The human body is constantly producing new blood cells as a part of normal physiological processes. However, when things go wrong and the body starts to create abnormal cells, it can lead to leukemia. Research into the health benefits of plant foods has discovered a fruit with natural compounds that have the potential to stop the deadly progression of leukemia right at its source. The fruit in question is the nutrient-dense avocado.
Scientists at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, have discovered a type of fat in avocados that can inhibit a variety of leukemia known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is a devastating illness, especially in individuals over 65, where it has a 90 percent death rate within five years. The avocado fat seems to target the root of AML – stem cells that produce cancerous blood cells. This discovery is significant as there are few drugs currently available that can be used to target leukemia stem cells.
According to researcher Paul Professor Spagnuolo, “The stem cell is really the cell that drives the disease. The stem cell is largely responsible for the disease developing, and it’s the reason why so many patients with leukemia relapse. We’ve performed many rounds of testing to determine how this new (fat) works at a molecular level and confirmed that it targets stem cells selectively, leaving healthy cells unharmed.”
Spagnuolo’s research aims to develop the avocado fat, called avocatin B, into a drug that can be used in the fight against leukemia. However, it may be years before avocatin B is widely used against AML.
In the meantime, there is no need to wait for drug companies to start selling a refined version of avocado’s healing fat. Consuming avocados now could provide some of the fruit’s anti-cancer effects and other health benefits – the nutrient-rich fruit is packed with 20 vitamins and minerals, beneficial plant compounds, and brain-healthy fats.
How to Include Avocado in Your Diet
There are countless ways to incorporate avocados into your diet. Avocado is excellent in sandwiches and salads, but for those who aren’t fans of plain avocado, here are some ideas to try:
- Guacamole: A popular and easy-to-make avocado dish is guacamole. Simply mash ripe avocados and mix with diced onion, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Avocado Smoothie: For a quick and healthy breakfast, add chunks of avocado, a handful of spinach, and a frozen banana to a blender with your choice of milk or water. Blend until smooth and enjoy a creamy, nutrient-rich smoothie.
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Avocado Toast: Toast your choice of bread and top with mashed avocado, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a delicious, nutrient-packed snack or quick breakfast.
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Stuffed Avocado: Remove the pit from a ripe avocado and scoop out some of the flesh to create a small well. Fill with your choice of protein, like cooked and seasoned chicken or tuna, and season with salt and pepper.
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Avocado Pasta Sauce: For a creamy and healthy pasta sauce, combine mashed avocado, some grated parmesan cheese, fresh basil, lemon juice, and a splash of olive oil. Mix with hot cooked pasta and enjoy.
With its richness in nutrients and potential leukemia-fighting properties, avocado can be a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. Give these ideas a try and start enjoying the numerous benefits of this incredible fruit.
