Are Avocados Good For You? 7 Health Benefits To Know About
Avocados have become extremely popular in recent years, and for good reason. This nutrient-dense superfood packs a powerful nutritional punch.
Avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Unlike most fruits which are high in carbs, avocados are uniquely high in healthy monounsaturated fats. In fact, avocados contain more than 20 vitamins and minerals including vitamins C, E, K, and B-vitamins, as well as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper.
Avocados are a sweet and creamy fruit with a rich, creamy texture. Their rich flavour and smooth texture also helps slow the breakdown of carbohydrates in your digestive tract, resulting in steady blood sugar levels. It also helps keep you feeling full for longer after eating. A study found that eating half an avocado at lunch increased feelings of satiety for up to 5 hours compared to those who did not eat avocado.
The combination of healthy fats, fiber, and slow-burning carbs in avocados makes them an excellent food choice for weight management and maintaining steady energy levels throughout the day. Avocados can help control appetite and reduce cravings, promoting sustainable, long-term weight loss.
Heart Health
Avocados are rich in healthy fats that can improve your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. As per the study by National heart, lung and blood institution avocados contain high amounts of monounsaturated oleic acid. This type of fat has been linked to reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol while maintaining high levels of HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood. The fat content in avocados may also help absorb fat-soluble nutrients from other foods that are critical for heart health, like vitamins E and K.
The potassium in avocados can help regulate blood pressure as well, which reduces strain on the heart. Overall, incorporating avocados into a balanced diet is an effective way to improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease through their abundance of heart-healthy fats. Try adding half an avocado to salads, smoothies, or sandwiches as a simple way to reap their benefits for heart health.