from the pit.
- Remove the bone.
- Cut each half lengthwise.
- With the help of a large index finger remove the skin from each slice.
How to eat avocado
Avocados are best eaten raw due to their tinin content, which is bitter when cooked. Gentle nutty taste fruit perfectly complement vegetable salads, seafood dishes, red fish and poultry. In some recipes, avocado pulp is used to make ice cream, desserts, and dough.
To avoid darkening of the avocado pulp cut into pieces, it is sprinkled with citrus juice.
because of high calorie and nutritional value, the ideal amount of fruit to eat is 1 pc per day. If the norm is exceeded, make sure that all extra calories will be burned!
Avocado during pregnancy
Eating avocados during pregnancy is not only possible, but necessary. The monounsaturated fats found in avocados lower maternal cholesterol levels and provide the baby's body with important nutrients needed for normal brain formation and development. B vitamins, folate and folic acid have a beneficial effect on the fetus, preventing the development of birth defects. The increased resistance of the dense peel of the avocado to pesticides ensures that it is safe for both mother and child.
Caution: Before eating avocados during pregnancy, consult your doctor.
avocado for diabetes
Can diabetics eat avocados? Avocados are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol levels and protect against blood sugar spikes. Avocado is an ideal fruit for diabetics and people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system (may prevent stroke).
Caution: Before eating avocados, be sure to consult your doctor.
Benefits of avocado. Avocado salads. Avocado properties
Avocado, whose beneficial properties are not well known to the general public, is an alien from distant and hot countries. Avocado is a wonderful fruit, and at the same time it is very high in calories. Useful properties of avocados are due to its composition. Avocados are high in protein and carbohydrates and are a rich source of potassium and magnesium. Avocados contain biologically active substances - vitamins C, E and B. Tocopherol - vitamin E, helps to supply the tissues of our body with oxygen, and, in addition, is a natural antioxidant.
The benefits of avocado
This avocado fruit, which comes from America and grows on a tree that is a relative of the well-known laurel, has a lot of useful properties.
The history of the use of avocados dates back at least 7 thousand years, but they began to actively cultivate it in mid-eighteenth century, however, the fruit quickly spread across the planet. Avocado came to Russia at the beginning of the 20th century, and nowadays it is bred in 50 countries of the world.
Scientifically, that is, in Latin, the avocado is called Persea americana - American Perseus. And the name is indeed given in honor of the ancient mythological hero Perseus, however, by analogy with a certain Egyptian tree mentioned by Theophrastus and Hippocrates. But what kind of plant, unfortunately, it was not possible to find out.
Translated from the Aztec language, avocado is “testicular tree”. And all because among the observant Indians, the sight of fruits hanging in pairs on a tree evoked an association with well-known male organs. But there are other "nicknames", for example, "alligator pear".
According to one version, it came from the Spaniards reinterpreting the unpronounceable Aztec "ahuacatl" to a word similar to the sound of the name of a toothy animal in their native language. But another version is more to my liking, according to which the British called the avocado that way, paying attention to both the pear-shaped shape and the hard “pimple-shaped” peel of a characteristic dark green color. But the Spaniards exactly called the “oil of cadets” avocados - for satiety. For the same reason, the Indians called the avocado the "poor man's cow."
Needless to say, this "burenka" feeds very nutritious, and even healing. So, avocado is considered the champion among the products that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver. In addition, it helps to normalize blood pressure. Avocado is useful for a number of diseases gastrointestinal tract, diabetes, anemia, impaired metabolism.
About vitamins and microelements, it is already clear that they are in considerable quantities, and there are more thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin E in it than in any other food. Thanks to this, avocado has anti-aging properties, as well as protective - from oncological diseases- first of all, "protects" the prostate gland.
It is also important that the use of avocados by women during the period of bearing a child reduces the risk of developing congenital anomalies in him. In terms of calories, avocado can replace meat and eggs, and in addition to satiety, it also has aphrodisiac qualities. Here is such, frankly, an interesting "bouquet" of properties.
