Avocados and How They Benefit Your Health

July 31st is National Avocado Day! While guacamole is grand, don’t settle for just chips and dip on this food holiday. Since avocado is so versatile, clear the table for the entire meal. That includes everything from the appetizer to the dessert. On National Avocado Day, this tree frown fruit has them all covered!

Avocados are more than a staple food in the American diet and are proven to be a key ingredient in recipes for both inside and on the body! There are many health benefits that come from avocados as well. For one, avocados target insulin resistance with heart-healthy fats. They also fight Alzheimer’s with its Omega 3 fatty acids. Another one of the secret weapons in avocados are the high oleic acid content. This moisturizing fatty acid helps keep skin soft and hydrated but also supports the regeneration of damaged skin cells, reducing redness and irritation.

Avocados are packed with good fats and fiber that help you stay full longer. They are also a great source of vitamins.

Fats can be good and are part of a balanced diet. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, found in avocados, are often referred to as “good fats.” Avocado consumption has been linked to lower levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol. In fact, a fairly recent study suggests an avocado per day can keep bad cholesterol at bay for overweight and obese individuals.

High fiber diets have been lauded for lowering blood sugar, cutting cholesterol, and potentially preventing some kinds of cancer (i.e. colon cancer). The recommended daily intake of fiber is 25 grams a day for women and 35 grams for men, with most of us falling short of those goals. Avocado packs about 1 gram per tablespoon, with around 10 grams in an entire fruit.

This powerful combination of fat and fiber has another benefit: It helps you feel full longer. A 2013 study found that overweight adults who added half a fresh avocado to their lunch were less likely to feel hungry after eating.

In addition to healthy fats and dietary fiber, avocados are also filled with other goodies your body needs. Avocados are a great source of nutrients such as folate, magnesium, potassium, vitamins B2, B3, B5, and B6, as well as vitamin C.

Avocados are not only healthy, they’re also incredibly delicious and go with many types of food. You can add them to salads and various recipes or simply scoop them out with a spoon and eat them plain. A notable mention is guacamole, which is arguably the most famous use of avocados. And if you are craving something more sweet, feel free to try avocado ice cream!

Enjoy and avocado and try a new recipe. Enjoy the taste without worrying about the health consequences and celebrate National Avocado Day with us!