Uses of Avocado in Ayurveda
Although avocado is a fruit from central America, it is gaining popularity all over the world, especially in developing countries including India. It has rich nutritional values and is recommended for weak and anemic children and adults.
Avocado a rich nutrient
Globalization has brought the whole world into a small globule where you can exchange ideas and things instantly. Commercialism and consumerism have made everything available to everyone at any time. Food stuffs and other things reach the needy people in a lightning speed. Fruits of tropical regions are exported to places completely covered with snow and ice and products of these cold places reach hot countries where they are demanded. Avocado is one of such fruits reaching every nook and corner of the world today. It is grown in almost all tropical and subtropical countries. Being rich in fat and nutrients with low cholesterol, people go for this fruit.
Avocado labeled as a forbidden fruit
Until recently, avocado has been wrongly labeled as a forbidden fruit because of its caloric and rich fat content. People still think that it will increase bad cholesterol.
Avocado's medical benefits come to light
1) Recent researches have shown that avocado is good for prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Science has yet to confirm that the toxin found in avocado may be the answer for its property in treating cancer by killing cancer cells.
2) Rich in protein with all essential amino acids, avocado can easily be absorbed by the body because of its fiber content. It is a great source of protein, especially for vegetarian people.
3) Although avocado is rich in fat, it is good for health since it contains HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) which protects against the damage caused by free radicals.
Avocado in Ayurveda
1) Avocado has natural properties to reduce vata and pitta humors (dosha) and increase kapha. Ayurveda recommends avocado for people who are naturally high in vata and pitta humors. Vata people will have their vata dosha or humor increased in cold seasons, in autumn and winter. When this vata humor is aggravated these people may experience insomnia, anxiety, and constipation. Ayurveda dishes of avocado provides them the needed nutrients to balance the humor.
2) Pitta people may have difficulties in late spring and early autumn when they feel overheated and agitated. Consumption of avocado during these seasons helps them maintain the humor balance.
3) Kapha people generally are overweight and have a lethargic feeling. When kapha is aggravated they may have mucus or a kind of feeling mucus in throat early in the morning. They are suggested to avoid avocado.
4) Avocado oil is good for skin care. Feng Shui Fortune reports that Ayurveda suggests use of cold-pressed Avocado oil for dry and dull skin conditions. It is good for Vata-type skin with wrinkles. Weather conditions such as cold weather and excess heat affect the skin. Modern living conditions with air conditioning or lack of nutrition may also cause this. Ayurveda uses avocado oil and paste for skin problems.