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Avocado Tree

The Avocado tree (Persea americana) had its origins in Central America but wasn't introduced to the West Indies until the seventeenth (17th) century. The avocado tree can be found on the island of Barbados bearing fruit usually around August, September. Trees are partially self-pollinating and often are cultivated through grafting to maintain quality and quantity of the fruit. The fruit of the avocado tree matures on the tree but ripens off the tree.

 

In Barbados, the avocado is used in a number of dishes. Based on its high fat content, the avocado has become perfect for vegetarians who use it as a meat substitute in both sandwiches and salads. It can also be pureed and used in the form of shakes or smoothies

 

In Barbados, the avocado or pear is often enjoyed when garnished with cucumber, lime and a bit of salt and pepper.

 

Health Benefits of the Avocado

The avocado is considered the world's healthiest fruit, because of its nutrient contents such as vitamin K, dietary fiber, potassium, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, and reasonable calories in it. Listed below are some of the many health benefits associated with eating avocado.

 

• Avocados have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer
• Research has shown that certain compounds in avocados are able to seek out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells
• Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies
• Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two disabling age-related eye diseases
• Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels
• One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. The high levels of folate in avocado are also protective against strokes and heart disease.
• The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart
• Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado. In one study, when participants ate a salad containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes lycopene and beta carotene) than those who didn't include avocados
• Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, an important antioxidant that researchers say is important in preventing aging, cancer, and heart disease
• Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health

 

A few slices of avocado will be sure to add a rich, creamy flavor to any meal you prepare as well as substantially strengthen your body's capacity to absorb all the health-promoting carotenoids that vegetables provide.

 

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this page should not be interpreted as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this site.

 

Readers should consult the appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well being.

 

The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best information available to the writers. However, readers who fail to consult the appropriate health authorities automatically assume risk of any injuries. Barbados Pocket Guide is not in any way responsible for errors or omissions.

 
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