Avocado Nutrition

The Avocado

What is striking about the avocado is its very high fats content. About 75% of the total calories is made up of fats, about 20 times more than other fruits.. But most of it is good fats, monounsaturated fats, with healing properties. In fact, the avocado lowers bad cholesterol. For a detailed avocado nutrition profile, click here.

Today there are many varieties of avocados. The weight of the fruit varies greatly, from a few ounces to about 3 or 4 pounds.

This great tropical fruit has a buttery creamy flavor. When plucked it is hard and it takes about 2 to 7 days to ripen. You'll know it's ripe for consumption when it yields under slight pressure.

Avocado Nutrition - Its Nutrients and Health Benefits

The fats content of the avocado is mostly made up of monounsaturated fats. It does contain traces of saturated and polyunsaturated fats. As a general guide, reduce your intake of food containing saturated fats and trans-fats. In a study, the consumption of the avocado has shown that it lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and raises good cholesterol (HDL) and that's what we want for heart health.

The avocado is noted for its high potassium content. An avocado has more potassium than a banana. Potassium regulates the blood pressure. The U.S Food and Drug Association has this to say: "Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke." Potassium also helps balance our body's electrolytes and hence, improve nerve functions.

The avocado is a good source of vitamin C. This vitamin has long been established to be a powerful antioxidant which helps to protect the body from the ravages of free radicals. Once the body can cope efficiently in combating free radicals, one can hold diseases at bay. That's how important antioxidants are.

The avocado is also a good source of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for normal blood clotting. It is also needed for the synthesis of proteins found in the plasma, bone and kidneys.

The avocado is also a good source of vitamin E which is another powerful antioxidant. It is also essential for good heart health. Vitamin E when topically applied to the skin can help prevent ultra-violet ray damage. You may have already noticed that it is often included in skin and hair care products.

Pyridoxamine or vitamin B6 is found in avocados. This vitamin helps in the production of red blood cells. It also maintains cardiovascular health. It is also used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis.

The avocado is a good source of folate (vitamin B9). This vitamin helps prevent heart diseases and anemia.

Consumption of the avocado increases the absorption of phytonutrients in food. Studies have shown that a small amount of avocado eaten with other fruits and vegetables enhances the absorption of phytonutrients by a few times than when consumed on its own.

The avocado has a concentrated source of lutein, a phytonutrient, which promotes eyesight. It also contains other phytonutrients such as zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene as well as beta-carotene.

The avocado is a good source of fiber. Fiber is needed for good health.It is beneficial for diabetics. It also lowers cholesterol.

Like the banana, the avocado fills you up and sustains you for a few hours.

How To Enjoy The Avocado

Have it in your salads with other fruits, greens and nuts.

Have it in your sandwich or suchi.

Have it as a meal: meat or prawns and dressing served in half an avocado.

Have it in a cool refreshing smoothie.

Make an avocado dip and have it with freshly cut , healthy vegetables.

Note: Enjoy the avocado in its raw, natural state. That's the best way to benefit from avocado nutrition. Natural is best, remember? You can create your own avocado recipes or just try one of the suggestions above. I'll put up some recipes soon.

Avocado nutrition is an excellent form of fruit nutrition.

Go to Fruit Nutrition Home Page from Avocado Nutrition page.
Go to Calories In Avocado page.