Avocado - Natural Born Healers

Not only do avocados and ginger pack a punch in the flavour arena, they are incredible disease-fighters too

Avocado

THE GREEEN HEALTH WONDER

When it comes to super-foods, avocado and ginger are at the top of the pile. There is virtually nothing they cannot help with.

Gingerol and shogaol – which give ginger its typical “zing” – stimulate our digestive juices, contain germ-killing properties, and detoxify the blood, mucus membranes and gut.

Avocado is just as powerful – it has an exceptionally high nutrient density, has 25 per cent “good fat”, and is a source of almost 20 vitamins and minerals.

PROTECTS THE EYES

Avocado contains two carotenoids (plant pigments) that are important for eye health: lutein and zeaxanthin, which act as antioxidants, meaning they protect our cells from harmful influences. As such, avocado can prevent the onset of age-related eye damage.

Daily consumption of the fruit also protects the eye’s sensitive tissue from sun damage – but that does not mean it can replace sunglasses. In addition, the superfruit reduces the risk of suffering from cataracts or age-related macular degeneration, according to research from Tufts University in the US.

HELPS WITH EXCESS WEIGHT

Avocado is high in dietary fibres – and these help us to lose weight. According to a study conducted by the University of Massachusettes, 30 grams of fibre a day result in more successful dieting (an average-sized avocado contains around 12 to 14 grams). Avocados also keep you full for a long time, thereby preventing hunger pangs.

NORMALISES BLOOD LIPID LEVELS

Researchers from Pennsylvania State University have found that consuming an avocado a day has a positive effect on cholesterol, because the unsaturated fatty acids and high fibre content help dramatically reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.