In America, avocados are so valued that in some countries - in Mexico, Brazil, according to an ancient custom that has survived to this day, they give it to loved ones on their birthdays. And the representatives of the fair sex since ancient times are very partial to avocados for the fact that “beauty oil” is extracted from it. But in addition to cosmetic purposes, this oil is used in the treatment of burns, eczema, skin rashes and periodontal disease.
In general, avocados have a lot of advantages. Nevertheless, it is important to remember a few precautions: first, laxative effect from the use of avocados may be undesirable at certain times, and secondly, in especially sensitive people, it can cause an allergic reaction. So it's worth trying avocados in small doses first. But if everything is in order, then, as they say, to health.
Avocado is a formidable adversary of cholesterol, a substance calling a number cardiovascular diseases; the nutritional value of this fruit exceeds meat and eggs. The vegetable fat found in avocados is predominantly monounsaturated fatty acids, which have a positive effect on heart health and blood vessels normalizing cholesterol levels. Nuts and olive oil, which nutritionists recognize as a means of preventing cardiovascular pathologies, have a similar effect on the body. The pulp of an avocado resembles a cream, so this fruit can be added to different dishes and seasonings, such as: sauces, purees, creams, spaghetti. Avocado in this case completely replaces animal fats.
According to experts, a month after daily use half an avocado, there is a significant reduction in total cholesterol. The main role here, according to scientists, is played by monounsaturated fats.
Avocados have practically no sugar, but they contain a lot of fats and vitamin E - tocopherol, which makes these fruits indispensable for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin F - a combination of unsaturated fatty acids, in avocados is contained in an amount three times greater than in fish oil - about 94.8%.
For those who want to lose weight, avocados are the first assistant: one hundred grams of it contains about 120 calories, but this energy does not turn into fat.
In addition, oleic acid is present in avocados, which decomposes excess cholesterol in the blood, thus preventing the appearance of the notorious “plaques” in the vessels. But the beneficial properties of avocados will help not to suffer from hunger - in terms of its nutritional value, as we have already said, this fruit is even ahead of meat.
It has been proven that avocados can serve to prevent the development of cancer and diseases of the heart and blood vessels. By the way, doctors recommend eating no more than 1 avocado in two days.
Avocados are advised to be used to help with anemia, gastrointestinal diseases, gastritis and weak secretory function, with increased blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Avocados are also beneficial for people with diabetes. The leaves and skin of avocados are considered to be a remedy for worms.
The health benefits of avocados are not limited to eating them.
Avocado oil - its content in fruits can reach 20 - 30%, is used in cosmetology, as an ingredient for various creams, lotions. Avocado oil has antimicrobial properties and promotes the speedy healing of wounds, which makes it possible to use it in the treatment of diseases such as neurodermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, seborrhea, dermatosis, diathesis. This remedy is good for trophic ulcers, burns, frostbite, bedsores.
Salads with avocado
Botanists classify avocados as a fruit. It grows on evergreen tropical trees. his homeland Central America, but avocados are also grown in Southeast Asian countries. In the explanatory English Oxford Dictionary, it is called "Avokado pear" - "avocado pear", another name is "alligator pear".
In India, avocados are called the "poor man's cow", as this fruit has twice the calorie content of lean beef meat. 100 grams of avocado fruit pulp contains about 160 calories, it is the most nutritious fruit in the world. Avocado fruits are rich in vitamins E and C, potassium. They protect the liver from harmful substances, cleanse the walls of blood vessels from cholesterol plaques and increase their elasticity.
Salad of avocado, tomatoes and herbs.
Products: 2 ripe, but not very soft, avocados, 1 big tomato or two medium, a good bunch of greens - parsley or cilantro, a little dill, juice of one medium lemon, salt to taste. Some add half a head for spiciness. onion, after cutting it and lightly marinating for 5-6 minutes.
Cut the avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Remove the pulp carefully with a spoon and cut into small pieces. Place in a salad bowl. Add chopped tomatoes, herbs and onions, lightly salt. Drizzle everything with lemon juice. Salad ready.
