This week, it’s avocado health benefits as I continue to share the health benefits of regular foods in my kitchen. Avocados have become very popular in recent years – known as a ‘healthy fat’. Whilst this is true, go a little easy on the portion sizes as although their fat is a healthy type they do include 20% more fat than other types of fruit.
Avocado facts
Avocados, also called the alligator pear (who knew?!) are divided into 3 main categories: West Indian, Guatemalan or Mexican. In the UK, the Haas and Fuerte avocados are the most popular with the Haas being purple/brown, oval and has a thick pebbled skin. In contrast, the Mexican Fuerte has a thin, smooth, dark green skin and contains less oil.
Avocado health benefits – why to include them in your diet
Avocados are great for guacamole, chopped on a black bean soup, in salads and of course, the current favourite, on toast! Here’s a few nutritional reasons to encourage you to include more avocado in your diet:
- High in unsaturated fatty acids and potassium – an avocado has the potassium content of 2-3 bananas. Potassium is important for the effective operation of the sodium-potassium pump which prevents cells from swelling up in the body.
- Contain oleic and linoleic acid which may help lower cholesterol level and increase the levels of the health HDL cholesterol.
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