At first it may seem counterintuitive that something as delicious and rich as avocado could be not only good for you, but good to eat every day. Although these tasty green gems are high in fat, most of it comes in the form of health-boosting monounsaturated fat, which keeps you full, satisfied and healthy.
At first it may seem counterintuitive that something as delicious and rich as avocado could be not only good for you, but good to eat every day. Although these tasty green gems are high in fat, most of it comes in the form of health-boosting monounsaturated fat, which keeps you full, satisfied and healthy.
1. Cut Bad Cholesterol
Every ounce of avocado contains approximately 25 milligrams of beta-sitosterol, a natural plant substance that helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. In a research study comparing the effects of moderate fat diets of two groups of adults, avocados beat other heart-healthy fats for the ability to reduce harmful cholesterol levels, as reported by Prevention.
2. Protect Your Ticker
Not only does avocado help lower harmful cholesterol levels, it also helps lower your overall risk of developing coronary heart disease with its high fiber content. Additionally, avocados are a rich source of vitamin E, a key nutrient for reducing the risk of having a heart attack, according to the Institute for Natural Healing.
3. Regulate Blood Sugar
Rich in soluble fiber, avocado helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Additionally, the monounsaturated fats in avocados can improve insulin sensitivity, as noted by registered dietitian Joy Bauer.
4. Fight Disease
One half of an avocado contains roughly 6 to 7 grams of fiber. Medical News Today notes that eating a diet rich in fiber helps lower your risk of developing chronic diseases such as gastrointestinal diseases, hypertension and stroke.
The rich levels of folate found in avocado can help protect you from certain cancers, including cervical, colon, pancreatic and stomach cancer. The Institute for Natural Healing also notes that the phytochemicals in avocados halt the formation of cancerous cells by preventing precancerous and cancer cells from receiving the necessary energy to grow.
5. Melt Belly Fat
Just as the monounsaturated fat found in avocados helps reduce inflammation in the body, it also prevents the spikes in blood sugar that cause your body to store fat in your midsection. This also helps your hormones remain better balanced, reducing the likelihood that you’ll produce obesity-causing levels of cortisol. Avocados contain plenty of healthy fats, B vitamins, amino acids and fiber to minimize the hunger pangs that could send you reaching for a gut-busting snack.
6. Boost Memory
Avocados are nutrient-dense, which means that every time you eat one, you also provide plenty of nutrition to keep you brain functioning at peak performance according to MindBodyGreen. Avocados contain complete protein, including all the essential amino acids. They are also a rich source of vitamin B-complex vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K — all of which works together to protect you from developing memory-zapping degenerative brain disease.
7. Maintain Healthy Eyes
Support healthy eyes with the zeaxanthin and lutein found in avocados. These naturally-occurring phytochemicals work as antioxidants to reduce damage and minimize your risk of developing macular degeneration as you age.
8. Optimize Nutrient Absorption
In addition to being nutrient-dense on their own, avocados also help your body better absorb nutrients from other foods, as reported by MindBodyGreen. Most notably, avocados optimize your ability to absorb carotenoids, a naturally occurring disease-fighting compound found in red and orange fruits and vegetables.