Salad of avocado, grapefruit and herbs.
Ingredients: 2 avocados, 2 grapefruits, 2 bunches of fresh parsley or cilantro, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon each of 7% vinegar and olive oil for sauce, salt and black ground pepper taste.
Prepare the sauce by mixing sugar, vinegar and olive oil. Cut the avocado, remove the stone, take out the pulp with a spoon and cut it into small pieces. Place in a salad bowl. Peel and divide the grapefruit into slices, you can cut the slices in half if the grapefruit is very large, and also put in a salad bowl. Top with finely chopped greens, salt, pepper and pour over the prepared sauce. Mix very gently and you are ready to serve.
Dessert salad of avocado and strawberries.
Products: 1 avocado, 10 large berries strawberries, half cup grated walnuts, a few leaves of green or head lettuce, 4 teaspoons of honey, 1 tsp. lemon juice, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix honey, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar and olive oil - this is the sauce for pouring.
In a salad bowl at the bottom put green lettuce leaves, you can whole, or you can also chopped. Then carefully lay out the pieces of avocado, strawberries, cut in half, sprinkle grated nuts. Pour the sauce over everything without stirring. Consume immediately. It is both nutritious and delicious.
Avocado dishes cannot be stored for a long time, it is advisable to eat them immediately, as the avocado pulp darkens quickly.
Sandwiches with avocado paste and tomatoes.
Products: 4 slices white loaf or white bread, 1 avocado, 2 small tomatoes, juice of half a lemon, half a bunch of dill or parsley, salt, pepper to taste.
After cutting the fruit and removing the stone, take out the pulp of the avocado with a spoon and put it in a ceramic dish. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice and grind everything to a smooth paste. Slices of rolls or bread toast a little in a toaster or oven, but not in a microwave oven. Spread the finished bread with pasta, put green sprigs and tomato slices cut into circles on top.
In making sandwiches, the avocado paste acts as butter, so you can add any other toppings you like on top. Some people don't eat tomatoes. Then you can replace the tomato with slices of red or yellow sweet pepper. Experiment to your liking.
Avocado properties
Ten years ago, not only did we not eat avocados, but we didn’t even hear about them. They managed with their snacks, as we thought, primordially Russian: cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes and potatoes in all forms.
Almost everything on our table comes from overseas countries, and at first was accepted by the people with great reluctance, if not more. The same potatoes, our second bread, Peter I literally slaughtered in Russia with his knee.
Avocados, too, at first no one indulged in attention - neither in Russia, nor in enlightened Europe. For a long time people could not decide what it was at all, and, in the very literally with what it is eaten.
In appearance and color - like our rutabagas, turnips, beets. Vegetables, in a nutshell. In the study, it turned out that the chemical composition of avocados is closer to vegetables.
But at the same time, avocado is the most natural fruit with big bone inside. It grows on trees up to 20 m tall, where in a lush spreading crown, like Christmas decorations, sway bright, with a shiny skin - yellowish, dark green and even purple, fruits.
Avocado, otherwise "American Perseus", is also called the "alligator pear" for the green "crocodile" color of the fruit. This fruit tree belongs to the laurel family - Lauraceae, while being the closest relative of the laurel, a noble, sacred plant. Ancient Greece sung by poets.
Practical Israelis were the first to look at avocados, not from a good life, but out of great need. They also had hard times, when food on coupons and on cards, and there was a catastrophic lack of fat. And here's the flavored avocado butter if you add a little walnut.
Avocado turned out to be the champion in the amount of fat among fruits - up to 30%, second only to olives, and fats are easily digested, suitable for children, adults, patients, and athletes. And then vitamins were found in the same place in enough- A, C, E, PP and group B, minerals - potassium, iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and proteins.
Avocado comes from South America, more precisely from Mexico. The Aztecs used it with great success. In modern Mexico, avocados are also highly valued. There they eat it in salads, sauces, cocktails, and tequila. Even on a birthday, a beautifully packaged avocado tied with a bow is presented, as we are, for example, a white gold pendant studded with small diamonds.
