A degenerative disease is a condition wherein the structure or function of certain organs or tissues worsen over time. Heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and arthritis are just a few examples of degenerative diseases. Fortunately, adhering to a healthy lifestyle greatly reduces the risk of developing many of the conditions that fall under this term. Such a lifestyle includes eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods, one of which is the humble avocado.

Without a doubt, the avocado is a fruit that needs to be part of everyone’s diet. Consuming just a little over 100 grams or 3.5 ounces of avocado can give one more than 20 vitamins and minerals. According to Healthline.com, that serving size can account for 27 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of fiber, 17 percent of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C, and 14 percent of the DV of potassium. This is on top of the fruit’s considerable vitamin B5, B6, and E content, as well as small volumes of magnesium, copper, vitamin A, iron, and zinc.

Moreover, avocados are loaded with healthy fats. Most of the fat in avocados is made up of oleic acid. This monounsaturated fatty acid is thought to be a huge contributor to the many health benefits associated with this fruit.

And, as was previously mentioned, among these health benefits is protection from all kinds of degenerative diseases. Heart disease is an example. On top of containing heart-healthy fats, avocados can positively affect the risk factors associated with heart disease, according to studies. To be more specific, avocado can reduce total cholesterol levels by a considerable margin, lower blood triglycerides and bad cholesterol by 20 and 22 percent respectively, and boost good cholesterol levels by 11 percent. (Related: Eating avocados keeps your heart healthy and strong).
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Avocado can help prevent Type 2 diabetes as well. Supplementing with avocado seed extract has been found to lower blood sugar. Moreover, avocado oil is believed to decrease the effects of oxidative stress on the liver. A weakened liver often accompanies diabetes, so having a healthier liver will definitely improve one’s chances of avoiding the disease.

People suffering from arthritis can find relief in avocados. One study noted that people who took avocado and soybean unsaponifiables became less reliant on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and showed signs of improved functional movement. In fact, avocado and soybean unsaponifiables are so effective against arthritis that they’ve also yielded positive results when used on dogs.

Another good thing about avocados is that they may even aid in weight loss. Many degenerative diseases are greatly exacerbated by obesity. Losing even just a bit of weight can do wonders for the body and avocado can help in that regard. Avocados are satiating, which means anyone who eats them will feel full longer. They’re low in carbohydrates yet high in fiber, which further contributes to weight loss.

So to anyone who has access to this wondrous fruit, do make it a point to eat avocado every day. It can be consumed as is or as part of a healthy meal. Avocados are versatile enough to go with almost anything and any meal of the day. The site Greatist.com has compiled more than 40 delicious, healthy, easy-to-make recipes that make excellent use of avocado. These include avocado rice, avocado pancakes, avocado soup, and chicken avocado burgers. Living a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle has never been so easy and it’s all thanks to avocado.

For more information on the numerous health benefits of healing plants, visit PlantMedicine.news.

Sources include:

GreenMedInfo.com

Healthline.com

Greatist.com