Pass the Guacamole!
Avocados May Help Protect the Liver
Alan Franciscus
Editor
New research from Japan indicates that the
common avocado (Persea americana) may help to
protect the liver from damage.
The researches fed rats avocados and 22
different fruits and gave them D-galactosamine,
a substance that causes liver damage in an
effort to find fruits that would help protect
the liver.
The rats that were given avocado obtained
the
least amount of liver damage from the
D-galactosamine. The researchers are now
analyzing the compounds in avocado and other
fruits to determine if there are chemicals in
the fruit that can explain the protective
effect. They hope to be able to isolate the
chemicals in these fruits to use for future
drugs.
Now, let’s keep in mind that this study
was on
RATS and not humans and little conclusions can
be drawn at this time.
However, eating fresh fruits have long been
known to supply many vitamins, minerals and
other nutrients necessary for good health.
Additionally, it is always best to obtain
nutrients in the form of fruits and vegetables
rather than from nutritional supplements.
Avocado is native to Central America and was
eaten by the Aztec, Mayan and Inca peoples.
Avocados are a cholesterol-free, sodium-free,
low saturated fat food with only 5.0 grams of
fat per serving-1/5 of a medium avocado. The fat
found in an avocado is monounsaturated, believed
by some scientists to protect against heart
disease and certain kinds of cancer. Avocados
are nutrient dense in potassium, folate, dietary
fiber, vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin and
vitamin B6.
Other fruits that the researchers believe
will
help protect the liver include:
Watermelon is native to the Kalahari Desert
and
was first harvested over 5,000 years ago in
Egypt. The watermelon is mostly water but is an
excellent source of Vitamin A and C, potassium,
micronutrients and water-soluble fiber.
Grapefruit originated in Jamaica and is a
good
source for vitamin C, inositol, Folic Acid and
fiber.
Lychee is a native to low elevations of the
provinces of Kwangtung and Fukien in Southern
China. Lychee’s are very high in Vitamin C and
supply adequate amounts of dietary fiber and
iron.
Figs are one of the earliest fruits
cultivated
by man and are native to areas from Asiatic
Turkey to northern India. Today, the United
States, Turkey, Greece and Spain are the primary
producing nations of dried figs. Figs are good
sources for calcium, iron and fiber.
Kiwi Fruit, common name for a
southeast-Asian
vine, also called Chinese gooseberry and
yangtao. Kiwi is considered one of the most
nutritionally dense of all the major fruits,
with lots of vitamin C, and Lutein, which is
believed to reduce the risk of cancer and heart
disease as well as other diseases. Kiwi also
contains both soluble and insoluble fiber,
copper, potassium, Folate, Magnesium, and
Vitamin E.
Cherries were considered a delicacy for
Greek,
Roman and Chinese Noblemen for centuries.
Cherries were brought to America by ship in the
1600’s and today, the U.S. cherry industry
produces over 650 million pounds of cherries
each year. Cherries are high in melatonin and
anti-oxidants and are a good source for vitamin
A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, phosphorus and
potassium.
Japanese Plums have been growing in their
native
areas for several thousand years and were
introduced into the New World in the late 1800s.
Plums are high in riboflavin (B2), vitamin C,
and calcium.
Papaya or the edible ‘tropical papaya’
(called
by the English and their colonial descendants
‘paw paw’) is a fruit native to the tropical
lowlands of eastern Central America. One serving
of papaya will meet about 20% of an adult daily
folate needs, and provides about 75% of an adult
’s daily requirement of vitamin C.
Source: News from ACS
Affirmative Eating
15 Super FoodsIn the good-for-you category of foods, there exists an elite squad of real superstars — foods that go the distance in giving you vitamins, minerals and possible protection from health problems. Pick a few that you like and seek them out at salad bars or slip them into favorite recipes. They keep on giving.
1. Garlic.
One clove may contain more than 15 antioxidants, plus an antibiotic and a bronchial decongestant; may help lower blood pressure, boost immunity, reduce blood clotting, lower bad cholesterol, raise cholesterol and prevent some types of cancer.2. Onions.
Certain compounds clear sinuses; may control high cholesterol and prevent heart attacks and some cancers, including stomach, rectal and colon.
3. Spinach.
Contains vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, protein, calcium and beta-carotene, which may help protect against cancer.4. Strawberries.
Full of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber; also high in pectin, which reduces cholesterol levels and risk of hypertension.
5. Carrots.
Full of beta-carotene and fiber; may help prevent cancer and reduce risk of heart attack; may also lower cholesterol levels.6. Skim milk.
Brimming with calcium, protein and riboflavin; can help prevent osteoporosis.
7. Beans.
Contain protein, folic acid and fiber; may lower cholesterol and risk of cancer.8. Broccoli.
High in fiber, calcium, folic acid and vitamin C, with phytochemicals , that have anticancer properties. Hard for digestion if you have liver disease, makes the liver overwork.9. Sweet potatoes.
Rich in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, fiber, potassium and iron; may help prevent cancer.10. Citrus fruits.
Boast high amounts of vitamin C; may help protect against cancer; the pectin found in white grapefruit may reduce risk of heart disease.
11. Soy.
Contains iron, calcium, magnesium and fiber; the only food to contain genistein, which may inhibit breast cancer by decreasing estrogen levels.12. Tomatoes.
Contain lycopene, which may help fight cancer, plus fiber and vitamin C.
13. Cantaloupe. One cup provides 125 percent of the Daily Value for vitamin C and more than 50 percent for vitamin A; melons may protect against cancers of the colon and rectum.
14. Oatmeal.
Full of fiber, which may help lower cholesterol, plus iron, copper, folic acid, vitamin E and zinc.
15. Brown rice.
One cup contains more than 20 percent of the Daily Value for magnesium and selenium, plus fiber and antioxidant power; its fiber may help prevent colon cancer and constipation.