FROM light hand Israel, which for the first time in the world grew avocados as an agricultural crop, plantations of this fruit can now be found in the United States, South America, the Caribbean, South Africa, Kenya and Spain. The main supplier of avocados to Russia is Israel.
Only ripe avocados are eaten, since the pulp of an unripe fruit is hard and tasteless, and an overripe one is oily and mushy. ripe fruit firm to the touch, but when pressed with a finger, an indentation is left on the peel. It is better to buy slightly unripe avocados, and for ripening put in paper bag along with a ripe apple or banana. And then store in the refrigerator at a temperature not lower than + 6ºС.
Sauces, sandwiches, pates, cocktails and even ice cream are prepared from avocados. Due to its neutral taste, avocado is combined with many foods: ham, shrimp, crabs, boiled eggs, vegetables, fish.
Lemon or lime juice can be added to avocado-based dishes so that the flesh does not darken and the appearance of the dish does not deteriorate.
Avocado is a real lifesaver for a hostess whose dinner is not yet ready, and the family is already banging spoons on the table.
Quickly knead the avocado pulp with a spoon, mix with everything that is currently at hand - finely chopped onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic on top, and sprinkle everything with lemon juice. Corn chips, and you calmly finish your business in the kitchen.
If you have not yet fallen in love with avocados, try to overcome your dislike. Arrange half sliced avocados on crispy toasted white bread, alternating with rows of salted shrimp, drizzle sour cream on top and garnish with fresh dill.
Avocado is very filling and high-calorie fruit. It is almost twice as high in calories as lean meat. Quickly restores strength in athletes. But people who are prone to fullness should use it in limited quantities.
The low sugar content - about 1.5%, allows it to be used in the diet of diabetics.
Easily digestible vegetable fats make avocados suitable for people with gastrointestinal diseases.
The presence of antioxidants - vitamins C and E, makes it indispensable product for cardiovascular patients. Due to the low sodium content, it is especially recommended for hypertensive patients.
The special substances that make up avocados protect the liver from the damaging effects of poisons.
The restriction applies only to nursing mothers, as sometimes there may be allergic reactions The child has.
Avocado against cancer
Avocados can prevent oral cancer. The active substances contained in these fruits kill some cancer cells and stop the process of regeneration of healthy cells.
Scientists from Ohio University have isolated an extract from the Hass avocado, the most widely distributed and commonly available variety of avocado (there are more than 500 varieties in total). The extract was used to treat cancer cells. The study of the results of this experience led to the conclusion about the beneficialness of the Hass avocado. Other varieties of these fruits have not yet been studied in this way. Theoretically, avocados can also be used to fight other types of cancer.
According to the World Health Organization, 350-400 thousand cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually in the world. In about a quarter of cases, this disease causes the death of the patient. Men get oral cancer twice as often as women. Long-term use of chewing or snuff tobacco has been proven to be a risk factor - not smoking.
It has long been known that the consumption of fruits and vegetables markedly reduces the risk of certain types of cancer. At the same time, biologically active substances that can fight cancer, in most present in dark-skinned vegetables and fruits.
Avocado room
Currently, avocados are widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics, including in the south of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.
Avocado is not indoor plant, but it is fairly easy to grow from seed. In a few years, the tree will grow up to 1 m tall before your eyes. Under room conditions, avocados do not bloom and, accordingly, do not bear fruit.
Plant the stone with a blunt end in a mixture of raw peat and crushed expanded clay, leave the sharp end sticking out above the soil surface. It is better to breed in the spring. Cover the pot with glass or plastic bag, to save high humidity air, and place in diffused sunlight or artificial light in a warm place with a temperature not lower than 18°C. Sprouts appear within a month.
Avocado is a fairly unpretentious plant, but needs high humidity. Therefore, it is useful to put the pot on a tray of wet pebbles, just make sure that the pot is on gravel and not in water. The location should be chosen sunny, it grows well on windows facing the southwest and southeast.
