Avocados are AMAZING!!! They’re such versatile fruits that, depending on where you live, can be available year-round. You can put them on a sandwich to substitute for mayonnaise, in smoothies for texture, and even in chocolate pudding for all the incredible health benefits. Not to mention my absolute favorite, GUACAMOLE!! Yum!!!
Avocados are very nutritious. Some health experts are recommending having an avocado a day. Generally, avocados are great sources of potassium, antioxidants and healthy fats. But here are some other health benefits to motivate you & I, and help you feel less guilty when you overindulge eating guacamole. Avocados:
- Help your body absorb other nutrients
Because avocados are rich in good fats, they help your body absorb fat soluble nutrients like Vitamins A, K, D, and E. Try adding to vegetable packed dishes like salads, to improve nutrition absorption. - Ease Arthritis Symptoms
This fruit contains anti-inflammatory sources like phytosterols, carotenoid antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and polyhyroxolated fatty alcohols. A naturopathic doctor, Dr. Matthew Brennecke, practicing at Rocky Mountain Wellness Clinic, credits avocados anti-inflammatory benefits. He’s seen that the use of an natural vegetable extract using soybean and avocado oil, causes increased collagen synthesis, actually slowing the advancement of osteoarthritis. - Reduce Risk of Certain Cancers
Because of their mix of antioxidant and anti inflammatory agents, they can combat cancers of the mouth, skin, and even prostate cancer. A 2007 study found that the phytochemicals in avocados can encourage cancer cells to stop growing and die out. Also, eating avocados while receiving chemotherapy can help restore gluthathione, a powerful antioxidant that is reduced while receiving chemotherapy treatment. Gluthathione can help protect healthy cells from chemotherapy damage. - Lower Cholesterol
Avocados contain monounsaturated fat, which helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL). Not only do they help lower bad cholesterol (LDL), they also increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL). A study done in 1996 in the journal Archives in Medical Research, found that patients who had high cholesterol levels decreased their bad cholesterol levels by 22%, when avocados were added to their diet for just one week. These patients also increased their good cholesterol levels by 11%. - Promotes Eye Health
Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids that promote eye health. They act as antioxidants, lowering the risk of age-related eye conditions and diseases. Avocados can protect your eye from sun damage, and the formation of cataracts and macular degeneration. - Promotes Heart Health
The good fats in avocados help decrease risk of heart disease. Because they contain high concentrations of Vitamin B6 and folic acid, which help regulate homocysteine levels. In 2013, a study in Nutrition Journal found that consumption of avocados helped reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome (group of symptoms that increase risks of diabetes, strokes, etc.). - Assists Weight Loss
Avocados are rich in fiber content, which can help you feel fuller faster, and longer. Also their high fat content, can also activate the part of your brain that helps you feel satisfied.
Avocados are nutrient dense, fatty fruits, that help with more effective nutrient consumption. And with the other benefits listed above, don’t feel bad. Eat up. Try this guacamole recipe.
Source: Google, Medical Daily: The Fit Food Fruit: 7 Benefits of Avocado for a Long Healthy Life
