Accomplished Avocados!
This ‘super- fruit’ is a must, as part of our everyday diet; it is rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and an array of vitamins and minerals.
Unlike other fruits, the avocado consists mostly of fats rather than carbohydrates. However these fats are healthy fats and can in fact be beneficial to weight management. Avocados have been found to improve the feeling of fullness and reduce body mass index.
Avocados consist of high levels of monounsaturated fats (including oleic acid), phytosterols, omega six and omega three fatty acids. The combination of these healthy fats provide excellent brain health support and these fats are also highly beneficial for cardiovascular health.
The combination of healthy fats, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients are especially useful for reducing the risk of heart disease, partly due to reducing unhealthy (LDL) cholesterol.
The phytonutrients are mostly concentrated in the green flesh just under the skin of the avocado. These nutrients include beta-carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin; all essential for eye health and have been found to reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
Furthermore the avocado can promote the absorption of beta-carotene's and improve the conversion of beta- carotene to its active form -vitamin A. The fat content of the avocado will also help with the absorption of all fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K.)It would therefore be prudent to consume avocado at the same time as other nutrient rich foods.
Avocado will certainly invigorate any salad and can also be enjoyed for breakfast as a spread on wholegrain toast, as a guacamole dip or blended with kale, frozen berries, banana, mixed seeds and coconut milk in to a delicious, creamy smoothie.
My weekly ‘Nutritional Nugget’ written for Fields to Fork Organics
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