Avocados Prostate Cancer and Cataracts

"Although the avocado is known as a rich source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids, there has been far less attention given to 'avocados] content of other 'active] substances ...which might contribute to cancer preventive properties similar to those attributed to other fruits and vegetables...

"These 'California Hass Avocado variety] were found to contain the highest content of lutein* among commonly eaten fruits as well as measurable amounts of related carotenoids (zeaxanthin alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene).**

"An ...extract of avocado containing these carotenoids and tocopherols 'vitamin E] was shown to inhibit the growth of ...prostate cancer cell lines in 'test tubes.]...

"Because avocados also contain a significant amount of mono-unsaturated fat, these ...carotenoids are likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream, where in combination with other diet-derived 'plant substances, avocados] may contribute to the significant cancer risk reduction associated with a diet of fruits and vegetables."

*Lutein has been found to inhibit eye damage leading to macular degeneration, leading to cataracts.

**These too are protective to the eyes.

In: J. Nutr. Biochem., vol. 16, 2005. By: Drs. Lu, Arteaga & Heber, et al., Center for Human Nutrition, David Geffen School of Medicine, U. of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1742, USA.