In our day and time, many of us have forgotten the importance of the nutrition of food and have geared our minds to pay attention to what is simply just insta-worthy. While having a pretty Instagram feed is obviously crucial in running a well-rounded life, what we put in our body matters more.
Of course, when we all think of avocado, we think of it smashed on a piece of perfectly browned toast topped with a buttery fried egg and red pepper flakes. While this is the best (and most obvious) purpose of an avocado, there are tons of other reasons why avocados are suitable for your taste buds and your health that you should take into account while devouring.
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1. They are full of nutrients and help absorb nutrients
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Avocados, referred to as a superfood, contain a multitude of different nutrients including minerals and vitamins. Some of the most common nutrients in avocado are Vitamin K, Folate, Vitamin C, Potassium, and Vitamin B5.
Avocados also lack cholesterol and sodium and are low in saturated fat, making them even more favorable.
Similarly, when eating nutrients, the way the nutrients are absorbed is just as important as the amount you eat. Eating avocado actually increases the nutrient value of other plant foods by increasing absorption.
2. They are good for your heart
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Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the country and cholesterol is one of its main causes. Avocados reduce cholesterol levels, reduce blood triglycerides, and altogether, help prevent heart disease.
Avocados are also high in monounsaturated oleic acid, which is a fatty acid that is considered “heart healthy.” In simple terms, eating avocado is great for your heart.
3. They are full of fiber
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Avocados are about 7% fiber, which is partially responsible for weight loss and reduced blood sugar.
4. They protect and preserve eyesight
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Avocados are stuffed full with antioxidants including Lutein and Zeaxanthin which are crucial for healthy eyes. Eating avocados (therefore absorbing more of these antioxidants) leads to a reduced risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
5. They might help prevent cancer
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While there is not much evidence supporting this idea, some isolated studies have shown that the nutrients in avocados might possibly prevent prostate cancer and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
6. They extract might relieve symptoms of arthritis
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‘Nuff said.
7. Eating them may lead to weight loss
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Avocados keep us full, allowing us to eat less calories. They’re high in fiber, low in carbs – two large factors that can help lead to weight loss.
8. They are the fu**ing sh*t
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Avocados are healthy (and do all of ^that^ awesome sh*t), but they’re also just plain old delish. Add ’em into your salad, smash ’em on top of toast, throw ’em into guac, stuff ’em into your BEC, or even incorporate them into your desserts. To keep it short and sweet, avocados are the freakin’ best.
But most importantly, don’t forget that foods are here to sooth our hunger, not only to be photographed. Make sure to put food in your body that will have lasting positive effects.