Did you know that many nutritionists consider avocados to be the perfect food? Unfortunately, many people avoid this fruit because it’s high in fat and calories, but this is a huge mistake!
Here are nine reasons to add or increase your consumption of this superfood in 2015.
They are unbelievably nutritious
This green, pear shaped fruit is loaded with 20 important nutrients. These include: vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, potassium, vitamins B5 and B6, vitamin E, and small amounts of magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin). All of this in only a 160 calorie serving!
They’re filled with healthy fats
Avocado is considered to be a high fat food, but don’t let this scare you, as the fats in avocado are of the healthy, monounsaturated variety. Namely, they’re full of oleic acid, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and have beneficial effects on genes related to cancer.
They contain a ton of potassium
Did you know that avocados contain even more potassium than bananas? Potassium is a very important nutrient linked to reduced blood pressure levels in those with high blood pressure. As many people are potassium deficient, make sure you get the recommended amount through avocadoes!
They’re heart healthy
Studies have shown that consuming avocadoes reduces total cholesterol levels, lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol, increases HDL (good) cholesterol, and reduces triglycerides. As all of these are related to cardiovascular health, you can see why avocado is considered a superfood for the health of your heart!
People who eat them tend to be healthier than people who don’t
A study which compared people who eat avocados regularly to people who don’t found those who eat avocados to be healthier in the following ways: they had higher overall nutrient intake, a lower BMI, less belly fat, more good cholesterol, and a lower incidence of metabolic syndrome.
Although avocadoes themselves probably aren’t doing all the work, they’re definitely a great addition to a healthy lifestyle!
They’re full of fiber
In fact, of the nine grams of carbohydrates found in a serving of avocado, seven of them are fiber. Fiber is linked to a lower risk of many diseases, and is also crucial for digestion and gut health.
They may help you see more clearly
Avocados contain powerful antioxidants that support eye health and function. These antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, have been correlated with a reduced risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over the age of 60.
They may help you lose weight
Research has shown that avocadoes make people feel more satisfied than other foods, making them a good addition to a weight loss plan. Including avocados in your diet can help you feel fuller longer, and encourage you eat less calories throughout the day.
They’re delicious and can be eaten in so many ways
Although some healthy foods are considered to be bland or tasteless, this is absolutely not the case with avocadoes, which have a unique and delicious texture and flavor. You can eat them in salads, in shakes, on gluten free sandwiches, or plain with some salt and/or balsamic vinegar.
If there’s one food you eat more of in 2015, make it avocado!
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23558164
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1843/2
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8561655
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/13828982
http://www.iovs.org/content/47/6/2329.short
http://www.nutritionj.com/content/12/1/155
