Nutritional Benefits of Avocados

By: Danielle Kuhn

Avocados may be fattening for a fruit but this is no reason to fear them. The fat found in avocados is very healthy. They are high oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, which decreases cholesterol levels. Avocados also contain no starch and are very low in carbohydrates and sugars.

Avocados have a high content of carotenoids which are cancer fighting antioxidants. Carotenoids need fat to be properly absorbed into the body. The high carotenoids content found in avocados is balanced by the avocados fat content. The fat in avocados also makes it possible for the body to absorb carotenoids from other foods such as spinach in a salad.

Avocados are also high in Vitamin E which is very beneficial to the cardiovascular system. The Vitamin E along with the oils found in Avocados also helps keep skin moist and soft. The rich B- complex vitamins found in Avocados help to maintain memory. Avocados are also high in potassium making them a great food to have when dehydrated from diarrhea or a night of heavy drinking.

Great ways to add avocados to your diet:

• Add small chunks to a salad. It will not only improve taste it will help in absorption of the carotenoids from vegetables.
• Replace mayonnaise or butter in sandwiches with avocado.
• Blend with carob powder, dates and pure maple syrup to make a delicious and healthy pudding. (To lower fat content use a mixture of banana's and avocados)
• Use as a garnish in soups