AVOCADO PEAR (PERSEA AMERICANA)
The Avocado pear belongs to the genus Persea and family Lauraceae and it’s widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas. It has a green to black egg shaped fruit with a leathery skin containing a large seed of about 5-6cm. studies have shown that the fruit, seeds and leaves of the tree are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants.
Nutritional benefits
Avocado pear is a good source of fiber and high fiber intake lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension as well as obesity. The seed is also rich in tannins and carotenoids which have inhibitive potential against the growth of cancer cell lines. The fruit,seeds and leaves possess phenolics, flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, alkaloids, saponin, steroids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycoside, courmarins and other phytochemicals. The fruit contains high amounts of vitamin K which helps in blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Therapeutic benefits
# Various Studies have reported that the fruit seeds and leaves can be used for the treatment of various ailments, such as monorrhagia, hypertension, stomach ache, bronchitis, diarrhea, and diabetes.
# The fruit and leaves have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and hypotensive activity.
# The leaves can be used as an anti-convulsant.
# The leaves and fruit seeds also possess antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Conclusion
The medicinal benefits of the avocado pear are enormous as they possesses numerous characteristics, such as antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, analgestic, anti-convulsant effects but to mention a few. Consumption and use of pears are highly beneficial to achieving and sustaining good health.