Avocados are considered a superfood but mainstream media has vilified avocados because of their high fat, and therefore high calorie, content. Denmark included avocados on their list of high-fat, therefore highly taxed, foods. They might have a point if food were only about calories but it’s not.
Avocados can boost your health in numerous ways.
Sure avocados are high in fat but all fats are not equal. Like olive oil, the fat in avocados boosts levels of HDL (“good” cholesterol). HDL’s help regulate triglycerides, preventing diabetes. A recent study found that avocados can reduce LDL’s (bad cholesterol) as effectively as statin drugs.
Avocados provide all 18 essential amino acids necessary for the body to form a complete protein, making avocado a perfect vegetarian/vegan source of protein. The protein in an avocado is more easily digestible than a steak.
Avocados contain a diverse range of carotenoids including, beta-carotene, alpha carotene and lutein, and numerous lesser-known but still important phytonutrients. Carotenoids deliver high-quality vitamin A to your body and enhance immune-system and reproductive system function.
Avocados can help prevent osteo and rheumatoid arthritis because of the powerful ant-inflammatory benefits of the combination of Vitamins C and E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, and omega 3 fatty acids.
Oleic acid is the primary fatty acid in avocados. Studies have shown that oleic acid improves cardiovascular health.
Avocados have 35% more potassium than bananas. They are rich in folic acid and vitamin K, and are good dietary sources of vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E and pantothenic acid. Avocados have a high fiber content of 75% insoluble and 25% soluble fiber.
One of the most famous iterations of avocado is in guacamole, which is easy to prepare. Mash a ripe avocado with the juice of half a lemon, a chopped green onion, a clove of minced garlic, salt, pepper and cumin to taste. Use as a sandwich spread or as a dip for raw veggies.
Two of my avocado recipes include: Nasturtium Salad and Chocomole.
I urge you to include avocado in your diet.