Peter

December 9, 2002

Peter;

Don't give up the avocadoes yet. This is from the California avocado

commission and they talk about California avocadoes, but I'm sure it

is the same for all avocadoes.

Phytochemicals Found in Avocados May Help Fight Heart Disease and

Cancer

New research indicates that the California avocado, one of nature's

functional foods, contains phytochemicals that may help fight chronic

illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer.

The phytochemical profile of the California avocado includes a

cholesterol-lowering phytosterol called beta-sitosterol and the

antioxidant glutathione, according to Dr. David Heber, director of

the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition. Evidence suggests phytosterol

and glutathione may help prevent certain types of cancers and heart

disease in humans.

" The California avocado has long been known for its special taste-

enhancing properties, " Heber said. " However, new research

demonstrates that avocados provide favorable phytochemcials that work

in combination with the phytochemcials from other foods in the diet

to enhance overall health. "

Scientific evidence from a 1999 study conducted for the California

Avocado Commission shows that nutrient-dense avocados contain 76

milligrams of beta-sitosterol per 100 grams of fruit. This is more

than four times the beta-sitosterol found in other commonly eaten

fruits, such as bananas, apples, cantaloupes, grapes, plums and

cherries. Avocados contain at least twice the amount of beta-

sitosterol found in other whole foods, including corn, green soybeans

and olives. Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that occurs naturally

in the avocado, according to Heber. Phytosterol can inhibit

cholesterol absorption from the intestine resulting in lower blood

cholesterol levels. In animal studies, phytosterol has been shown to

inhibit the growth of tumors.

A survey conducted by the National Cancer Institute in 1992

demonstrated that ounce per ounce the glutathione content of avocados

is three times that of bananas, apples, cantaloupes, grapes, plums

and cherries. Glutathione is composed of three amino acids and

functions as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can

cause damage to cells in the body during the processes of aging,

heart disease and cancer. Numerous studies have linked glutathione to

the prevention of various types of cancer, including cancer of the

mouth and pharynx, and also heart disease.

" The California avocado is an excellent dietary source of glutathione

and phytosterol, further demonstrating the value of a diverse plant-

based diet in providing micro-nutrients that may have unique roles in

the body and the potential to improve overall health and prevent

chronic disease, " Heber said. Dr. Heber, along with 35 scientists at

the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, has long endorsed a diet based

on five to 11 servings per day of a diverse selection of fruits and

vegetables, including the California avocado. World-wide research

demonstrates that a high intake of fruits and vegetables is

associated with a reduced risk of many common forms of cancer.

Doug

December 9, 2002

Thanks Doug,

Thanks for the read. I have a feeling that there is more

good in the avocado than the article brings out. On a

more superficial level...

The Californian Commission is duty bound to believe in the

superiority of their product. In addition, I have

no doubt that a freshly picked ripe avocado in California

where I suppose there laboratory should indeed be, is superior

to one flown in from distant part with an expected supermarket

shelf life. Point made.

I am planning on one a day. I used to buy a couple of trays

of 20 per week from the market. That is different.