Undoubtedly, avocado is one of the favorite fruits not only
in the U.S. but also throughout the world. However, its taste is so delicious
that you may think it is not too beneficial for you. In contrast, this
fat-filled fruit is bursting with nutrients and offers a myriad of health
benefits.
Moreover, people who eat avocados are generally healthier,
with a much higher nutrient intake and lower Body Mass Index than those who
don’t, as numerous studies have shown. Namely, this versatile fruit can offer a
vast range of healthy benefits, and this article lists 20 of them.
A Source of Healthy Fats
Dos also contain high content of fats, but they contain
‘good fats’ including monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fat can lower the
risk of stroke or heart attack along with the levels of bad cholesterol in the
blood.
Weight Loss
The consumption of avocados can actually aid in the weight
loss process. According to a study published in the Nutrition Journal, just
half an avocado with lunch can help overweight people feel satisfied and full
for longer after eating.
Namely, participants in the study reported a 40% less desire
to eat over a three hour period, and a 28% less desire over a five hour period
after the meal. Moreover, they had less desire to snack and were more satisfied
after their meal.
Controls Blood Pressure
The American Heart Association says that thanks to
potassium’s ability to reduce the effects of sodium in the body, a diet rich in
natural sources of potassium is important for controlling blood pressure.
Avocados are a great natural source of potassium – with one
fruit containing 28% of your recommended daily potassium intake. Nevertheless,
since avocados are a high fat food, make sure you reduce your fat intake in
other areas to balance things out.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
Statistics say that one in three American adults has high
cholesterol issues, doubling their risk of heart disease. Fortunately, there
are many natural ways to lower cholesterol levels.
Studies show that regular consumption of avocados is another
way to lower cholesterol levels. Avocados can reduce total cholesterol levels
significantly, lower blood triglycerides, and lower LDL cholesterol (the bad)
while increasing good (HDL) cholesterol.
High in Nutrients
Avocados are an incredibly rich source of nutrients and
contain almost 20 vitamins and minerals in every serving.
Of your Recommended Daily Values (RDV), one avocado fruit
generally has:
– 33% Vitamin C
– 26% Vitamin B6
– 21% Vitamin E
– 28% Pantothenic Acid
– 19% Copper
– 28% Potassium
– 53% Vitamin K
– 41% Folate
Improve Nutrient Absorption
When it comes to vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, it
doesn’t matter how much we eat. It really doesn’t!
The way we absorb vitamins, minerals and nutrients is
extremely important. Some nutrients are fat soluble, so they need to be
combined with fat in order for our bodies to assimilate them. Examples of
fat-soluble nutrients include Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K,
along with certain antioxidants.
By adding half an avocado to a salad of spinach, lettuce and
carrots you will absorb the antioxidants alpha-carotene 8.3 times,
beta-carotene 13.6 times and lutein 4.3 times better
Prevent Diabetes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates
that diabetes will affect 40% of Americans at some point during their lives. It
is extremely important to keep blood sugar levels balanced in order to reduce
your risk of diabetes.
Avocados help in regulating blood sugar levels. In a study,
participants consumed half an avocado with lunch, and afterwards had their
blood glucose and insulin levels measured at specific intervals.
Although they had avocado added to the meal, and it
increased its calorie and carbohydrate content, participants showed no increase
in blood sugar levels when compared with those who ate a standard lunch with no
avocado.
Pain Relief
Avocado extract reduces symptoms of arthritis of the bones
(osteoarthritis). Due to its anti-inflammatory benefits, it may even soothe
other sorts of inflammatory-related aches and pains too.
source ; http://www.healthyfoodplace.com/20-reasons-why-you-should-eat-an-entire-avocado-every-day/
source ; http://www.healthyfoodplace.com/20-reasons-why-you-should-eat-an-entire-avocado-every-day/