The Role of Avocado in a Healthy Diet

Abstract

Avocado (Persea americana) is a tropical fruit, originated from Mexico. Due to its high contents of monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins E and C, potassium and β-carotene, avocado consumption has a potential protective role in improved plasma lipid profile, maintenance of healthy body weight, protection against different types of cancer and reduced deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage linked to aging. Avocado improves lipid profile by decreasing the low density lipoprotein (LDL) and increasing the high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. In this review article, nutrient composition of avocado and its potential role in improvement of health has been discussed.