Avocados are nature’s little miracle food. They have been touted for their healthy fat and heart protective properties. If you are not already adding this delicious fruit to your daily diet, then this article may change your mind.
They house a wide range of health-promoting nutrients and taste absolutely delicious. Add them to smoothies, salads, dressings or use them in desserts or whip up a healthy batch of guacamole. The options are endless when it comes to avocados.
Here are 8 reasons why you should consider to eat avocado every day.
1. People who eat avocado tend to be healthier
One study found that people who regularly add avocado to their diet tend to be healthier, have better nutrient intake and lower metabolic syndrome risk. Metabolic syndrome is a set of symptoms which can lead to heart disease and diabetes.
2. Nutrient powerhouse
For years, avocados have been touted a superfood thanks to its high nutritional value. They are a good source of monounsaturated fat (the healthy kind of fat), complete protein, antioxidants and many essential vitamins and minerals. They are low in carbohydrates and do not contain cholesterol or sodium. They contain more potassium than a banana and are loaded with fibers to improve digestive health.
3. Improves nutrient absorption
Not only are avocados highly nutritious, they help you absorb nutrients from other food, too. These nutrients include all fat-soluble vitamins, carotenoids, among other life-saving antioxidants. Studies have shown that adding avocado oil or avocados to salads or salsas can increase the antioxidant absorption up to 16 times.
4. Weight loss aid
While avocados are no weight loss miracle on its own, when eaten as a part of a healthy diet they help curb hunger and make you eat less during main meals. Studies indicate that people who eat an avocado with their meals felt 23% more satisfied and had a 28% lower desire to eat over the next 5 hours. This makes it the perfect addition to fight in-between-meal munchies.
5. Protect your eyes and skin
Avocados are a good source of Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Studies show that these nutrients are vitally important to protect our vision. They slow down age-related ocular decline, prevent vision dysfunction, and UV damage. Apart from that, these 2 little antioxidants will also keep your skin healthy and rejuvenated.
6. Ease osteoarthritis
While it is still uncertain if the avocado fruit itself can reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, research has shown the beneficial effects avocado extracts have on our bones.
7. Reduce risk of heart disease
Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic acid, which is the same fat found in olive oil. Studies show that oleic acid plays a major role in reducing inflammation, LDL cholesterol, and the risk of atherosclerosis among many other heart issues. And its oil is suitable for high-heat cooking, too!
8. Anti-cancer properties
There is strong evidence that some phytochemicals, presented in avocados, may help prevent cancer, especially cancer of the prostate, and soothe the side-effects of chemotherapy in cells.
Aside from housing a wide range of health-promoting properties, avocados taste and look great, too. They can be added to nearly every dish. Let your creativity rule.
Need some creative avocado inspiration? Or want some help to create creative, personalized meal plans, and shopping lists, check out my brand new meal planning website “YourHealthy.Menu” here
Or download my FREE Book “Amy’s Home Kitchen”, packed with my family’s favorite healthy, clean and delicious recipes. Or connect with me on Facebook or Google+
