I've shared in a previous post about the different vegetables and fruits we have in our backyard. (Thanks to my Mom and Dad!). Guess what we got this time. . . . BIIIIGGG avocados!
The tree has been around for a number of years but actually it bore fruit only this year . . . but it's okay. It definitely made up for the lost time, haha!
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| I know. . . they're huuuggee! |
To give you a clearer picture, I've put it beside a big bottle of peanut butter and the Little One's can of milk .
At home, Mom makes avocado shake or "ice cream". Our version of homemade "ice cream"---mom scooping out the avocado meat, mashing it a little bit, mixing it with some evaporated milk and some ice!
While Zola's Dad simply dips it in powdered milk or condensed milk.
As for myself, since I'm not really fond of milk . . . I like my avocado. . .as a salad ingredient or in guacamole. . . with my salsa and chips! Haha!
Though avocados have a high calorie content, they offer health benefits that would surely outweigh our obsession over calories, heehee. I think avocado is one of the most essential and dynamic fruits we have. . . you might want to include them in your shopping list the next time you do your groceries =)
Here are some of the health benefits of avocados which I got from www.healthdiaries.com:
Prostate Cancer Prevention
Avocadoes have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.
Oral Cancer Defense
Research has shown that certain compounds in avocados are able to seek out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.
Research has shown that certain compounds in avocados are able to seek out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.
Breast Cancer Protection
Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies.
Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies.
Eye Health
Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two disabling age-related eye diseases.
Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two disabling age-related eye diseases.
Lower Cholesterol
Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week.
Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week.
Heart Health
One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. Studies show that people who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don't. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart.
One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. Studies show that people who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don't. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart.
Stroke Prevention
The high levels of folate in avocado are also protective against strokes. People who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower risk of stroke than those who don't.
The high levels of folate in avocado are also protective against strokes. People who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower risk of stroke than those who don't.
Better Nutrient Absorption
Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado. IN one study, when participants at a salad containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes lycopene and beta carotene) than those who didn't include avocados.
Glutathione Source
Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, an important antioxidant that researches say is important in preventing aging, cancer and heart disease.
Vitamine E Powerhouse
Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health.
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