Thinking of avocados as “fattening” is one of the most common mistakes I hear about everyday. Not long ago, every dietician would recommend avoiding this delicious fruit.
But now they are taking a second look at avocado benefits.
Avocado is actually an anti-aging super hero. Most of the fat in an avocado is monounsaturated. It’s the “good” kind that actually lowers cholesterol levels.
Even the U.S. government recently revised its official nutrition guidelines to encourage americans to eat more avocados.
It is also rich in the powerful carotenoid anti-oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin as well as vitamin E (tocopherol). These anti-oxidants decrease oxidative stress and allow for a healthier cellular environment.
Other important components include ionic potassium and folate. These elements are alkaline forming in the body, helping to buffer acidic wastes that accumulate within the human tissue and bloodstream.
7 Avocado Benefits (Why You Should Eat avocado Every Day)
1. It lowers cholesterol levels (it’s free of cholesterol too).
Avocado is rich in beta-sitosterol, a natural substance
shown to significantly lower blood cholesterol levels
2. It regulates blood pressure
3. It protects from heart disease and stroke
4. It’s a good source for vitamins, A, B-complex, C, E, H, K, and folic acid. Also it contains the minerals magnesium,
copper, iron, calcium and potassium.
5. It contains 18 amino acids plus fatty acids – and omega 3 and 6.
6. It regulates your metabolism, which actually prevents weight gain.
7. Vegetarians that eat avocado regularly report softer hair, smooth skin, less joint problems, less body odor, better mental state and stronger libido.
How to Eat Avocado
The easiest way to bring avocado in your life is using it as a spread.
Instead of spreading butter or cheese or mayo, take a ripe avocado and spread it on your bread instead. You’ll save many calories and saturated fat and get your daily dose of “good” fat.
Guacamole Recipe – Done in 10 Minutes
Ingredients
- 3 avocados – peeled and mashed
- 1 lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 diced plum tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Add the onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Put in the refrigerator for an hour to get the entire flavor out, or serve immediately.
Enjoy!
Meital