The delicious, creamy, rich avocado is one of nature’s greatest health freebies. How can something that tastes so good be healthy as well? Avocado is brimming with nutrients and healthy fats, so you don’t have to worry about splurging on this food in moderation. And though avocado is indeed high in fat, according to WebMD, lycopene and beta-carotene are better absorbed when they are eaten with a food that is high in the healthy monounsaturated fat that avocados contain. Here are some other impressive health benefits of avocado:

Health Benefits of Avocado

• Avocado is unique in that it is a naturally occurring source of vegetable fat. For this reason, some people think they should avoid it if they are trying to lose weight. But the fat that avocados contain has a lot of health benefits. The phytosterols and polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols have anti-inflammatory benefits, while the oleic acid has similar benefits to olive oil. This acid lowers the risk of heart disease and allows the digestive tract to absorb higher amounts of fat-soluble minerals.
• Avocados contain many of the nutrients that the body absolutely needs. It contains vitamin K, which facilitates blood clotting; potassium, an important electrolyte that supports muscle contraction and heart health; folate, an incredibly important compound during infancy and pregnancy that helps build healthy cells and tissues; lutein, which contributes to eye health; and vitamins E, C, and B6.
• Some parts of an avocado may be healthier than others. Some studies have suggested that the dark green flesh right under the peel contains the greatest amount of carotenoids. That means that it may be beneficial to be mindful about how you are peeling and serving your avocado. One method is to peel the avocado like a banana, which will leave that rich dark green flesh intact for you to enjoy.

Source:

• “8 Health Habits Facts About Avocados”, WebMD

Try this recipe for Avocado and Shrimp Salad and get all the amazing health benefits of avocado. For more recipes and to start meal planning on your mobile, try our great app.