Episode 5

full
Published on:

2nd Mar 2025

The Surprising Benefits of Avocados: From Heart Health to Brain Power

This podcast episode focuses on the numerous health benefits of avocados, positioning them as a powerful ally in aging gracefully. The hosts discuss how avocados are packed with essential nutrients like monounsaturated fats, B vitamins, and antioxidants, which can contribute to heart health, boosted energy levels, and improved skin and brain function. They delve into the science behind how these nutrients work together to combat inflammation, promote gut health, and even potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Listeners are encouraged to incorporate avocados into their diets in creative ways beyond traditional guacamole and toast, exploring options for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and desserts. The episode concludes with a reminder that adding avocados to one's diet is not just about health; it's about enjoying delicious food that supports long-term well-being.

Avocados are not just a trendy food; they may be a secret weapon for healthy aging. This podcast dives deep into the numerous benefits of avocados, highlighting their rich array of nutrients that support heart health, boost energy levels, and even enhance skin and brain function. The discussion emphasizes the importance of monounsaturated fats found in avocados, which can help lower bad cholesterol and keep arteries clear. Additionally, the hosts explore how avocados contribute to gut health and may play a role in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. With practical tips on incorporating avocados into daily meals, listeners are encouraged to embrace this delicious fruit as part of a health-conscious lifestyle.

Takeaways:

  • Avocados contain a diverse range of nutrients that support various aspects of health as we age.
  • Including avocados in your diet can help lower bad cholesterol, promoting heart health.
  • The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin found in avocados may protect against vision loss.
  • Avocados can help combat inflammation, which is linked to joint pain and skin aging.
  • Incorporating avocados into meals can enhance energy levels through their B vitamin content.
  • Discovering creative ways to include avocados in meals can make healthy eating enjoyable.

To see the research sources for this podcast, please visit 

https://40thru99.com/p/avocado-senior-health

This anti-aging podcast was sponsored by Muscadinex natural supplements. The muscadine is America’s strongest source of grape resveratrol and other polyphenols.

Get 20 free 'senior mobility' exercise videos when you subscribe to our newsletter. Twenty easy stretches to help you stay flexible. No special equipment needed. Just a chair and comfortable clothes!

https://www.muscadinex.com/gift

Transcript
:

Welcome to the 40 through 99 podcast. Healthcare research and news to help you age better. This podcast is for information purposes. It is not medical advice.

Consult your health practitioner before making any changes to your medications, diet, or lifestyle.

Tom:

Welcome back to 40 through 99, everyone. Today we are doing a deep dive into avocados.

Jane:

Yeah. Avocados, they're not just a food trend, you know.

Tom:

Right. And they could actually be, like, a secret weapon to ageing well.

Jane:

They could be. That's right. You know, we see them all over social media, Right?

Tom:

Yes, definitely.

Jane:

But there's, like, real science behind the hype.

Tom:

Yeah. I was so surprised by how much research there is on avocados.

Jane:

Oh, yeah.

Tom:

We've got medical websites and doctor videos and even articles on websites for seniors.

Jane:

It's pretty amazing.

Tom:

And they're all, like, pointing to avocados as something that's really helpful for staying healthy in our golden years.

Jane:

Yeah, absolutely.

Tom:

That's what we're going to be unpacking today.

Jane:

Yeah. And what I find fascinating is it's not just magic ingredient.

Tom:

Right.

Jane:

It's that avocados have, like, this diverse range of nutrients that all support different aspects of health as we age. You know, think like healthy fats.

Tom:

Yes.

Jane:

Fiber, vitamin C, E, K, a whole bunch of B vitamins.

Tom:

Wow, that's incredible.

Jane:

It just goes on and on.

Tom:

So I have a confession. I used to think that healthy fats was like an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp.

Jane:

Oh, okay.

Tom:

But that was before I learned about the type of fat that's in avocados.

Jane:

Right. Yeah.

Tom:

Which is monounsaturated fat.

Jane:

Yeah. And that's a really key distinction because monounsaturated fats are actually heart healthy.

Tom:

Oh, wow.

Jane:

They can help lower bad cholesterol levels, which is something we all need to be thinking about as we get older. Right.

Tom:

Absolutely. Heart health is, like, top of mind for me, especially after watching my own parents deal with cholesterol.

Jane:

Yeah, sure.

Tom:

So this is already, like, a huge win for me.

Jane:

I agree.

Tom:

But tell me more about this good fat and, like, how it works. It's magic.

