Many people believe that a food high in fat are bad for the body, which is in some case is absolutely true. However, there are also a number of fats that are very good for our body. These are called healthy fats. Healthy fats refer to monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help to reduce bad cholesterol, known as LDL that clog our arteries. Saturated fats and Trans fats should be avoided, as excess consumption can increase the risk for heart disease and diabetes. All these bear an implication on how we age and live our lives. We should include foods in our diet that contain healthy fats.
Avocados are one such fruit that are rich in monounsaturated fats, which can protect the cells from free radical damage. California avocados are gaining popularity these days all around the world. They contain fiber, which helps in removal of toxins that can lead to aging. Apart from being full of nutrients, there are many health benefits of avocados.
Benefits of Avocados for the Elderly:
- Protects cardiovascular system – Avocados are rich in beta-sitosterol that help in maintaining a healthy heart. It encourages good cholesterol in the body, which prevents cardiovascular diseases from developing. They are also rich in potassium that helps in maintaining a normal blood flow and preventing hypertension, which reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
- Promotes digestive health – Avocados contain high amounts of fiber that aid in digestion, weight management and prevent constipation. It enhances the digestive processes to help in increased absorption of vital nutrients.
- Anti-cancer properties – The high antioxidant content found in avocados is very effective in preventing cancer as they help to strengthen the immune system and repair any damage done by harmful toxins. They also prevent cancer cells from growing and are highly effective against mouth, prostate, and skin cancer.
- Protect your joints – The anti-inflammatory properties of avocados help prevent arthritis. Flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids found in avocados reduce swelling and soreness in the joints and are very effective in reducing joint pain. They are also rich in vitamin K that is very important in preventing osteoporosis.
- Improves vision – Avocados are a good source of carotenoid lutein that is very effective in preventing early onset of eye related illnesses. It protects the eyes from UV light and repairs any age-related damage to the eyes. People who include avocados in their diet are less likely to experience age-related macular degeneration and cataract.
Eating more avocados not only has short term benefits on your health, adding this ingredient to your diet and following a healthy lifestyle can lead to significant results in the long run. Elderly people can consume California avocados, one of the best kinds available, in the form of salads or smoothies. Eating fruits and vegetables is a good way of boosting a senior’s health. The potential health benefits of avocados help to delay the onset of age-related illnesses and thereby enable you to gracefully grow older.
