The benefits of Avocado have been getting a lot of positive press lately. Avocados are packed with nutrients and serve as an excellent source of healthy unsaturated fats, including omega 3 fatty acids
A new study carried out at Tufts University is linking avocados with better brain functioning in older adults.
The research evaluated forty (40) healthy adults over the
age of fifty (50) who ate 1 fresh avocado per day for 6 months. It was found
that they experienced a substantial improvement in their problem-solving skills
and working memory.
They also experienced a 25% upsurge in their levels of the
carotenoid antioxidant called lutein in their eyes, which is associated with
good vision.
Why eating avocado improves brain function
Lutein is a common pigment found in vegetables and fruits.
It’s a known protector of eye health, and now it has being studied for its
benefits to brain and cognitive health as well. This carotenoid is well-known
for its ability to accumulate in the eyes, brain and blood, as well as for its
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Daily consumption of avocado seemed to cause the rise in
lutein levels. The investigators tracked the participants over 6 months and
found a gradual but steady increase in lutein levels as measured within the
eyes. Tests administered to assess their attention levels, brain processing
speed and memory were also administered frequently.
A control group in the same age bracket who didn’t eat a
daily avocado – did not experience the cognitive health benefits or lutein
increase over the research period.
Avocado benefits include higher quality of life – as we age
NOTE: Avocados are cholesterol-free but loaded with fiber,
lutein, mono-unsaturated fats and other nutrients that make them exceptionally
effective in nourishing neural lutein levels. In addition to improved eyes,
there also seems to be a connection with brain health.
In truth, there’s a substantial amount of (blocked)
scientific research that shows how eye health is directly linked to brain and
heart health.
These researchers also noted that consuming an avocado per
day was 2x as effective as taking a enhancement for macular pigment density. We
should bear in mind that this study was backed by the HAB (i.e., Hass Avocado
Board) and the USDA and was then published in the journal Nutrients.
The researchers said that their findings were especially
good news for the Hispanic population. Traditionally,
this group eats a lot of avocados in their diet and also has the longest life
expectancy of all ethnicities in the United States.
Simply put, I think it is safe to conclude that: prolonging
cognitive health and functioning into the later years means a greater quality
of life for older folks as well as a stronger family unit.
Nonetheless, anybody from any cultural group can equally enjoy
the same avocado benefits to cognitive health into their later years. While avocados
are dense in calories, they promote a feeling of satiety that declines the propensity
to snack even hours after eating one.
Avocados are exceptional sliced on sandwiches, salads and
wraps. They can also be mashed into a tasty guacamole dip. Consider dipping
with cucumber slices and carrot sticks instead of tortilla chips for a
delicious snack!
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