Avocados are known for their taste and appetizing look, but do you know they have numerous health benefits? From being low in sugar to rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and containing lots of minerals, vitamins, and healthy fats, avocados are becoming a healthy diet staple.
Let’s explore the surprising yet significant health benefits of avocados.
Avocados are an excellent source of potassium, even more than bananas! A 100-gram serving contains 485 milligrams of potassium, as per the US Department of Agriculture. Potassium helps to regulate nerve function, move nutrients into cells while removing waste, and fight high blood pressure.
Avocados contain all the essential nutrients that are crucial for improving your overall health and wellness. They are also rich in fibers, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that are essential for your body to function at its best.
A 7-ounce (201 gram) avocado contains:
Regular consumption of beta-sitosterol (a natural plant sterol) present in avocado can help maintain recommended cholesterol levels. Aim to consume at least 100 grams of avocado, which contains 76 milligrams of beta-sitosterol, in order to support this heart-healthy benefit.
An avocado contains 14 grams of fiber, which is almost half of the daily value. Fiber helps improve the growth of healthy bacteria, which is important for the health of your digestive and immune systems. These bacteria help your body to digest food while fighting off harmful pathogens, which ultimately support your immune function.
Regularly consuming avocados improves your heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, thus preventing the onset of the disease.
Avocados help raise HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which protects the heart. It also lowers LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which is linked to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup along the artery walls). A large amount of potassium and magnesium present in avocados helps keep your blood pressure at an optimal level, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
A study found that low folate levels could lead to depression. Avocados are rich in folate, which prevents the buildup of homocysteine, a substance that can decrease the delivery of nutrients and blood circulation to the brain. According to research, higher homocysteine is associated with depression.
The high fiber content of avocados promotes regular elimination, thus helping to excrete the wastes and toxins from the body regularly. Detoxification is vital to reduce the inflammation of the digestive tract and improve blood circulation.
Avocados are rich in beta-sitosterol, which helps to get rid of enlarged prostate symptoms. According to a study, an avocado extract hinders the growth of prostate cancer cells, thus reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
If you are not incorporating avocados into your diet already, what are you waiting for? With so many healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, carbs, and fiber, avocado is truly a superfood.
At Living Proof, we understand that not everyone has the same health goals. Whether you are trying to lose weight or just want to make a positive change in your life—we can help! Our licensed nutritionist offers online nutrition counseling, so you can get the guidance you need no matter where you are. Contact us today to book your consultation!
