Scientific Name: Persea americana
Bahasa Indonesia: Alpukat
Batak: Apokat
Basic Information: The avocado tree is a classified member of the flowering plant family Lauraceae. The tree can grow to 20 meters and is dome shaped and the leaves are arranged in a spiral on the tips of the branches. The leaves start out red and turn green as they mature. The flowers are inconspicuous and greenish-yellow. The avocado fruit is a large, fleshy, pear-shaped fruit with a single large seed. They can be purple to green in color and can either have smooth or warty skin depending on the variety. The avocado tree originated in the rainforests of Central America.
Health Benefits:
- Promotes a Healthy Heart – beta-sitosterol helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Good Source of Potassium – the high levels of potassium can fight against hypertension, maintain a normal heart rate, reduce tension of blood vessels and arteries, regulate blood pressure, and help maintain fluid balance through chemical channels for cells and organs.
- Aids in Digestion – the fibers in avocados help the digestive system run smoothly and reduce symptoms of constipation and diarrhea.
- Improves Vision – the carotenoids found can help protect eyes against cataracts, age-related eye diseases, and macular degeneration.
- Skin and Hair Care – avocados can enrich dry, chapped, or damaged skin and hair. Avocado oil also provides relief from plaque psoriasis.
- Relieves Arthritis Pain – the anti-inflammatory properties of avocados reduce the inflammation in tissues, joints, and muscles.
- Prevents Bad Breath – the antibacterial and antioxidant flavonoids in avocados kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath.
- Liver Care – the chemicals contained in avocados help to reduce liver damage and improve liver health.
- Helps with Vitamin K Deficiency – adding avocado to a diet when pregnant can help avoid vitamin K deficiency in newborns.
- Helps with Morning Sickness – avocados can help overcome nausea and queasiness during pregnancy.
- Anti-Cancer Potential – the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in avocados can cause cancerous cells to undergo automatic cell death.
- Antioxidant Properties – the antioxidants in avocados neutralize the effects of free radicals, which are responsible for serious conditions within the body such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, vision problems, premature aging, and cognitive disorders.
- Healthy Skin – avocado oil helps protect skin against sunburn damage and protect from a variety of conditions caused by the damaging effects of the sun.
- Anti-Aging Properties – lutein and zeaxanthin decrease signs of aging by protecting the skin from UV rays and radiation.
- Strengthens Bones – lutein and zeaxanthin are also associated with reducing the risks of cartilage defects. Other essential minerals found in avocados are connected to lower risks of osteoporosis and improvements in bone mineral density.
- Nutrient Absorption – the fat in avocados help the body absorb carotenoids and converts them into vitamin A, which helps protect the body against free radical damage.
- Blood Glucose Levels – the leaf extracts of avocados are said to help in lowering blood glucose levels and the fibers help the body absorb sugars in a more balanced way.
- Useful for Athletes – the nutrients and healthy fats help maintain energy levels and good health.
- Improves Cognitive Function – the lutein in avocados can contribute to enhanced memory and problem solving skills.
Fun Facts:
- Avocado trees have a very long lifespan with some trees in Mexico over 400 years old
- The avocado is colloquially known as the alligator pear because of its shape and the leather-like appearance of its skin
- The word “avocado” is derived from the Aztec word “ahuacati,” meaning testicle; probably because of the likeness between the fruit and the body part
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado
https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/avocado/infos
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-avocado.html