Nutritional benefits and side-effects of Avocados

Avocado is a common fruit found in many parts of the world. Most people are fond of this nutritious fruit laden with multiple vitamins. In fact, media mogul and one of the world’s richest women Oprah Winfrey grows her own avocados in her orchard and brings them along when she travels. The nutritional benefits of avocados are countless. They include Vitamin C, K, E and B-6, folate, pantothenic acid and potassium.

If you are an avocado fanatic, well here is what you need to know about this sweet fruit.

Avocado helps in weight loss

According to Carolyn Brown, a New York-based nutritionist, avocado is loaded with monosaturated fatty acids that slow down digestion and helps you lose fats. These fats from avocado are indispensable for every cell found in your body. More so, a perfectly ripe avocado is high in fibre and lowers bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol. Moreover, avocado keeps you full longer and helps you eat fewer calories.

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Reduces the risk of heart diseases

A good source of dietary fibre, avocado minimizes the risk of heart diseases, diabetes and also obesity. Furthermore, nutrients in avocado have cardiovascular benefits.

Relieves Arthritis symptoms

Avocado oil extracts notably relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis according to most studies done.

Helps in menstrual flow

Avocado contains healthy fat, potassium, magnesium, and fibre. When you eat at least half an avocado daily, it can balance hormones. This, in turn, regulates menstrual flow. You can eat it with a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper.

Despite having massive benefits to our health, avocado has some side effects.

Reduces milk production in lactating mothers and affects lactating babies

Avocados can reduce milk production in lactating mother. It also can go as far as damaging the mammary gland. If a breastfeeding mother consumes too much avocado, it can upset the stomach of the baby. The unborn baby and a newborn baby get all their nutrition from their mother.

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Cause skin reactions

For those people who are suffering from hypersensitivity, consumption of avocados can result in a skin reaction.

Allergic reactions

Some individuals get an allergic reaction when they take avocados. This allergic reaction not only affects them when they eat but also exposure to avocados may trigger allergic reactions in them. However, individuals with allergiy should not use avocados even for skin and hair care.

Significant symptoms of avocados allergy are hives, itching and eczema.