(NaturalNews) The avocado is an unusual fruit. Not only is it high in calories, but it is rich in fat too. Instinct suggests that a high-calorie and high-fat food would be bad for health, yet the humble avocado actually provides a host of wonderful health benefits.

There are dozens of varieties of avocados, split into three main categories -- West Indian, Mexican and Guatemalan. Green and luscious, the flesh of the avocado is hard when it is harvested. As the fruit ripens, the flesh softens and its texture becomes butter-like. The Aztecs thought of avocados as an aphrodisiac, while Amazonian herbalists believe that they can treat gout.

Nutritional content

Avocados are a good source of:

• protein -- highest among fruits; about 2 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)
• fiber -- about 6.7 g per 100 g; highest soluble fiber content of any fruit
• monounsaturated fatty acids -- about 14.7 g of fats per 100 g, with two-thirds being healthful monounsaturated fats; unsaturated fatty acid content ranks only behind olives among fruits
• carbohydrates -- about 8.5 g per 100 g, or over 300 calories per avocado
• B vitamins
• vitamin C
• vitamin E
• phosphorus
• potassium -- about 500 mg per 100 g; one avocado matches two to three bananas
• zinc -- regulates immune function; contributes to wound healing, senses of smell and taste
• folate -- important for pregnant women, preventing dangerous spinal and brain birth defects; helps maintain proper nerve function
• lutein -- helps prevent prostate cancer; prevents cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
• glutathione -- potent antioxidant with anticancer properties
• oleic acid
• linoleic acid

Lowers cholesterol

Avocados, in particular its oleic acid content, may help lower cholesterol levels. One particular study which looked at persons with moderately high levels of cholesterol who consumed many avocados in their diet revealed significant reductions in total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol levels as well as an 11% increase in the "good" HDL cholesterol. Other research also showed the slight lowering of triglyceride levels.

Another way in which avocados help lower cholesterol levels is through the fiber they contain, which removes excess cholesterol from the body.

Boosts cardiovascular health

The high-potassium content in avocados helps lower high blood pressure plus reduce one's risk of suffering from strokes and heart attacks.

Some research has also suggested that oleic acid could help reduce bodily inflammation, thus lowering the probability of atherosclerosis developing.

Further, folate could help lower heart disease risk by decreasing bodily levels of homocysteine, an amino acid which could damage blood vessels at elevated levels.

Vitamin E is also a heart-healthy vitamin, while lutein helps protect against hardening of the arteries.

Helps control diabetes

According to Abhimanyu Garg, MD, "monounsaturated fats improve fat levels in the body and help control diabetes." Researchers have found that diabetics who consumed a lot of carbohydrates tended to develop high levels of triglycerides, blood fats which could elevate heart disease risk. However, when some of these carbohydrates were replaced with fats, in particular the type found in avocados, triglyceride levels tended to go down.

Improves bone health

Avocado is a relatively good plant-based source of vitamin D, which helps the body turn calcium into bones.

Phosphorus in avocados is also an important part of the bones and teeth.

Relieves skin conditions

Avocado oil can be used topically to treat some types of dermatitis plus dry skin and wrinkles. Long-term use can help relieve eczema too. It can be applied directly to the affected areas.

Mashed avocados or its inner peel (retaining some green flesh) can also be rubbed on psoriasis patches to obtain relief.

Sources for this article include:

Murray, Michael, ND., Pizzorno, Joseph, ND., and Pizzorno, Lara, MA, LMT. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New York, NY: Atria Books, 2005. Print.

Yeager, Selene, et al. The Doctors Book of Food Remedies. New York, NY: Rodale, 2007. Print.

Collins, Elise Marie. An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper's Companion. San Francisco, California: Conari Press, 2009. Print.

Duke, James A., PhD. The Green Pharmacy. New York, NY: Rodale, 1997. Print.

About the author:
Reuben Chow has a keen interest in natural health and healing as well as personal growth.

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His main health websites Insights on Health and All 4 Natural Health focus on being healthy naturally, while his other health websites cover topics such as cancer, depression, holistic depression help, as well as omega 3 fatty acids. He also owns self improvement and inspirational websites like Inspiration 4 Living, allinspiration.com, Life Changing Quotes, and 101 Inspirational Ideas. Through his network of sites at The Journey of Life, he hopes to help improve people's lives.