The plant is thermophilic, hibernates at a temperature not lower than 16C. Avocados need to be watered as the soil dries out. warm water. The soil should be evenly moist throughout the year. In spring and summer, every two weeks you need to feed with mineral fertilizer.
You need to transplant annually, to increase branching, pinch the ends of the stems.
The soil should be loose and absorbent, in no case should it be caked and compacted. In addition, avocados do not tolerate acidic soils. For cultivation, you need to use a mixture of garden soil, humus or raw peat, coarse sand (1:1:1) with the addition of lime. To improve soil aeration, be sure to add sand, expanded clay, moss or peat. Avocados are often affected by powdery mildew.
Avocado or as it is also called, Perseus americana, "alligator pear" or "forest soap" is a fast growing evergreen tree native to Mexico. Currently in industrial scale it is grown in Brazil, America, Africa and Israel. From one plant it is possible to collect up to 250 kg of fruits. The fruits of the tree are also called avocados, the beneficial properties of which are explained by the vitamins, macro- and microelements found in their composition.
Composition of fruits
Avocado fruits are a one-seeded berry, which can be oval, round or pear-shaped, its mass can vary from 200 g to 1800 g. Its peel is dense green or dark green in color. At ripe avocado the flesh is oily, usually yellow-green in color, sometimes green. Cutting the fruit in half, you can see a large seed, the radius of which reaches 2 cm.
Of the minerals in avocados, there is phosphorus, sodium, iron, magnesium, calcium. But most of all it contains potassium, and even in bananas it contains less than in the “alligator pear”.
Of the vitamins in fruits, ascorbic and nicotinic acids, a precursor of retinol, vitamin D and B vitamins were found. However, avocado is especially enriched with tocopherol, which is a natural antioxidant, normalizes the metabolism of substances, supports reproductive function.
Important! In addition, the fruits contain phytohormones that slow down the aging process of the human body.
Useful properties of avocados are explained by its composition. The pulp of the fruit does not contain harmful carbohydrates and lipids, so they are allowed to be introduced into the diet for diabetes. But for weight loss, this product is not very suitable because it contains 160 kcal per 100 g.
Important! Avocado is included in the World Book of Records as the most high-calorie fruit. Therefore, you should not use it for a mono-diet, it is better to include it in a vitamin diet for weight loss. It contains a natural fat burner L-carnitine, which not only promotes the breakdown of natural fat, but also speeds up metabolism.
In addition, the benefits of fruit for the body are undeniable:
- Due to the content of oleic acid, avocado prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and lowers the concentration of bad cholesterol in the body.
- Potassium, which is part of the fruit, normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system, so they should be consumed in case of myocardial infarction. If hypertensive patients eat avocados every day, then over time they will return to normal.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in the fruit pulp improve memory processes and prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
- With anemia, especially in children, it is useful to introduce avocados into the menu, as it contains cyanocobalamin, iron and copper, which normalize the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
The fruit helps maintain healthy teeth and bone tissue, as it contains a lot of calcium and phosphorus, as well as carotenoids that are involved in the formation of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, phosphorus improves brain function.
Important! Regular use avocado normalizes intestinal motility, relieves.
Due to the high content of vitamin C, the fruit must be eaten in the midst of colds. It will not only help not to get sick, but also speed up recovery if a cold has not bypassed.
Undeniable for men, because it is a natural aphrodisiac and is used to increase sexual activity, stimulate spermatogenesis.
In oncology
In cancer, avocado inhibits the division of cancer cells and prevents the spread of metastases. Scientists have discovered phytonutrients and phytochemicals in the pulp of the fruit that can destroy and suppress the development certain types malignant neoplasms. And the antioxidant glutathione contained in the fruit levels harmful effect about 20 different carcinogens.
Important! Vegetarians, as well as those who want to build muscle, need to regularly introduce this fruit into the diet, as it contains vegetable protein - an analogue of meat.
