Persea americana

Fruit Name: Avocado.

Scientific Name: Persea americana. Family: Lauraceae. Origin: The avocado probably originated in southern Mexico but was cultivated from the Rio Grande to central Peru before the arrival of Europeans. Taxonomic Hierarchy:

	Kingdom	Plantae – plantes, Planta, Vegetal, plants

	Subkingdom	Viridiplantae

	Infrakingdom	Streptophyta – land plants

	Superdivision	Embryophyta

	Division	Tracheophyta – vascular plants, tracheophytes

	Subdivision	Spermatophytina – spermatophytes, seed plants, phanérogames

	Class	Magnoliopsida

	Superorder	Magnolianae

	Order	Laurales

	Family	Lauraceae – laurels

	Genus	Persea Mill. – bay

	Species	Persea americana Mill. – avocado

Different types of avocado:

Plant Description: The Avocado tree is an evergreen tree that attains heights of 40 to 80 feet and has many branches.The avocado tree is large and dome shaped with oval or elliptical leaves arranged in a spiral on the tips of branches. Flowers are small, greenish, and perfect (has both male and female parts). The fruits can be purple to green in color with smooth or warty skin depending on variety. The skin may be pliable to woody, smooth to rough, and green-yellow, reddish-purple, purple, or black in color.

Chemical constituents:

Avocado contain African oil bean,kola,phyto-chemical,vitamin and mineral. Anthocyanins,Tannin, Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b,vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, Folate , Magnesium, Calcium , Sodium, Iron, Anthocyanin etc.

Beneficial effect of Avocado:

Healthy for the heart:

avocados contain 25 milligrams per ounce of a natural plant sterol called beta-sitosterol. Regular consumption of beta-sitosterol and other plant sterols are recommended for their ability to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Cancer fighter:

Low levels of folate have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer in women. Adequate intake of dietary folate (from food, not necessarily supplements) has also shown promise in protecting against colon, stomach, pancreatic and cervical cancers. One-half of an avocado provides approximately 20% of the daily-recommended intake for folate.

Improved digestion:

Despite its creamy texture, an avocado is actually high in fiber, with approximately 6-7 grams per half fruit. Eating foods with natural fiber can prevent constipation, maintain a healthy digestive tract and lower the risk of colon cancer.

Protect The Eyes:

Avocados are high in antioxidants, including Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These nutrients are very important for eye health and lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Help Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis:

There are many types of arthritis, and these are often chronic problems that people have for the rest of their lives.

An extract from avocado and soybean oils can significantly reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Help to Lose Weight:

Avocado’s smooth and creamy texture actually contains 6 to 7 grams of fiber for half of a medium-sized fruit. Its rich fiber content can help you feel full faster and longer, making it a go-to weight loss aid.