In last week’s blog, I wrote about how we can hit the reset button in our lives. With the summer months headed our way, it also allows us to get outside more, drop those unwanted quarantine pounds, and choose foods that can help us feel our best.
One of my favorite foods is avocados. Avocados can help you ditch the sugary cereal in the morning and leave you feeling fuller in the afternoon when added to a salad.
Here are ten great reasons to add them to any balanced diet.
1. Let’s start with the big reason. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of death worldwide. Avocados contain healthy fat (monounsaturated), making them very heart-healthy when consumed in moderation.
2. Avocados can lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and may help raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
3. They contain more than a dozen different vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, to name a few. In Dr. Gillian McKeith’s book, You Are What You Eat, she states, “[Avocados] contains 14 minerals, all of which regulate body functions and stimulate growth.”
4. Similar to bananas, they are rich in potassium.
5. Avocados are high in fiber which can reduce sugar spikes and can help with weight loss because you feel full longer.
6. They are high in antioxidants (prevent cell damage).
7. They are low in carbohydrates.
8. Avocados can easily be added to your salad, on the side of eggs, or you can eat them plain. Frank Lipman, M.D. and Danielle Claro, authors of The New Health Rules, suggest eating half of an avocado in the morning instead of a sugary alternative. Lipman and Claro said, “A dose of healthy fats will start your day off right.”
9. Unlike most fruit, they are very low in sugar.
10. Lastly, avocados are delicious (this may be an opinion rather than fact 😉 ) and should be enjoyed in addition to a well-balanced meal plan.
Speak with your doctor or a dietician for more information.