Jane:

Okay. Well, you can kind of think of your arteries like these highways for your blood. Right. Carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout your body.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

And over time, bad cholesterol can build up, like, plaque on those highways and makes it harder for blood to flow freely. Right.

Tom:

Yeah.

Jane:

But the monounsaturated fats in avocados can actually help clear those blockages.

Tom:

Wow.

Jane:

And kind of keep your arteries traffic free.

Tom:

Oh, I love that analogy. That's so helpful.

Jane:

Oh, cool.

Tom:

So it's not just about avoiding the bad stuff, it's also about adding in the good stuff.

Jane:

Exactly.

Tom:

To keep things moving smoothly. I know. We're just scratching the surface here.

Jane:

Yeah.

Tom:

What else should. Like our listeners, our 40thru99 listeners know about avocados.

Jane:

So let's talk about energy. I think as we age, it's pretty common to feel a dip in our energy levels. It can be really frustrating.

Tom:

Yeah, for sure.

Jane:

But avocados are packed with B vitamins.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

And those B vitamins are like, essential for converting the food we eat into usable energy.

Tom:

So it's like giving our bodies the tools they need to fuel up.

Jane:

Exactly.

Tom:

Even as our metabolism slows down a little bit.

Jane:

Exactly. That's a great way to put it. And here's where it gets really interesting.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

Here's where it gets really interesting. One of the B vitamins found in avocados in abundance is niacin. And niacin has been shown to boost energy and fight inflammation.

Tom:

Wait a minute. Niacin fights inflammation. Okay. That's huge. Because my knees are not as young as they used to be.

Jane:

Right.

Tom:

I'm always looking for, like, natural ways to combat inflammation.

Jane:

Sure.

Tom:

Is that why people say avocados are good for their skin too?

Jane:

It's part of it. Inflammation is linked to so many different age related issues, from joint pain to wrinkles. Avocados can really help counter that.

Tom:

Interesting.

Jane:

And then on top of that, they've got vitamin C and E. Both powerful antioxidants that protect your skin from damage.

Tom:

So speaking of protection, what about our brains?

Jane:

Yeah, good question.

Tom:

You know, I'm sure our listeners would agree that staying sharp mentally is like, a huge priority as we get older.

Jane:

Oh, yeah.

Tom:

Can avocados help with that too?

Jane:

Absolutely. Those healthy fats we were talking about, they're super important for keeping brain cell membranes strong.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

Which basically keeps the lines of communication in your brain nice and clear.

Tom:

So keeping the wiring in our brains in top shape.

Jane:

Yeah, exactly.

Tom:

What about protection against age related cognitive decline? You know, that people are always worried about?

Jane:

Right. Yeah. That's where antioxidants come in again.

See, our bodies are always being bombarded by these things called free radicals, which are like tiny little wrecking balls that can damage cells, including brain cells.

Tom:

Oh, no.

Jane:

But antioxidants like those in avocados act like tiny little shields.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

They neutralize those free radicals and protect our cells from damage.

Tom:

So avocados are like little superheroes for our brains.

Jane:

I like that.

Tom:

This is so fascinating.

Jane:

And there's more. Avocados are also a really good source of vitamin E. And vitamin E has been linked to potentially slowing cognitive decline.

Some research even suggests that it might help protect against Alzheimer's.

Tom:

That's incredible.

Jane:

Yeah. Although we need more research on that.

Tom:

Okay. So we've got heart health and energy and skin and brain.

Jane:

It's amazing.

Tom:

It is. This is quite a resume for the avocado.

Jane:

It is.

Tom:

What else have we missed?

Jane:

Let's talk about something that people often overlook.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

But it's crucial for staying independent as we age.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

Strong bones.

Tom:

Oh, yeah, absolutely.

Jane:

Avocados are a good source of vitamin K, which helps your body absorb calcium.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

That essential building block for strong bones.

Tom:

And we all know, right, that as we get older, bone density can become a concern.

Jane:

Yes, very true.

Tom:

Especially for women.

Jane:

Especially for women, yeah.

Tom:

So avocados could be like a delicious way to keep our bones strong.

Jane:

Absolutely.

Tom:

So we can stay active and mobile as we get older.

Jane:

Exactly. It's all about making proactive choices that support our long term health.

Tom:

I like that.

Jane:

And that's what makes avocados so awesome for this stage of life.

Tom:

Yeah.

Jane:

It's not just one benefit. It's like this whole package that can help us protect the things we care about most as we age.

