When tackling your health, it is important to approach your health as as a whole. I have Pulmonary Hypertension, so each day I take my prescribed medication in order to take care of myself. However, in order to care for my entire well being there are special steps that I take to ensure that whatever part of my body can function at its optimal state will function at its best. There are things that I eat, holistic supplements that I take, alternative treatments that I practice and special treats I allow myself in order to ensure that this happens. I would like to start sharing what I do in addition to taking my PH medication each day- and today I want to talk about avocados.
Most of you have probably heard of the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Perhaps there are other foods that deserve to be included in this old English proverb. Maybe an avocado a day keeps the doctor away? Avocados contain many nutrients, including 20 different vitamins and minerals. (One of those vitamins is vitamin K, which you have to be careful with if you on a medication like blood thinners.) Avocados are filled with heart healthy fats. Majority of the fat content in an avocado is from oleic acid (also known as omega-9.) Diets rich in oleic acid has been known to improve insulin sensitivity and blood circulation. It has also been linked to reducing inflammation.
Studies show that avocados can help offer protection against certain types of cancers. They are also very heart healthy because of the good fats and vitamins they contain. Avocados are quite high in fat (good fat,) so you may want to have a smaller portion if you are trying to lose weight, (or have to divide your vitamin K intake among other vegetables)
It 2014 a study hypothesized that the protein found in 'good cholesterol' may be the key to treating Pulmonary Hypertension. HDL (which contains protein apoA-1) is often referred to as a "good cholesterol" that can reduce help oxidized lipids. Oxidized lipids play a key role in inflaming blood vessels and hardening arteries. Avocado isn't a miracle vegetable (...er, I guess I mean fruit because of its one giant seed,) but it may help contribute to good health.
Avocados are an acquired taste. Chances are if you had sushi, you have had avocado before. If you do not like the taste of avocado, it is easily disguised when prepared with other food. Avocado slices can be added to your sandwich, or they can be mashed and used as a spread. I have my avocado everyday in a fruit smoothie. I use it to replace dairy for making my fruit smoothie creamy and thick. Lots of recipes are available for free online (although avocados themselves can be fairly pricey if living outside of where they are grown.)
New to avocados? Not sure how to cut them? View the video below:
The knife in the video looks intimidating- it looks as if it could help you take down wild plants in the rain forest. If your avocado is ripe you can get away with using a more reasonably sized knife. You will still want the knife to be fairly sharp in order to remove the pit from the center.
I like to make guacamole. However need to pick avocado that are rip or else you need to wait forever. lol
ReplyDeleteMmm I could eat guacamole for days. If you put your avocado in a brown bag it is supposed to help ripen them quicker!
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