Wealth Avocado

AvocadoThe fruit is a source of vitamins and whatnot. As the avocado fruit, the many benefits that can be drawn from this fruit. The fruit came from Mexico and Central America and now widely cultivated in South America and Central America as a crop monoculture and as garden plants in other tropical regions of the world.

Nutrients

Avocados are a good source of essential nutrients. They have the highest protein and oil content of any fruit, which makes them a useful food for people on a vegetarian or vegan diet. They also contain vitamins K, C and E as well as B complex vitamins, oleic acid -- which helps to lower blood pressure -- and potassium. Avocados are packed with the dietary fiber which is so vital for intestinal health. One cup of avocado flesh contains almost 30 percent of the recommended daily adult intake.

Health Benefits

The avocado has gained a bad reputation for being high in fat. Although it's true that 85 percent of the avocado's calories come from fat, these are monounsaturated fats which can help to lower cholesterol levels if used in place of the saturated kind. Avocados contain a number of nutrients like phytosterols and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects, and are known to be beneficial in conditions such as arthritis. Also, the low sugar content of the avocado make it a healthy, low glycemic index food. Avocados are a rich source of vitamin K which is essential for blood clotting and which some studies suggest is significant in improving bone health, particularly in the elderly.

Baby Food

Mashed avocado is one of the best early foods for a baby.

Mashed avocado has a creamy texture which makes it especially palatable to babies. Iit is free of cholesterol and sodium, while being relatively high in energy-giving calories. As it is eaten uncooked, all the valuable nutrients of the avocado are preserved. If a sweeter flavor is preferred, avocado can be mixed with apple juice or cooked sweet potato.

Non-Food Uses

Given its oily content, it is not surprising that the avocado makes an excellent moisturizer. Avocado flesh can be rubbed directly onto chapped hands or sun-damaged skin. It also makes a good component of face masks for dry skin. A homemade avocado face mask can be made simply by mashing the flesh and applying gently to the face and removing after 15 or 20 minutes. Avocados can also be grown as houseplants. Place the seed in a 4 to 5 inch pot of fertile, porous soil with the pointed end up, barely showing from the surface. If the soil is kept watered and the temperature remains between 60 and 70 degrees, the plant will soon develop.