Tom:

It's almost like nature designed the avocados specifically for people in the 40 through 99 range.

Jane:

You know, it does make you wonder, doesn't it? It does, but this is only the beginning.

We've gone over some key nutrients and overall benefits, but there is so much more to discover about avocados, especially when it comes to specific concerns like vision.

Tom:

Yes.

Jane:

Gut health and even chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.

Tom:

We did mention that earlier.

Jane:

Yeah.

Tom:

We're only scratching the surface.

Jane:

We are. That's what we're going to dive into in part two of this Deep dive.

Tom:

Perfect. But for now, I think our 40thru99 listeners have plenty to chew on.

Jane:

They do. They do. Welcome back to our deep dive into avocados.

Tom:

It's amazing how much good stuff is packed into one fruit.

Jane:

Right? I know, right?

Tom:

It's like a secret weapon for aging.

Jane:

Oh, wow.

Tom:

It is. I'm ready for more.

Jane:

Okay.

Tom:

We talked about the overall benefits for our hearts and our brains and even our bones.

Jane:

Right.

Tom:

But I'm really curious about some specific concerns that come with age.

Jane:

Okay. Yeah.

Tom:

Like vision. You know, as we get older, things can get a little blurry.

Jane:

Right.

Tom:

Can avocados actually help with that?

Jane:

That's a great question. And the answer is potentially yes. Avocados are a really good source of two important antioxidants.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

Lutein and zeaxanthin.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

And these antioxidants have a special affinity for our eyes.

Tom:

So I'm imagining like tiny little avocados wearing glasses.

Jane:

Okay.

Tom:

But really, how do these antioxidants help our vision?

Jane:

Okay. So as we age, the risk of developing age related macular degeneration, or AMD, increases.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

And AMD affects the central part of the retina, which is responsible for that sharp central vision that we need.

Tom:

Right. For like, reading and driving and recognizing faces.

Jane:

Exactly.

Tom:

If that part of the eye gets damaged, it can really impact our quality of life.

Jane:

Absolutely. Yeah.

Tom:

So how do lutein and zeaxanthin help?

Jane:

Well, they basically act like internal sunglasses, protecting those delicate cells in the macula from damage caused by, like, blue light and UV rays.

Tom:

It's like giving our eyes a shield against, like, all the wear and tear of time and exposure to light.

Jane:

Yeah, think of it that way. Yeah.

Tom:

And avocados have these protective antioxidants.

Jane:

They do. And studies have shown that people who eat diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin have a lower risk of developing AMD.

Tom:

Really?

Jane:

Some people even see improvements in their vision.

Tom:

That's great.

Jane:

Yeah.

Tom:

So we also talked about gut health.

Jane:

We did.

Tom:

Can you say a bit more about how avocados can help with that as we age?

Jane:

Yeah. So we often think about our gut just being where digestion happens, but it's so much more than that.

Tom:

Yeah.

Jane:

Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria. It's called the gut microbiome.

Tom:

Right, the microbiome.

Jane:

And that microbiome plays a huge role in our overall health. Everything from digestion to immunity to even our mental well being.

Tom:

The gut brain connection. I've heard of that. It's so interesting how our bodies are all connected.

Jane:

Oh, it is. And as we get older, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome becomes even more important. And that's where avocados come in.

They're a good source of fiber, specifically a type called insoluble fiber, which acts like a prebiotic.

Tom:

Prebiotic? What's that?

Jane:

Well, prebiotics are basically food for the good bacteria in your gut. So they help those good bacteria thrive, which supports a healthy gut environment.

Tom:

Yeah.

Jane:

Which then has a ripple effect on other aspects of our health.

Tom:

So it's like avocados are helping to, like, cultivate a thriving garden in our gut.

Jane:

I like that analogy. Yeah.

Tom:

And then that helps our whole body to flourish.

Jane:

Exactly.

And a healthy gut microbiome has been linked to things like improved digestion, a stronger immune system, and even a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.

Tom:

So, speaking of chronic diseases, we talked earlier about avocados maybe having some benefits for diabetes and even cancer. What can you tell us about that?

Jane:

Well, let's start with diabetes.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

Avocados are low in carbohydrates, high in fiber, and have all those healthy monounsaturated fats. So that combination makes them great for managing blood sugar levels.

Tom:

So they wouldn't cause those spikes and crashes in blood sugar. No, that can be a problem for people with diabetes or people at risk of developing it.

Jane:

Exactly. And research backs that up.

A Harvard study showed that a plant based diet, including avocados, could lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 20%.

