Yes, avocado is a fruit!

Jamaica is home to a myriad of delicious and tasty fruits. Though many of the fruits did not originate here, over the years they have been able to thrive in the island’s tropical climate and have become delicacies here. Some of these fruits include guinep, ackee, jackfruit and papaya.

These fruits are not only tasty and enjoyed by many Jamaicans, but they have several health benefits. This is one in Our Today‘s series where we explore the health benefits that Jamaica-found fruits are able to provide, and, for today, the focus is on the avocado.

Also referred to as ‘pear’, the avocado is said to have originated in South Central Mexico. The dark green fruit has a soft yellow and light green endocarp (the innermost layer of the pericarp which surrounds a seed in a fruit).

Health Benefits

Supports Fetal Health

Folate, also known as vitamin B₉ or folacin, is an important vitamin for the body, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Sufficient intake may be able to reduce the risk of of miscarriage and neural tube abnormalities.

Vitamin B is able to decrease one’s risk of developing birth defects, including spina bifida (birth condition that affects the spine) and other neural tube defects.

Great for vision

Pear contains to phytochemicals present in eye tissue, namely lutein and zeaxanthin. These tissues provide antioxidant protection which tend to reduce the damage that can be caused by ultraviolet rays.

Eating avocado can also help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. This is a disease that affects a person’s central vision. The fatty acids found in the fruit absorbs beneficial fat-soluble antioxidants including beta carotene which fights against macular degeneration.

Reduces risk of depression

Studies have shown links between low folate levels and depression. Playing an important role in the overall dietary health, folate helps to prevent the buildup of homocysteine (this is an amino acid which the body produces).

An excess of homocysteine may cause cognitive dysfunction, depression, and the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine which help to regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.

Detox

The fibre which is found in the avocado helps with digestion and regular bowel movement. Studies have shown that dietary fibre adds to good gut health and microbial diversity.

Helps with bone health

Rich in vitamin K, avocado is able to promote bone health. Vitamin K helps the body with the absorption of calcium and it reduces the calcium excreted from urine. Studies have also shown that Vitamin K is able to increase bone density.

Good for Heart Health

Consuming unsaturated fat is good for your health. This is a type of fat which contains a high proportion of fatty acid molecules with at least one double bond, and is considered to be healthier than saturated fat.

Avocado can help to lower bad cholesterol, triglycerides (type of fat found in your blood), and hypertension.