HEALTH BENEFITS OF AVOCADO

 A medium avocado contains about 200 calories, 

9 mg of vitamin K (36% of the recommended daily consumption)  

7,3gr fiber, 

90 mg folic acid and  

12mg of vitamin C.

Αvocado is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which reduce LDL and improve HDL.  

Contains oleic acid and tocopherols, which inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells 

Prevents breast cancer

Contributes to deterioration of the retina of the eye and cataracts.

Contains potassium, protects against cardiovascular diseases and  contributes to better blood pressure control. 

Avocados also have antioxidants which act protecting against oxidative shock and removing free radicals, slow aging.

Have vitamin B complex, which help to combat stress. Especially Vitamin B6 helps in alleviating premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

 

Mary Pan, Clinical Biologist

3 WHITE POISONS WE CONSUME DAILY

1. Sugar is hiding everywhere in all snacks and all packaged foods. Causes a rapid rise in blood glucose, skin aging, fine lines on face, destroys the teeth and cause decay . Instead of a snack with sugar eat a fruit which is rich in antioxidants , vitamins , fiber . Sugar is highly addictive and is likened by many to hard drugs .

2. White flour increases very quickly the blood sugar level. Lacks vitamin B complex, magnesium, phosphorus, provides only starch and many calories . Low levels of vitamin B can cause sense of exhaustion, depresion, nervousness. The consumption leads to lipogenesis , increases the risk of heart attack because of fat , and calcium elimination in urine . Glucose competes the intake of vitamin C in cells. So we become very vulnerable to diseases. Capillaries become more fragile and this has a harmful effect on our health. 

3. Salt causes high blood presure. The increased intake leads to the development of degenerative diseases such as coronary heart disease and osteoporosis and this because the increased intake of sodium leads to increased excretion of calcium.

Therefore the only way to guard against all these is to prepare our meals by selecting  always fresh fruits and seasonal vegetables . We should  limit packaged food and prefer whole grain products so as to get  vitamins and fiber. 

 

 

Mary Pan, Clinical Biologist

THE PLANT OF IMMORTALITY

Aloe vera is a cactus plant which has been used for many purposes since the ancient Egyptians calles it ''the plant of immortality''. Its leaves secrete a clear gel which can be applied topically and help our skin. It treats wounds and burns, skin infections and skin ulcers.

The gel of the Aloe vera is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, zinc, manganese, iron. 

 

Here are 5 benefits of using Aloe vera gel topically on our skin

1. Treats sunburns

2. Acts as moisturizer

3. Treats acne

4. Is antiaging

5. Increases elasticity

 

Mary Pan, Clinical Biologist