Benefits of Avocado

Avocados are good for your eyes

The avocado contains a great amount of lutein which is a carotenoid that works as an antioxidant. Lutein helps to protect against eye disease. Research has found that the avocado also contains the related carotenoids zeaxanthin, alpha – carotene and beta carotene.. Research has shown that the avocado also aids in the body’s ability to get more of these nutreients from other foods. Because carotentoids are soluble in fat and not in water, eating carotenoid packed foods like fruits and vegetables along with avocados helps your body absorb the carotenoids.

Avocados may help you lose weight

Eating just 1/2 an avocado will give you nearly 3.5 grams of fiber. The fiber consists of both soluble and insoluble fiber which aids in keeping your digestive system running smoothly. Studies have shown that soluble fiber slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in your body. This helps to make you feel full for a longer time. Studies and research has shown that the avocado also contains oleic acid which is a fat that activates the part of your brain that makes your feel full. Researchers believe that oleic acid helps to creat a greater feeling of satiety than less healthy saturated fats.

Avocado may be good for your unborn baby

Consuming one cup of avocado supplies you with nearly 1/4 of your recommended daily intake of folate. Folate has been found to help to cut the risk of birth defects. Studies have shown that eating avocados may help to protect your unborn baby. High folate intake has also been studied and results have shown that it is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Avocados are good for your heart

Avocados are high in the mineral potassium. Low potassium levels can lead to high blood pressure, which raises your risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Research has shown that the avocado contains more potassium than the banana and is a very beneficial food to eat to help to normalize blood pressure and lower the risk of kidney failure and heart disease. The avocado has oleic acid and dietary fiber which also is key in normalizing blood sugar levels which is great for heart health and helping to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Avocados may help with arthritis

Research is being done now to discover if there is a correlation between eating avocados and reducing arthritic pain. Researchers believe that because avocados contain high levels of monosaturated fats, phytosterols and antioxidants such as Vitamin E, C and a variety of carotenoids. avocados may help reduce the inflammation that leads to arthritis. There are studies being done now with the hopes that avocados may aid in osteoarthritis pain and inflammation

Try these delicious and healthy Avocado recipes

	Red Radish Avocado Salad Go get the recipe.
	Dr. Nandi’s Grilled Avocados Go get the recipe.
	Lime Avocado Smoothie Go get the recipe.
	Egg and Avocado Toast Go get the recipe.