Healthline provided these 10 reasons to eat more avocados:
1. They’re incredibly nutritious
The avocado has become a popular food among health conscious individuals. Avocados contain a variety of nutrients, including 20 different vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin K, B5, B6, E, Folate, Vitamin C and Potassium.
2. Avos contain more potassium than bananas
Avocados are high in potassium, higher than that of bananas. Studies show that having a high potassium intake is linked to reduced blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.
3. Healthy fatty acids
Avocado is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. Seventy seven per cent of the calories in it are from fat, making it one of the fattiest plant foods in existence. The type of fat has been linked to reduced inflammation and has beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer.
4. They’re loaded with fibre
Fiber is another nutrient found in relatively large amounts in avocado. Fiber is indigestible plant matter that can contribute to weight loss, reduce blood sugar spikes and is strongly linked to a lower risk of many diseases.
5. Eating avocados can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world. It is known that several blood markers are linked to an increased risk.
This includes cholesterol, triglycerides, inflammatory markers, blood pressure and various others. Studies have shown that eating avocados reduced total cholesterol levels, blood triglycerides, lowered LDL cholesterol and increased HDL (the ‘good’) cholesterol.
6. The fat in them can help you absorb nutrients from plant foods
Some nutrients are ‘fat soluble’, meaning that they need to be combined with fat in order to be utilised. This includes vitamins A, D, E and K.
So not only is avocado highly nutritious, it can dramatically increase the nutrient value of other plant foods that you are eating.
7. Powerful antioxidants
Avocados are loaded with powerful antioxidants that can protect the eyes. It includes nutrients called Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health.
8. Avocado may help prevent cancer
Avocado extracts have also been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.
9. Relieve symptoms of arthritis
There are many types of arthritis and these are often chronic problems that people have for the rest of their lives. Multiple studies have shown that extracts from avocado and soybean oil, can reduce symptoms of arthritis of the bones.
10. Weight loss
Eating avocados may help you lose weight. According to studies, people who eat avocados feel more satisfied and have a lower desire to eat over the next couple of hours.
Read the original article and much more on Healthline.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
