I won't lie to you—as a kid, I didn't like avocado. But it was because I thought it looked weird and green, and kids typically don't like green foods, OK? But as I grew up, I discovered why avocado is amazing and delicious, and now I eat almost every day. There are so many avocado benefits, I can't help but get a little confused when I hear someone say that they hate avocado. I just don't get it. Here are the reasons why you should never listen to an avocado hater.
1. It helps you get glowing skin
I don't know if it is a coincidence, but since I started eating avocado almost every day, my skin is glowing; it's hydrated and acne-free. Turns out avocados have a lot of vitamin C (amongst many other vitamins and minerals), which help in the creation of collagen and elastin, both key to having firm and moisturized skin.
#SpoonTip: You don't just have to eat them. You can add avocados into your beauty routine, too.
2. It can aid in weight loss
Avocados contain a good amount of monounsaturated fat and fiber, which help you feel full, making you eat less. A study shows that adults felt significantly less hungry after adding half an avocado to their diets. If you're trying to lose weight, try adding half an avocado to a salad or have mashed avocado on whole wheat toast for breakfast.
3. It's great for your hair
All the good fats and nutrients in an avocado can help you have amazing and shiny hair, not only by eating it regularly, but you can make a hair mask with it.
#SpoonTip: If you waited too long to eat an avocado and now it's turning a mushy brownish color, it will make for a great topical beauty product. .
4. Guacamole
I don't even think I have to explain this. Guacamole is probably one of the healthiest dips out there because it's made with avocado and spices only. In my opinion, there's nothing better than dipping tortilla chips in freshly made guacamole. Here's my favorite way to prepare it—as a Mexican, take my word for it.
5. It can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels
According to a study published by the Journal of the American Heart Association, avocado can help lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in those who are overweight.
"Avocados are packed with vitamins, minerals, and potential health benefits. They are rich in monounsaturated fat, which helps reduce levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol within the blood,” Cara Sloss, a spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association told WebMD. “They contain more potassium than bananas and are rich in vitamins B, C, and K.
6. You can make chocolate desserts with it
Avocados are very creamy and can make your desserts creamier, too. Check out these vegan brownies, chocolate truffles, and chocolate pudding. The avocado blends perfectly with the chocolate so don't worry, your dessert won't taste like sweet guacamole!
7. It's kinda high in protein
A typical serving of avocado is half a piece (100g), which contains 2 grams of protein. That doesn't sound like a lot, but if you take into consideration the fact that avocado is a fruit, it kind of is. This can be helpful for vegans or vegetarians because they might struggle to find plant-based sources of protein, and every bit counts.
8. You can add it to basically everything
There are ways to add avocado to your meals that you might not have ever thought about. There are the obvious ways like avocado toast or avocado salad, but some recipes really get creative. Check out this avocado pasta, avocado smoothie, avocado ice cream and these avocado fries. All of these recipes are suitable for vegans and look pretty bomb.
Next time someone says that they don't like avocado, serve them the facts. There's proof that they are missing out not only in the delicious food that you can make with it, but also in the many health benefits that come from eating this amazing and creamy fruit.