The Wonder of The Avocado
The avocado is the only fruit that provides a substantial amount of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, which are the good fats. Avocados are a naturally nutrient-dense food (lot of nutrients with lower calories) and the avocado contains around 20 vitamins and minerals.
Numerous studies over the years have found that plant-based diets that include foods such as the avocado help to decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes and overall mortality, as well as improve heart health, whilst at the same time promoting a healthy complexion and hair, increase energy levels and aid weight loss. So what are those fabulous vitamins and minerals that make the avocado a ‘superfood’ and provide us with wonderful health benefits:
Beta-sitosterol – helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
Lutein & Zeaxanthin – great for vision
Vitamin B9/B12 (Folate) – folic acid - for a healthy pregnancy
Serotonin – lowers risk of depression
Vitamin A (retinol) – healthy immune system
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine) – healthy nervous system
Vitamin C – protects cells and aids healthy connective tissue
Vitamin E – protects cell membranes
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) – healthy skin, eyes and nervous system and helps to release energy from the foods we eat
Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) – helps to release energy from the foods we eat, healthy skin and nervous system
Vitamin K – bone health
Vitamin B5 - Panthothenic Acid – helps to release energy from the foods we eat
Magnesium – regulates and maintains enzyme activity, energy storage, building proteins and new cells
Manganese - helps form connective tissue, bones, blood clotting and sex hormones. Also fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, blood sugar regulation and necessary for normal brain and nerve function.
Potassium – helps maintain electrical gradients in the body’s cells and serves various important functions, such as health blood pressure levels.
Beta-carotein – body converts to vitamin A
Copper – enables normal metabolic process in association with amino acids and vitamins.
Zinc - functioning of the immune and digestive systems.
Phosphorous – bone formation
Fibre – aids weight loss and lowering cholesterol
Avocados are full of healthy and beneficial fats. When you consume fat, your brain receives a signal to turn off your appetite. Eating fat slows the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar, which helps to keep sugar levels in your blood stable.
Fat is essential for every single cell in your body. Eating healthy fats supports skin health, enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, and may even help boost your immune system.
So, in summary do not shy away from foods like the avocado that is full of healthy fats and incorporate them into your healthy eating plans!
