by Kelley Herring
Love avocados? New research shows this decadent, high fat fruit may help to protect your liver.
Researchers at Shizuoka University in Japan fed 22 different fruits to a group of rats with liver damage caused by galactosamine, a powerful liver toxin. The researchers then measured the changes in specific liver enzymes which indicate damage.
Of the 22 fruits, the avocado had the most potent liver-protecting activity, boasting 5 specific compounds that appear to be active in reducing liver damage. Hirokazu Kawagishi , the study leader says "Besides offering taste and nutrition, avocados seem to improve liver health. People should eat more of them."
Don’t be deterred by avocados high calorie, high fat profile. Their fat is the heart-healthy monounsaturated variety and the “alligator pear” provides a laundry list of potent nutrients including antioxidant vitamins E and C, glutathione, lutein and zeaxanthin. If that’s not enough —they’re also high in fiber and potassium, and provide a good amount of folate, to boot.
So go ahead and slice avocados onto salads, fold into wraps and mash into guacamole. You’ll delight your taste buds, and protect your liver, too.
A Jarring Fact about Canned Foods
Do you eat canned food? If so you’re being exposed to a dangerous cancer-causing compound called bisphenol-a (BPA). This dangerous compound is used in the liners of cans. And it leaches into your food - especially acidic foods like tomatoes.
Just two companies make BPA-free can liners. Learn which brands you should choose to stay away from BPA! See p. 29 of Smart Cooks Age Better.
Click here to learn more...
