{"id":542148,"date":"2010-04-23T16:53:02","date_gmt":"2010-04-23T20:53:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/green.yahoo.com\/blog\/ecomii_healthy_living\/95\/avocados-heart-healthy-aphrodisiac.html"},"modified":"2010-04-23T16:53:02","modified_gmt":"2010-04-23T20:53:02","slug":"avocados-heart-healthy-aphrodisiac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/542148","title":{"rendered":"Avocados: Heart-healthy aphrodisiac"},"content":{"rendered":"
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(Photo: Juan Carlo)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Avocados<\/a>, a staple in Mexico and Central and South America, were considered an aphrodisiac by the Aztecs, who called the pear-shaped fruit ahuacate<\/em>.\u00a0 Avocados were first grown in the U.S. early in 20th century.<\/p>\n

In the 1920s, farmers changed the name to avocado because ahuacate <\/em>was difficult for Americans to pronounce. Worse yet, it is the Aztec word for testicle. As it turns out, the ancient Aztecs may have been onto something!<\/p>\n

Few would argue that good health is essential for good sex. Food affects how we feel and function, and one of the best ways to build sexual health is through good nutrition. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Avocados contain many nutrients considered essential to sexual health, such as vitamin E<\/a>. Sometimes called the \u201csex vitamin,\u201d Vitamin E is believed to promote the production of sex hormones, which support attraction, mood and desire. Avocados are also rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, which are essential for the production of sex hormones.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s true that avocados are high in fat, however most of the fat is monounsaturated like that found in olive oil, which can actually help lower blood cholesterol.1<\/sup> Avocados are a good source of potassium and folate, nutrients important to circulation and heart health and good circulation is essential for erectile health.<\/p>\n

Avocados are also rich in phytonutrients including cholesterol-lowering beta-sitosterol2<\/sup> and the antioxidant glutathione.\u00a0 Evidence suggests that beta-sitosterol may also help prevent certain cancers, including prostate cancer.3<\/sup><\/p>\n

The avocado is a fruit that is often thought of as a vegetable. It adds a creamy texture and rich green hue to dips, salads, and sandwiches.<\/p>\n

The chunky avocado salsa, below, combines diced avocado with colorful tomatoes<\/a>, red bell peppers, and chilies. Researchers have found that avocado enhances the absorption of phytonutrients in carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables, such as bell peppers and tomatoes.4<\/sup><\/p>\n

Note: Individuals with a latex allergy should avoid avocados as they may experience a reaction (sometimes severe), caused by the similarity of allergens in avocados and natural latex.<\/p>\n

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Chunky avocado salsa<\/strong><\/p>\n

This delicious dip gets its zip from tasty and convenient Mexican stewed tomatoes and is lower in fat than traditional guacamole.<\/p>\n

6 servings<\/em><\/p>\n