During pregnancy
The pulp of the fruit, due to the high content of vitamins and minerals, has a good effect on the development of the fetus and the woman's well-being. Avocados contain folic acid (vitamin B3), which is so necessary during gestation. After all, it is precisely its deficiency that leads to the low weight of the fetus, the development of various pathologies of the neural tube and congenital anomalies, for example, such as the cleft lip. The monounsaturated fats contained in the pulp are necessary for the development of the brain, organs of vision, adipose tissue of the child and the growth of the placental barrier.
If you make puree from avocado, mix it with olive oil, apply it on the skin and leave the mask for a quarter of an hour, and then rinse with water, this will protect against the appearance of stretch marks on the body during the period of bearing a child.
Mainly used in cosmetology. It is part of various masks, creams, shampoos. It contains ascorbic, nicotinic, folic and essential fatty acids, retinol, tocopherol, thiamine, riboflavin and various minerals.
Thanks to this composition, the oil, especially during menopause:
- It prevents the development of mimic wrinkles and skin pigmentation.
- Protects the skin, eliminates dryness and peeling.
- Promotes rapid healing of small wounds.
- Activates the production of elastin and collagen.
- , makes them stronger, prevents the formation of split ends.
The oil can be used not only externally, but in cooking for dressing salads, frying meat, seafood and vegetables.
Avocado seed useful properties
But the peel, pit, and leaves of avocados do not differ in useful properties: they contain the antifungal poison persin, which is dangerous for animals and humans. It can provoke allergies and cause dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.
Contraindications
Unfortunately, avocado also has some contraindications for use:
- You can not eat fruit with hypersensitivity.
- If you are allergic to other citrus fruits or latex, you should refrain from eating fruits, as a cross-reaction to avocados is possible.
- The use of fruit during lactation is contraindicated, since the enzymes that make up it can cause intestinal disorders in a child.
Important! The beneficial properties of the avocado itself and the oil from it are preserved if they are consumed raw. During heat treatment most of the nutrients are destroyed.
The fruit does not have a strongly pronounced taste, so it can be combined with many products:
- bread;
- chicken meat;
- vegetable, fruit, meat and fish salads;
- seafood (shrimp and red fish).
You need to eat it only in its raw form, without subjecting it to heat treatment.
Avocado pulp is quickly oxidized by oxygen and darkens, while most of the active components to prevent this from happening, the cut fruit must be sprinkled with lemon juice. This will not only help preserve the attractive appearance of the fruit, but also its beneficial properties.
How to peel an exotic fruit
Using a knife, make a deep incision around the entire circumference of the fruit around the bone that is inside it. Then start turning the two halves of the avocado in opposite directions, if it is ripe, it will be easy to separate them from each other. On each half, make a vertical incision, slightly move the skin aside, pull it and it can be easily removed. Cut the fruit carefully so as not to damage the bone.
How to choose
If you are going to buy an exotic fruit, pay attention to its appearance.
Avocado - unusual fruit, combining medical and cosmetic properties and original taste qualities. The fruit contains a lot of polyunsaturated fats, which have a beneficial effect on the skin, nails and moisture levels in the body. Let us consider in detail which vitamins in avocados are present in large or small quantities, find out which of them cover daily requirement. There are quite a few varieties of avocados, so outwardly the fruits can vary greatly.
Size: from small (no bigger than a plum) to kilogram fruits.
Colour: light green to dark purple.
Shape: apple or .
Surface: smooth or pimply.
