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Move over apples–an avocado a day may keep the doctor away. This popular fruit that’s the star ingredient in guacamole and avocado toast is one of the most nutritious fruits you can eat.
Also known as an alligator pear due to its green bumpy skin and pear shape, avocados are brimming with nutrients that will benefit your heart, eyes, and waistline. Most avocados are picked hard and unripe. To soften them faster, place into a paper bag with an apple or kiwi, which releases ethylene, a gas that speeds up the ripening process.
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Here are four reasons you might want to consider incorporating them into your diet daily.
1. Potassium
Did you know that a 100 gram serving of avocado contains more potassium than the same amount of banana? Potassium is an important electrolyte that is linked to lower blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.
2. Monounsaturated fats
Avocados are rich in oleic acid, the same anti-inflammatory, monounsaturated fat that’s found in olive oil. Yes, they are a high-fat food, but this is the kind of fat you want to dominate your diet. Plus, this type of fat holds up well to heat, making avocado oil an excellent fat to use for high-heat cooking.
3. Fiber
One serving contains a whopping 7 grams of fiber, which not only stabilizes blood sugar levels and keeps you fuller for longer, but also nourishes the good bacteria that reside inside your digestive system. A healthier gut microbiome is associated with better weight management, among other benefits.
4. Antioxidants
The fat in avocados help you absorb your fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). In addition, they contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are crucial for eye health. Studies show these antioxidants are linked to reduced risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
(Try this Recovery Mocktail: Choco–Peanut Butter Fix for a fun new avocado fix.)
From Clean Eating