Native to Mexico and Central America, avocados are well known for their numerous health benefits, as well as for their delicious taste. No matter if you eat them raw or juice them, avocados should be part of your daily diet, since they will increase you mineral and vitamin intake, and will also lower the long-term risk for various diseases and ailments – including some that can be fatal. If you are still not sure whether you should start eating avocados regularly, here are six strong reasons to do so:
1. Avocados Are Very Rich in Carotenoids
Avocados contain a plethora of nutrients, and carotenoids (lutein, in particular) are certainly the most important ones, given the fact that they protect you against eye disease. Your sight is by far one of your most valuable assets, and while it is true that it inevitably degrades as we age, there is something we can do to slow down the process and even reverse eye disease, in certain cases. As is often the case, it starts with a good, balanced and nutritious diet – one that involves eating at least one avocado per day, since this is undeniably the best way to get the carotenoids (from lutein and alpha-carotene to beta-carotene, tocopherol and zeaxanthin) that your body so much needs. Besides this, avocados taste great, and you can easily add them to your salad – this is certainly the best way to increase your daily lutein intake, rather than resorting to pills and dietary supplements.
2. Avocados Are Great for Lowering Your Cholesterol
As you may already know, there are two types of cholesterol: the ‘good’ cholesterol and the ‘bad’ cholesterol. The latter can wreak havoc on your arteries and your vital organs, if you don’t do something about it. It often happens that fatty foods and sugar are the main culprits behind high levels of bad cholesterol, but fortunately you can easily keep it under control by simply eating avocados on a regular basis. By consuming avocados, you lower your cholesterol in a fast, efficient, natural and side-effect-free way – mainly due to the high amounts of oleic acid present in this delicious fruit. By lowering your level of LDL cholesterol due to its high folate content, avocados will also lower your risk of developing heart disease.
3. Avocados Are Your Greatest Allies in the Battle Against Extra Pounds
If you are trying to lose some weight, there is no easier way to do it than by consuming more avocados, and for a good reason. These fruits are very rich in fiber, which are known to fill your stomach and make you feel full for a long period of time. On average, one medium-sized avocado contains around 7 grams of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Fibers are essential for the health of your immune system – especially the soluble ones, since they help your body break down carbohydrates. On the other hand, the oleic acid content described earlier also ‘tricks’ your mind into thinking that you are full, which means you will likely reduce your average food intake. This feeling of satiety is precisely what makes avocados your greatest allies in the battle against those extra pounds.