Ripe fruits are very nutritious, 100 g of the product contains
| vitamins | mg | Action |
| A (retinol) | 0,007 | Responsible for growth, improves skin condition and increases the body's resistance to infections. |
| B1 (thiamine) | 0,08 | Participates in almost all metabolic processes of the body (carbohydrate, fat, energy, etc.). Affects the functioning of muscles and the nervous system; found in enzymes. |
| B2 (riboflavin) | 0,13 | It is a catalyst for metabolic processes and is responsible for the growth and renewal of cells; contained in enzymes; necessary for the normal functioning of the organs of vision. |
| B3 (PP) | 1,7 | Promotes good metabolism and digestion of food. |
| B5 (pantothenic acid) | 1,4 | Participates in the synthesis of hemoglobin and amino acids. |
| B6 (pyridoxine) | 0,25 | Participates in metabolism. Helps to restore the body after illness and antibiotics. Its lack leads to disruption of the functions of the brain, nervous system, blood, etc. |
| B9 (folic acid) | 0,08 | Supports immune system contributes to the normal formation and functioning of leukocytes. |
| C (ascorbic acid) | 10 | Good antioxidant. Increases the body's defenses and resistance to infections. Makes blood vessels more elastic; stimulates the endocrine glands. |
| E | 0,5 | Improves the absorption of proteins and fats; favorably affects the functioning of the brain, nerves and muscles. Slows down tissue aging. |
How many avocados can you eat
Despite the abundant content of various vitamins and minerals, do not forget that avocados are a very high-calorie fruit. 100 g of avocado contains from 160 to 200 kcal, therefore it is recommended to eat no more than ¼ or ½ fruit per day.
Combination with other products
Neutral fruit flavor Pairs well with products such as: boiled eggs, seafood, ham, vegetables. It is best to cook vegetable salads with avocados and cucumbers, bell pepper, various greens, Chinese cabbage, and corn. Raw vegetables quench the effect of fats that impede digestion. In addition to avocado salads, sauces, sandwiches, pates and cocktails are prepared. Avocados are indispensable in vegetarian dishes, as they replace meat and eggs.
Why is such a high-calorie fruit well digested? Fat is different. The mono- and polyunsaturated fats found in the fruit lower cholesterol levels and protect the heart. Avocados also contain in excess, A and E, potassium and sterols, which also contribute to the fight against cholesterol.
Don't mix avocados with following products: dried fruits, nuts, melons.
What else is in an avocado?
Table of the content of micro- and macroelements
The calorie content of the fruit directly depends on the variety. For example, Californian avocados contain 167 kcal / 100 g of product, and Florida - 120 kcal.
Nutrition table
The benefits of avocado
Avocado is a very popular fruit, the benefits of which are priceless:
- Strengthening bones.
- Decreased blood pressure.
- Natural antioxidant.
- Prevention of pigmentation and wrinkles.
- Prevention of certain diseases.
- UV protection, etc.
- Lowering cholesterol and, as a result, reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Fruit oil has found wide application in perfumery and cosmetology.
Can everyone eat avocados?
Children
Fruit can be used as a first food. This is a common practice abroad. Avocado contains many vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fats, and its chemical formula is close to whole (not separated) milk, which is very has a positive effect on the development of the child's brain. In addition, this fruit does not contain sodium or cholesterol.
Avocado does not require heat treatment, it is easy to mash it into a puree and there is practically no allergy from it. From the fruit pulp, you can make a puree that the baby can easily chew and swallow.
adults
If they do not have contraindications, which will be described below, they can eat this fruit in any form, but not more than ½ per day.
Elderly people
Fatty acid favorably affect the joints, and calcium and magnesium are necessary for the formation of cartilage tissue.
pregnant
Folic acid prevents birth defects in a child.
Avocado contains many useful substances that are necessary for both mother and baby. Monounsaturated fats contribute to the development of the brain, nervous system, organs of vision and the growth of the placenta. Also, the fruit contributes to the production of breast milk, and vegetable proteins allow natural way increase the lactation period.
- With diabetes, because the fruits contain natural sugars.
- With diseases of the thyroid gland, heart, blood vessels.
- For the treatment of anemia.
- In the treatment of peptic ulcer and gastritis.
- As prevention of hypertension and atherosclerosis.
- For constipation and other digestive problems.
- The oil is used in the treatment of arthrosis and periodontal disease.
Who shouldn't eat avocados?
- Pregnant women who are allergic to citrus fruits.
- People suffering from individual intolerance.
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