1. Fat And Happy
Avocados may be one of the most nutrient- dense foods on the planet. Though high in calories, those are derived from richly beneficial monounsaturated fats, like oleic acid- the same heart healthy fat found in olive oil. This fatty acid has been associated with improved heart health and decreased inflammation in body tissues.
Avocados average about 77% of their calories from these beneficial fats, so while extraordinarily healthful as a food, portion control must be a careful- but delicious- consideration. An additional benefit of this rich fat quantity is that it allows for better absorption of the many other essential nutrients avocados contain.
2. Vitamins and Minerals
The simple avocado is no one-trick pony- in a single 100-gram serving, avocado provides an astonishingly rich cocktail of vitamins and minerals. In particular, avocados are particularly dense with energy boosting and mood enhancing B vitamins, including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), and folate (B9). Folate has enjoyed particular fame as incredibly vital as a supplement for healthy pregnancy.
Significant amounts of Vitamin K, Vitamin E and Vitamin A are also present. To round out its nutritional profile, the list of essential minerals found in avocados reads like the Periodic Table of the Elements: potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, and phosphorus.
The suggested 100 gram serving of fresh avocado comes at the total value of 160 calories, 2 grams of protein, 15 grams of healthy fats, and 9 grams of carbohydrates (7 of which are fiber based). For all the density of beneficial elements, avocados have no cholesterol, sodium, or saturated fats, making them an excellent dietary option for many special diets.
3. Jackpot of Benefits
Overall nutrition aside, the fiber content of avocados may be the biggest show stopper here. This impressive fiber load- the indigestible parts of the plant matter- contributes to an increased sense of day-long fullness and satiety when included in a single daily meal.
Lasting satisfaction leads to the lasting the benefit of healthy weight maintenance, and more enduring overall health as obesity risks are decreased. Diets featuring increased amounts of fiber have also been linked to lower instances of blood sugar related disorders. Additionally, the fiber of avocados help feed and maintain beneficial gut bacteria that assist with whole body health.
4. Delicious…and Easy
The smooth, creamy texture and slightly sweet, buttery flavor of avocados makes them an easy heart-healthy addition to most meals. As a purée, avocados make a stunning, flavorful replacement for mayonnaise, a near-perfect first solid food for infants, and the basis for the perpetually popular guacamole.
A truly astounding assortment of delicious recipes can be found at avocadocentral.com, a website that showcases some eye-opening ways to incorporate delicious avocado goodness in innovative and attractive concoctions.
5. All Over Health
The goodness of avocados doesn’t just stop at internal health- they are also an astonishingly money-conscious, environmentally-friendly, and effective way to beautify your exterior. Avocado has been proven to improve the softness and health of both skin and hair, with recipes so simple that anyone could mix them up in a few minutes. The wonder of avocados as a beauty aid is their adaptability: they are good for skin with combination issues and hair that is both too oily and too dry.
Simple Avocado Moisturizing Masque
½ fresh ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp honey
Combine in a blender and purée til smooth. Apply to face and neck, avoiding the eye
areas. Let sit for 15 minutes, rinse in warm water and pat dry.
Avocado Treatment for Shiny Hair
1 fresh, ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1 egg yolk
½ tbsp olive oil
Blend til smooth. Section clean hair and apply from root to tip. Massage in thoroughly.
Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
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