Avocado is one of the most influential fruits in the world, as selected by the Guinness Book of Records, and is also one of the top ten superfoods chosen by Time magazine. Although it may seem like a vegetable initially, it is a fruit. Aside from its reputation, the avocado has many benefits for human bodies. Moreover, even consuming just one avocado a day can improve the quality of the diet. Start incorporating avocados into the diet more often from now on.
Avocado: Rich in Dietary Fiber
Avocados are rich in dietary fiber, maintaining a feeling of fullness after consumption. Moreover, they stimulate bowel movement, aid digestion, and serve as an excellent diet food for those who need to manage their weight. The calorie content of avocados is about 160 calories per 100 grams, with carbohydrates making up a deficient proportion of just 8 grams.
High in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Avocados contain minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants and are high in monounsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining heart health and lowering bad cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. When LDL cholesterol accumulates in the body, arteries narrow, significantly increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
A Good Source of Potassium
Avocados are an excellent source of potassium, with 485mg per 100g. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining nerve function, improving muscle function, and regulating blood pressure, and it is highly effective in preventing high blood pressure. As potassium controls the concentration of fluids and electrolytes inside and outside cells and helps conserve blood pressure, avocado is one of the foods suggested for high blood pressure patients.
Helps Suppress the Onset of Cancer
Avocados are rich in antioxidants that are effective in suppressing cancer, preventing cell damage, and aiding in the prevention of various types of cancer. The alpha-carotene component in avocados hampers the probability of death from cancer and heart disease using its abundant unsaturated fatty acids have an effect in preventing breast cancer, and its various vitamins are highly beneficial in blocking non-hormonal cancers such as lung and stomach cancer.
Excellent for Liver Protection
Avocados are rich in components that lower cholesterol with unsaturated fatty acids and remove active oxygen with antioxidants, which help with liver function, making them practical for maintaining liver health. Not only that, they also have a detoxifying effect, enhancing the detoxification ability of the liver and reducing the burden on the liver.
Pairs Well with Everything
It might have been intimidating if avocados were only used in Western cuisine, right? Thanks to their unique nuttiness, avocados go well with any ingredient.
Are There Any Side Effects from Consuming a Lot?
Avocados are high-fat, so consuming a lot can lead to digestive problems or diarrhea. Also, because they contain Vitamin K, it’s best for people taking blood thinners to consult a specialist before consuming. Some people may also have allergic reactions, with symptoms like rashes, itching, and swelling. If these symptoms occur, stop consuming immediately and visit a hospital to check for an avocado allergy.
Proper Ripening of Avocados is Important
If you purchase avocados that are not fully ripe, leave them at room temperature for about 2-4 days until the skin color changes to a slightly blackish green—this is the best time to eat them. You can enjoy the softest, richest taste when the skin turns brown and feels slightly soft. Discoloration occurs quickly once you peel the skin, so before storing it in the refrigerator, spritz some lemon juice to slow the oxidation.
Good Ingredients to Eat Together
Avocados pair well with lemons, tomatoes, etc. Avocados are rich in lutein, a nutrient essential for the eyes, and tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which prevents cardiovascular diseases. Consuming half a tomato with a quarter of an avocado increases the lycopene content, boosting our body’s immunity. Also, the fats and dietary fiber in avocados help absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in tomatoes and induce a feeling of fullness.
Easy Recipe Using Avocados
Avocados can be used as a pasta sauce or added to salads due to their high oil content. Adding frozen avocados to smoothies, toast bread, or sandwiches with avocado are also good options. Mashed avocado on top of roasted sweet potatoes or consume it raw by sprinkling it with olive oil or salt.
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