You have them for breakfast. You have them for lunch. You snack on them when you’re feeling peckish. Avocados are more than delicious — they’re good for you. Start a search today to learn about avocados and other healthy foods with a search online.
Your avocado addiction can actually be a good thing. Today on Healthversed, we preach to the avocado-loving choir with 20 reasons your avocado addiction is a good thing. Let’s get into it and explore all of the great health benefits.
They Lessen Your Dependence on Meat
Let’s get the easy one out of the way first. For many, avocados act as a filling, plant based substitute for meat. It’s not a perfect substitute, but incorporating more avocados into your diet is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, eat less meat, and save on your grocery bill.
They Can Stabilize Your Blood Sugar
Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats. What does that mean? Well, among other things, it actually slows down your digestion and helps prevent your blood sugar from unnaturally spiking after a meal. A steady diet of fats may even steady blood sugar levels long term, too. Not all heroes wear capes.
They’re Full of Vitamins
More than delicious, avocados are full of nutritious vitamins! One 100 gram serving of avocado has Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, potassium, and more. Avocados also have small amounts of magnesium, iron, zinc, Vitamin A … and the list goes on!
Their Fat Can Aid Nutrient Absorption in Other Food
Not only are avocados healthy in their own right, but they also enhance the nutritional value of other plant based foods too. This study concluded that eating avocados can dramatically increase your body’s ability to absorb antioxidants from other food. Avocados, you the real MVP.
They’re Great for your Heart
Your favorite pitted fruit is also full of heart-friendly fatty acids! One in particular, called Oleic acid, is considered largely responsible for the health benefits of olive oil. These heart-friendly fatty acids work hard to reduce inflammation and boast a positive effect on your overall well-being!
They’re High in Fiber
Have trouble with digestion? Well, if your diet includes a healthy serving of avocados than your answer is probably no. Avocados contain about 7 grams of fiber per serving, which adds up to around 7% of your recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Not only does fiber positively impact your metabolism, but it can help you lose weight too!
They’re Versatile
Adding avocado to anything makes it infinitely better. Guacamole is the perfect substitute for mayo on a turkey wrap. Chunks of fresh avocado can add richness and depth to your favorite salad. Or, if you’re looking for a healthy bite on the go, just grab a spoon and eat them plain! Calling them a super food is an understatement.
They’re Low in Carbs
Avocados are considered a fruit. And, as far as the fruit family goes, they’re relatively low in carbs. In fact, a standard serving size of 100 grams contains just 1.8 grams of sugar! No sugar crash. No guilt. Just a full belly and a boatload of energy!
They’re Great for your Eyes
Avocados are full of powerful antioxidants. But when it comes to your eyes, the nutrients of note are called Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Both aforementioned nutrients have been linked to a reduced risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Can you SEE the benefit of your avocado addiction yet? Sorry, not sorry.
They May Help Prevent Cancer
This one is still up in the air, but several studies have highlighted the possible cancer busting benefit of your favorite fruit. This one shows a positive link between avocado consumption and a reduction in chemotherapy side effects. And this one credits exposure to avocados with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
They Can Lower Your Cholesterol
I told you that your avocado addiction was a good thing! Yes, avocados can significantly lower your cholesterol levels, reduce your blood triglycerides, and increase the amount of good cholesterol. Chalk up another win for the green stuff.
They May Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis
Have you ever heard of a little thing called Avocado and Soybean Unsaponifiables? Don’t feel bad. Until today, I hadn’t heard of them either. This popular vegetable extract is used to treat osteoarthritis, arthritis of the bones. It’s been shown to reduce the symptoms significantly. Avocados, 1. Osteoarthritis, 0.
They Have More Potassium than Bananas
Move over bananas, there’s a new king of potassium. The average banana contains about 10% of your RDA of potassium. In turn, a single 100 grams serving of avocado can contain upwards of 14% of the average RDA. That’s a lot of potassium!
May Improve Breath
Here’s an interesting study concerning the impact of avocado consumption on bad breath. According to said study, avocados have antibacterial properties. Meaning they have the ability to kill bacteria in your mouth, combat against halitosis, and make your breath smell fresher! It’s also been associated with the prevention of some oral cancers, too.
They’re Great for Your Skin
All it takes is a few laps around a trendy, boutique soap store to figure that out. Avocado is in soaps, lotions, creams, and oils because the stuff is great for your skin. The polyunsaturated fats that exist in avocados help protect your skin from inflation and sun damage while the monounsaturated fats keep your skin hydrated. Crushed up avocado is also commonly used as a face mask.
They’re Great if You’re Expecting
If you’ve ever been pregnant or are expecting, than I’m sure you’re read about the importance of folic acid. Folic acid intake can help prevent birth defects like spina bifida. Guess where you can get a healthy dose of folic acid? If you said avocados, then you’re correct. Avocados actually contain more folic acid per serving than any other fruit. Avocados are also full of Vitamin K, which also promotes a healthy baby.
They Help You Lose Weight
The positive benefits of avocados in a well-balanced diet are two-fold. First, they’re full of nutrients. Second, they’re incredibly filling. Giving you more bang for your caloric buck. Want more? Avocados are low in carbs, too. Guilt free snacking for the win!
They Protect Your Liver from Disease
There are a number of different ways that avocado consumption can positively impact your liver health. For starters, avocados are an anti-inflammatory as they neutralize free radicals before they reach your liver, protecting it from damage. Last but not least, avocados increase your body’s glutathione levels, which in turn protect your liver cells from damage.
It Encourages Healthy Aging
Have you ever heard of xanthophyll? According to a 2013 study, consumption of xanthophyll can decrease the signs of the aging process on different parts of your body. Xanthophyll exists naturally in a variety of different plants. And yeah, avocados have a whole lot of its age-defying goodness, too.
Improves Your Mood
Allow me to drop some science on you. You see, avocados are high in folate, which helps regulate your brains production of homocysteine. You see, too much homocysteine can block the production of your brain’s happy chemicals dopamine and serotonin. Less homocysteine means more serotonin and dopamine thus a happier, more productive you! Happy? You should be.