Health Benefits of Avocado

In the great search for a more healthy lifestyle, food always plays a significant role. Walking down the fruit and vegetable aisle can be a bit overwhelming when you’re attempting to take control over what goes into your body. While an assortment of different fruits and vegetables all have significant benefits, there are a few that pack considerable power to each punch. At the top of that list is the avocado.

Are Avocados Good For You?

Yes, this awkward looking bumpy fruit offers impressive attributes. Besides a naturally appealing flavor the health benefits of avocados will impress you. Avocados are packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, you may be surprised by these avocado nutrition facts.

• Magnesium - essential for muscle health, especially your heart — helps keep your heart in the right rhythm
• Potassium - an essential mineral and electrolyte for maintaining healthy muscles
• Lutein - important for eye health, protecting the eyes from damaging sun rays
• Beta-carotene - a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from toxins
• Vitamin C - another antioxidant that also helps to keep blood pressure low and the heart protected
• Vitamin E - an antioxidant important for preserving healthy cells and protecting your body against free radicals
• Vitamin K - an essential vitamin for promoting proper blood clotting and bone metabolism
• Vitamin B-6 - a multifunctional vitamin that assists in neurotransmitter production, mood regulation, anemia prevention, and much more
• Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, and Folate - b vitamins needed for healthy cell function, metabolic function, DNA production, and oxygen absorption

But Aren’t Avocados Fatty?

Yes, they are — in all the right ways. Your body needs healthy fats to maintain optimal performance. The effects of avocado fat are abundant. Avocados provide Omega-3 fatty acids, which help the body in so many ways. Omega-3’s can lower feelings of depression and anxiety. It also helps protect the heart by reducing plaque build-up. And, omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly beneficial to your brain health. So, don’t let the fact that most of the avocado’s calories come from fat. That fat is good for you.

How Many Avocados Should I Eat?

Most experts recommend eating ½ to one whole avocado a day. You could eat more, but you may max out your daily recommended calories pretty quickly. Also, you need to save room in your diet for other nutrient-dense foods that contain vitamins and minerals that avocados don’t provide.

A little avocado goes a long way, though. So don’t be afraid to try new and exciting ways to get some “cado” in your diet.