The Mighty Avocado

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, I was told that the cancer I had was estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positive (ER+ and PR+), which means that the cancer cells had receptors for estrogen and progesterone hormones and were "fed" by them.  One of the treatments recommended by the doctors was a drug named Tamoxifen which lowers estrogen levels in the body.  It sounds like a no-brainer...take Tamoxifen to lower estrogen levels, thus depriving the evil cancer cells of one of their sources of vitality.  But I discovered that it's not that straightforward.  Tamoxifen induces menopause along with all its lovely symptoms as well as a host of other unpleasant side effects.  Ugh.  One of the common side effects is weight gain...being overweight increases the risk of cancer.  Do you see the contradiction?  Tamoxifen is commonly prescribed for FIVE YEARS.  The kicker, though, was discovering that Tamoxifen causes uterine cancer.   Yes, you read that correctly.   I have since heard of woman after woman who did, in fact, develop uterine cancer after taking Tamoxifen for breast cancer.  I was not too keen on trading one cancer for another.  The doctors do offer an alternative to taking Tamoxifen: have a hysterectomy and remove the hormone producing organs altogether.  Needless to say, I did not find that an acceptable option.

What I did do was more research.  I learned that estrogen dominance is very common and is the cause of all kinds of adverse health conditions besides cancer--for men as well as women.  Too much estrogen results in low testosterone levels for men and low progesterone levels for women.  I learned that we are all exposed to high levels of false estrogens from environmental toxins, cleaning and beauty products, hormone-laden animal products that we consume, plastic, and even thermal receipt paper.  What I found was that not only does a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, etc.) automatically help keep estrogen levels low, but there are also foods that are specifically anti-estrogenic...foods that block the estrogen receptors in cells and reduce the body's absorption of estrogen.  Avocados are one of these anti-estrogenic foods--they are a rich source of cytochrome P-450 enzymes which are involved in estrogen metabolism--and they offer so much more.

The mighty avocado protects the liver, improves cholesterol, and improves osteoarthritis symptoms.  It is antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-aging.  Avocado oil can reduce age spots, soften and rejuvenate the skin, and boost collagen.

Avocados contain almost all of the essential nutrients that our bodies are not capable of making on their own.  Avocados are very high in antioxidants, fiber, and potassium--they contain 1/3 of the recommended daily allowance of fiber and twice the potassium of a banana.  They also contain Vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C (33% RDA), D, E, and K (36% RDA) as well as folic acid, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and boron.

Avocado is able to penetrate to the mitochondria of a cell and activate its energy production.  This allows cells to function properly even when they are constantly attacked by free radicals.

Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fat--a good fat that helps lower cholesterol and is good for heart health.  A diet high in healthy fats is very good for weight loss and treating Type 2 Diabetes.  Avocados contain oleic acid, which studies have shown to be able to treat and prevent Type 2 Diabetes.

Avocados contain the amino acid lecithin which protects against liver overload, helps balance weight, and boosts brain function. 

Avocados are rich in phytochemicals called carotenoids including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthan which are beneficial for eye health and can prevent age-related macular degeneration.  They also boost the body's ability to absorb fat-soluble nutrients like alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein. 

As is the case with most fruits and vegetables, the skin and seed contain the highest concentration of nutrients.  The seed contains 70% of the anti-oxidants in an avocado, and most of the soluble fiber.  Avocado seeds are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and boost the immune system.  They are used to treat gastro-intestinal problems and prevent gastric ulcers.  They also contain a flavonoid that has been shown to stop tumor growth.

Avocado skins have antibiotic and antiparasitic properties, and the leaves can also be used in poultices to speed wound healing or as a tea to treat sore throats and diarrhea.  

Avocados taste great raw in salads, smoothies, and guacamole.  Add them to sandwiches, including burgers, or as a garnish for almost any dish.  Avocado oil can be used as a high-heat cooking oil as well as a base for salad oils and dressings. Avocado seeds can be dried and ground up for use in smoothies, etc.

Avocados are one of the staples in my diet, and hopefully this information encourages you to add this mighty fruit to your diet regularly as well!