The nutritional fruit avocado has a pear-like shape and an alligator-like texture. It is blackish green in color and has a large seed.

The nutritional facts of avocado is as follows:

100 gm of avocado contains:

ü      Energy:             245 Calories

ü      Fat:                              26.4 gm (monounsaturated)

ü      Protein:             1.7 gm

ü      Carbohydrates: 5.1 gm

ü      Vitamin A:                    290 I.U.

ü      Vitamin C:                    16 mg

ü      Niacin:                          1.1 mg

ü      Thiamine:                      290 mg

ü      Phosphorus:                  38 mg

ü      Calcium:                       10 mg

The fruit is completely devoid of sodium and cholesterol.

The benefits of avocado are:

a)      It eases constipation.

b)      It is very good for women in their menopause.

c)      It is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals and helps in malnutrition.

d)      It can combat insomnia.

e)      A low-fat diet comprising of avocados can lower the level of the risky low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and heighten the level of the good high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

f)        The high fiber content prevents cardiac problems, high blood pressure and colon cancer.

g)      The folate content is very good for pregnant women, guarding against serious birth defects of the brain and spine.

h)      Its potassium content is even more than that of a banana and is capable of reducing the threats of cardiac attacks, high blood pressure and cancer.

i)        A well-colored ripe avocado is an excellent source of carotene.

j)        It is very good for inflamed mucous membranes especially in the stomach, colon and small intestine.

k)      It can help overcome nervousness.

l)        Avocado is rich in the monounsaturated fat oleic acid, which is the primary constituent of olive oil, and is believed to prevent cardiac problems.

m)    The fruit also has a profuse supply of oil containing Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin E.

n)      100 gm of avocado contains as much as 530 micrograms of Vitamin 86, which helps immensely in the treatment of pre-menstrual syndromes and in normalizing brain waves.

o)      Oleic acid helps in the control of diabetes.

p)      A diet, having avocados as the primary source of fat, can help diabetics reduce their trigycerides by a maximum of 20%.

q)      In general, the monounsaturated fat in avocados can lower cholesterol and triglycerides considerably.

r)       Avocado juice applied externally on the skin can work wonders. The juice contains a balanced quantity of the oil of avocado, whose skin-penetration is believed to be second only to lanolin. But, unlike lanolin, it is devoid of any sensitizing effects. It is safe and can effectively treat and soothe sensitive skin conditions. It can also be used as a sunscreen, in case of moderate exposure to sun.

Risk:

Despite the excellent nutritional value, avocados should be consumed in moderation due to their high caloric value and fat content.