Avocados are not only delicious, but have been shown to prevent prostrate cancer. Also, research studies have found that there are certain chemical compounds in avocados which actually hunt out pre-cancerous cells in the mouth and destroy them without harming the healthy cells. Much like olive oil, avocado oil is very high in oleic acid content which studies have proven to prevent breast cancer cells.

More than any other eaten fruit, avocados contain much more of the chemical carotenoid luetin which protects against the eye diseases of macular degeneration and cataracts. Avocados also great for lowering cholesterol because they are naturally high in beta-sitosterol. In one clinical study, volunteers saw a 17% drop in their cholesterol levels after eating avocados for one week.

These dark green fruits are also rich in folate, containing 23% of the daily required amount. Diets which are rich in folate have been found to have a much lower incidence of heart disease. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats and glutathione found in avocados are great for a healthy heart and can prevent strokes.

There has also been studies which show that avocados added to the diet increases the absorbtion by the body of certain nutrients. When a salad is eaten that contains avocados, you absorb five times the amount of caretenoids (lycopene and beta carotene) than those who don’t.

Another antioxidant that avocados have is glutathione, which some researchers believe is important in preventing cancer, aging and cardiovascular disease. They are also the best source of vitamin E.