By now you’ve all seen those bumpy, greenish-black balls called avocados at your grocery store. Avocado is considered by many to be a “superfood” and many people love the taste. They can be creamy and have a subtle flavor. Aside from the taste, avocados also have numerous health benefits.
Benefits of Eating Avocados
Protects against eye diseases
Avocados contain the antioxidant lutein, which is needed to prevent eye diseases. Not only that, but avocados also enhance the eye disease-fighting nutrients found in other foods when combined with them. Other good sources of lutein include: spinach, tomatoes, kale, carrots, corn, and other deep green, orange, or yellow colored fruits or vegetables. To get the most benefit for your eyes, toss sliced or diced avocado in a salad with spinach, carrots, bell peppers, and corn.
Helps with weight loss
Avocados have a good amount of fiber — 3.4 grams of fiber in half an avocado. Fiber is an essential element to help you lose weight and feel full. Additionally, the oleic acid in an avocado creates a reaction in the brain that causes you to feel full after eating avocado. For a tasty, filling, less-fatty treat, use mashed avocado instead of mayo or butter on a sandwich.
Protects pregnant women and their unborn babies
Avocados are high in folic acid, an essential nutrient that helps lower the rate of birth defects in pregnant women. An added bonus of folate is that it also helps prevent heart disease and heart attacks.
Keeps blood sugar stable
After eating avocado, your blood sugar is more stable and doesn’t spike because avocado slows down your digestion. This is important for people who cannot easily control their blood sugar levels.
Lowers cholesterol
It can increase the healthy cholesterol in your body and lower the unhealthy cholesterol. You owe this in turn to the oleic acid in the avocado. A plant chemical in avocados called betasitosterol also helps lower cholesterol.
Promotes healthy blood circulation
The monounsaturated fats are good for promoting healthy blood flow. Healthy circulation is important for many bodily functions, such as supporting mental activity and lowering blood pressure.
Provides necessary nutrients
Avocados are also an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, iron and B6. Just like lutein, combining avocado with various fruits and vegetables helps absorb nutrients and vitamins that boost the immune system. So don’t eat alone!
Disadvantages of eating avocado
While they obviously have tremendous health benefits, avocados also have downsides. First, they are high in fat and calories. With an avocado, you would get 30 grams of fat and over 300 calories. However, it helps that the fat is monounsaturated fat, which is good for cholesterol and heart disease. Of course, like any other food, you should eat avocados in moderation.
Second, not many people know that a person can be allergic to avocados. If you are allergic to latex, you may also be allergic to avocados. An enzyme in avocado (called chitinase) causes allergic reactions in some people. So be careful before trying the fruit if you have never eaten it before.
You must weigh the pros and cons of eating avocados in relation to your own life and the health of your family. But many people find avocados to be a very nutritious and delicious food to add to their diet.
Thanks to Amanda Maynes