Tom:

That's a lot.

Jane:

Yeah, it is.

Tom:

Now, what about cancer? I know this is like a touchy subject.

Jane:

Yeah.

Tom:

We're not saying that avocados cure cancer.

Jane:

Right.

Tom:

But is there any research that they could play a role in prevention?

Jane:

There is a growing body of research exploring the potential anti cancer properties of avocados. For example, they contain a compound called avocadin b, which has been shown to kill leukemia cells in lab studies.

Tom:

That's interesting. But those are early studies.

Jane:

Yes, they are.

Tom:

We need more research to confirm that.

Jane:

Absolutely. It's not about overstating the benefits. It's about recognizing the potential and the need for more scientific investigation.

Tom:

Right.

Jane:

And then there's folate, another nutrient found in avocado, which has been linked to a reduced risk of some types of cancer.

Tom:

Like which ones?

Jane:

Like colon, stomach and pancreatic cancer.

Tom:

Okay. So we can't say for sure that avocados prevent cancer.

Jane:

Right.

Tom:

But it seems like they could be a really valuable part of an overall healthy diet.

Jane:

Yes.

Tom:

That's aimed at reducing the risk of developing certain chronic diseases.

Jane:

Exactly. And remember, it's not just about individual nutrients. It's about the way that all these beneficial compounds work together in the avocado.

Tom:

That makes sense.

Jane:

Yeah.

Tom:

I want to circle back to the gut brain connection.

Jane:

Okay, sure.

Tom:

Can you talk more about how a healthy gut, maybe supported by avocados.

Jane:

Yeah.

Tom:

Can benefit our mental well being.

Jane:

Yeah. This is a really fascinating area of research. And we're learning more all the time about the gut microbiome and how it impacts our brains.

It goes both ways too.

Tom:

Really?

Jane:

Yeah. The state of our gut can influence our mood, our cognitive function, even our sleep.

Tom:

So it's not just about feeling good after you eat something. It's Like a long term impact on our mental and emotional well being.

Jane:

Exactly. Yeah.

Tom:

Wow.

Jane:

And while we don't understand everything about the gut brain axis ...

Tom:

There's evidence that eating fiber rich foods like avocados can lead to a more balanced mood.

Jane:

Okay.

Tom:

Better cognitive function, and even more restful sleep.

Jane:

This is amazing. I feel like we're just scratching the surface of what avocados can do.

Tom:

I know, right? It really is a remarkable fruit.

Jane:

Yeah. All this talk about avocados is making me hungry.

Tom:

Me too.

Jane:

Maybe it's time to switch gears.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

And talk about how we can actually add this nutritional powerhouse into our diets.

Tom:

I'm with you. Let's talk about the fun part. Eating.

Jane:

Exactly.

Tom:

We've talked about the science, the potential benefits.

Jane:

Yeah.

Tom:

Now I want your tips for making avocados a regular part of our lives, especially for our 40thru99 listeners.

Jane:

I'm right.

Tom:

So welcome back to the Deep Dive. After all that fascinating science on avocados, I'm ready to get practical. How do we make this amazing fruit a regular part of our lives?

Jane:

Well, that's the fun part. You know, it's not a chore to eat avocados.

Tom:

Right.

Jane:

They're delicious and so versatile. Which is perfect for our 40thru99 listeners who want flavorful meals that support their health goals.

Tom:

It's not just about knowing that they're good for us.

Jane:

Right.

Tom:

It's about, like, making them work in our everyday routines and our taste preferences.

Jane:

I love that. It's about, like, taking control. Right.

Tom:

Yeah.

Jane:

So let's brainstorm some ideas beyond the, you know, the typical guacamole and avocado toast.

Tom:

Yes. Guac is great. But let's get creative.

Jane:

I agree.

Tom:

What about breakfast? Okay. We touched on smoothies and toast.

Jane:

We did.

Tom:

But there's gotta be more.

Jane:

For sure. Think about adding avocado slices to your omelet.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

Or your scramble in the morning.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

That boost of healthy fats and that creamy texture just takes it to a whole other level.

Tom:

Ooh. Or what about diced avocado in a breakfast burrito?

Jane:

Oh, that's a good one.

Tom:

Yeah.

Jane:

Yeah.

Tom:

It adds that richness without using cheese.

Jane:

Sure.

Tom:

Which can be good as we get older.

Jane:

Yes.

Tom:

Maybe watching our calorie intake.

