Guest Post: The Nutritional value of avocados – 7 reasons to eat this delicious food

For decades we were led to believe that all fats, no matter where they came from, were the work of the devil and if we wanted to stay trim and healthy, we should eliminate all forms of fat from our diets and follow a low-calorie, virtually fat-free diet on a regular basis.

Time went by, researchers conducted various, well, research, and discovered that perhaps SOME fats were ok.

More time went by, more research was conducted, and this time around, experts concluded that not only were some fats OK, some fats, namely fats from healthy sources, were actually pretty essential and incredibly healthy. Not only that, but they’ve also discovered that healthy fats can actually help us to lose weight!

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the healthiest forms of fat, although some saturated fat from natural sources such as coconut oil or red meat, is also highly beneficial.

When it comes to healthy fat food sources, they don’t call avocados “nature’s butter” for nothing and for that reason, here’s a look at the nutritional value of avocado and 7 reasons why you should be eating more of this delicious food.

They’re jam-packed full of carotenoids – One great health benefit of avocados is the fact that they’re jam-packed full of powerful nutrients known as carotenoids, which basically function as antioxidants within the body.

One of the most prominent carotenoids found in avocados is Lutein, which helps improve vision and protect against various eye conditions and diseases.

Other carotenoids found in avocados include: Zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and alpha-carotene.

Avocados can help burn fat – Yes you did read that right, although avocados are high in calories and fat, the fats they contain are extremely healthy, and we’ll get to how they can help burn fat a little later.

Before, that however, it is the fiber found in avocados, that is one of the reasons why they’re able to help us to burn fat.

The nutritional value of avocado is most certainly not to be underestimated, with half an avocado containing over 3.4 grams of both soluble, and insoluble, fiber.

These fibers improve digestive health, they slow the breakdown of carbohydrates down, which helps keep you full for longer, and the soluble fiber, when exposed to water, actually forms a thick paste which swells in the stomach, keeping you feeling even fuller and suppressing appetite.

The fats found in avocados actually communicate with fat-burning enzymes in the body and tell them to burn more visceral fat for energy.

Another healthy fat known as oleic acid, actually communicates with the brain and tells it that you’re full, so food cravings and hunger pains are reduced.

It’s great for the heart – When talking about the nutritional value of avocado, we simply can’t ignore the heart as avocados are considered incredibly heart healthy.

They reduce LDL cholesterol, which blocks arteries and blood vessels and causes hypertension and heart attacks, and they’re rich in heart-healthy nutrients, including vitamin E, folate, Iron, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, dietary fiber, phytosterols, and much more besides.

As if that wasn’t enough avocado is also able to increase HDL cholesterol, which is a healthy cholesterol that not only benefits the heart, and various other major organs, it also reduces harmful LDL cholesterol even further.

It tastes great – Although we’re focusing mainly on the nutritional value of avocado, another great reason why you may want to consider eating more of this awesome green fruit is the fact that it tastes great.

Add it to sandwiches, as a side, blend it, mash it, dice it, slice it, the lists are endless and with its rich and creamy taste and texture, it’s no wonder why it’s a staple part of many people’s diet all over the world.

Rich in vitamin E – Another Fantastic benefit associated with avocados is the fact that they are a fruit that are packed full of beneficial vitamin E, which is often overlooked in favour of slightly more common vitamins such as vitamin C.

Vitamin E is great for a number of reasons, including the fact that it can actually promote healthy skin, leaving you with a more youthful and healthier looking complexion.

In regards to overall health and well-being, however, vitamin E has been found to play a key role in the health and maintenance of a healthy heart, not to mention the fact that it can help prevent cancer, and it can boost eye health as it prevents cataracts as well.

In terms of anti-aging benefits, you’d really be hard pressed to find a more beneficial vitamin than vitamin E, which is why avocados are considered so healthy and beneficial, especially for people who are growing older.

Great for dealing with arthritis – Avocados have also been found to be one of the healthiest and most beneficial fruits in regards to arthritis, as avocados possess a number of qualities and nutrients that help to provide a great deal of relief for arthritis and other similar joint-related conditions.

One of the reasons for this is that avocados are rich in PFAs, or Polyhydroxylated Fatty Acids, which act as potent anti-inflammatory agents which greatly reduce inflammation in and around the joints, as well as other parts of the body, which in turn could lead to arthritis.

Vitamins such as C and E also provide additional anti-inflammatory support, so for anybody dealing with arthritis, avocados should become a regular part of your diet.

They’re rich in potassium – Potassium is an incredibly beneficial mineral that plays a number of key roles within the human body.

One benefit associated with potassium is the fact that it can help prevent lactic acid build up and can therefore prevent muscle cramping.

This is beneficial from an athletic standpoint because it allows the muscles to work harder, and for longer, before they begin to become tired and fatigued.

Avocados actually contain more potassium than bananas, so for anybody looking to keep their muscles in tip-top condition, whilst boosting athletic performance in the process, avocados are essential.

About the Author

My Name is Reda El, entrepreneur, and fitness fanatic for 8 years, and also BJJ blue Belt, I’ve gathered both my experience and the information I’ve read throughout these years on my website. Feel free to check my article about how to increase testosterone naturally.