One particular fruit is hailed as one of the healthiest foods you can consume, yet many wouldn’t even classify it as a fruit. It’s versatile, scrumptious, and brimming with nutrients, earning it a spot in kitchens worldwide.
Health, nutrition, and wellness experts have long hailed the benefits of avocados when it comes to packing that goodness into your diet.
This fruit can replace a variety of other food items, including butter and margarine – it can even be transformed into a sweet cake icing.
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The health experts at ZOE cited a study spanning 30 years that analysed data from 69,000 women and 42,000 men. The findings revealed that those who consumed two or more avocados per week had a 16% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those who ate none.
Additionally, they had a 21% lower risk of developing coronary heart disease, reports Surrey Live.
Why are avocados so good for us?
- Avocados are high in a number of important nutrients , including several vitamins and minerals as well as fibre and the healthy fats mentioned above.
- They are beneficial for your gut microbiome , which scientists increasingly say is a fundamental part of your overall health.
- They are a good source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Inflammatory damage is associated with the progression of many chronic diseases.
What dishes can I whip up with avocados?
Avocado is a delightful addition to salads or toast. It’s also the star ingredient in guacamole, which can be jazzed up with chillis, lime juice, salt, tomatoes, and any other ingredients you fancy.
Swap out mayonnaise for avocado to add texture and moisture to dishes like chicken salad.
You can also get really creative by transforming them into chocolate icing for a chocolate cake. All you need to do is blend the avocado with some maple syrup and cocoa powder for a healthier take on a chocolate cake.
What sets avocados apart from other fruits?
Avocados stand out from the crowd of fruits due to their high healthy fat content, a characteristic not shared by their fruity counterparts. Plus, their low carbohydrate content ensures they have minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
How much avocado should you eat?
According to the experts at the British Heart Foundation, avocados may be higher in fat and therefore calories than other fruits, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good for you.
They’re a ‘healthy’ option compared to other high-fat foods, and an 80g portion is enough to count towards your five a day as well as containing vitamins, minerals and fibre.
The type of fat in an avocado is mainly unsaturated which, when eaten in place of high-saturated-fat foods, can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.