Jane:

Very good point. And then for lunch. Yeah. You know, salads are an obvious choice, but let's get creative. Have you ever had avocado chicken salad?

Tom:

Ooh. No.

Jane:

So good.

Tom:

What is that?

Jane:

You basically mash up avocado instead of using mayo.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

So much healthier, so flavorful.

Tom:

And you could put that in a sandwich with a bed of greens.

Jane:

Absolutely.

Tom:

Yeah. And I love how avocado looks in a salad.

Jane:

Me too.

Tom:

That green just screams healthy and fresh.

Jane:

It does.

Tom:

And don't be afraid to, like, experiment with different types of avocado, right?

Jane:

Oh, for sure. Some are richer, some are milder. You know, there's a whole world out there there beyond just the Hass avocado.

Tom:

Yeah, I like that. You know, encouraging people to have, like, culinary adventures.

Jane:

Absolutely.

Tom:

Which can be fun.

Jane:

So fun.

Tom:

Especially, you know, as we get older, maybe we have more time to spend in the kitchen.

Jane:

I agree.

Tom:

And let's not forget snacks.

Jane:

Yes, snacks are important.

Tom:

Sometimes you just need something to tide you over. You do between meals?

Jane:

For sure.

Tom:

I just do avocado slices with a little sea salt and lime. That's my go to.

Jane:

That's a classic. So good.

Tom:

So simple, but so satisfying.

Jane:

Yeah. But what if you want something a little more substantial?

Tom:

Ooh, yeah.

Jane:

Stuffed avocados, always a winner.

Tom:

What do you like to put in yours?

Jane:

Oh, so many things. You can do tuna salad, chicken salad, or even something vegetarian like black beans and corn and salsa.

Tom:

Oh, that sounds so good. Yeah.

Jane:

It's like you have these little edible bowls.

Tom:

Yes.

Jane:

Full of deliciousness.

Tom:

And the possibilities are endless.

Jane:

They are. And speaking of possibilities, have you cooked with avocado oil?

Tom:

Yes. I love avocado oil.

Jane:

It's so good.

Tom:

It has such a high smoke point.

Jane:

It does.

Tom:

So you can cook with it at high temperatures?

Jane:

Yeah. It doesn't break down.

Tom:

Right. I love it for roasting vegetables.

Jane:

Me too.

Tom:

Or stir frying.

Jane:

Uh huh.

Tom:

It gives this nice nutty flavor.

Jane:

It does. And let's not forget about sweet treats.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

Avocado can make desserts super creamy.

Tom:

Oh, wow. Like what?

Jane:

Like smoothies and puddings.

Tom:

Okay.

Jane:

Even chocolate mousse.

Tom:

Wait, avocado + chocolate mousse, yes. Is that actually healthy?

Jane:

It can be. The avocado makes it so rich and dense, it tastes really decadent. But you're still getting all those good fats and nutrients.

Tom:

So it's guilt free.

Jane:

Pretty much, yeah.

Tom:

Okay. I have to try that.

Jane:

You should. There are tons of recipes online. Usually just avocado cocoa powder, a little maple syrup or honey for sweetness, and a pinch of salt.

Tom:

That sounds amazing.

Jane:

It is.

Tom:

So before we wrap up this deep dive, I wanted to say something really important.

Jane:

Sure.

Tom:

We've shared a lot of ideas. We have, but the best way to add avocados to your life is to find what works for you.

Jane:

I agree.

Tom:

What you enjoy, what fits your lifestyle.

Jane:

Couldn't agree more. There's no one size fits all approach, right? Listen to your body experiment and have fun with it.

Tom:

I love that.

Jane:

Especially for our 40thru99 listeners who are embracing this exciting part of life.

Tom:

Yeah, well said. And to wrap up this Avocado Deep dive. I want to remind everyone that we've included all the research we discussed in the Show Notes.

Check it out so you can check it out yourself. It's been so fun exploring the wonders of avocados with you.

Jane:

Likewise, it's been a pleasure.

Tom:

And to all our 40thru99 listeners out there. Remember, adding avocados to your diet is a delicious way to invest in your long term health and well being.

Jane:

Absolutely.

Tom:

So go forth, embrace the power of the avocado and until next time, stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly, keep diving deep.

:

This episode was sponsored by Muscadinex. The Muscadine is America's strongest source of grape resveratrol and other age better molecules.

Please go to the Show Notes for links to the research used in this podcast.

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About the Podcast

40thru99
Health insights to help folks age better
LAUNCHING JANUARY 2025!

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