Many people give little consideration to the avocado. However, this humble fruit has been categorized as a perfect food, which should be a staple in your diet. Avocados are not only versatile making a great snack, dip or even main course dish, they can also provide some great nutritional benefits. There are a number of reasons why you should choose to eat this tasty treat, but here are just the top three.
They can provide essential healthy fats:
The human body needs fat to produce hormones, regulate body fat and control mood. However, many people are concerned about cholesterol and avoid all fats. This is a mistake as consuming good fats can actually help to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats. They contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, and oleic acid, which are needed for a healthy heart. While many people may obtain their omega oils from fish, avocados provide a great plant based source, which is unaffected by sea pollution and heavy metal contamination.
They contain all the essential amino acids:
There are eighteen amino acids which are essential to the body in order to create a complete protein. While many people obtain these amino acids from animal protein, avocados can provide an excellent plant based source. Unlike animal proteins, which require the body to break down the complex forms into a usable amino acid, an avocado contains all of the eighteen amino acids. These are available in a simple form, which can be easily used by the body according to how it is needed. Additionally, whereas animal proteins can be contaminated by hormones and antibiotics fed to the animal during its lifetime, the avocado provides a completely healthy and inexpensive way to gain all those essential amino acids.
They are packed with other nutrients:
The avocado is simply packed with amazing levels of nutrients. They are full of vitamins and minerals, phytonutrients and enzymes, which are beneficial to the body. One of the most beneficial nutrients, which is often deficient in many people’s diet is magnesium. Magnesium is an essential component of in excess of three hundred metabolic cellular functions and is found in significant quantities in the avocado. The fruit also contains Vitamin A, C, E and K, in addition to the majority of the Vitamin B complex. Since vitamins are ineffective without adequate minerals, and both vitamins and minerals cannot travel to the cells of the body without the proper enzymes, the avocado provides the complete nutritional package. It provides significant levels of vitamins and minerals together with the necessary enzymes to ensure that you enjoy maximum nutritional benefit from consumption. The fruit also contains phytonutrients, which have been linked to reduced risk of developing a number of conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
Preparing an avocado is simple and easy. Although many people advocate using organic fruits and vegetables, the avocado is not toxic and you can confidently eat non organic versions. Fresh ripe avocados feel slightly soft when they are gently squeezed, although you can purchase harder green fruit and allow them to ripen in your home. You should remove the avocado skin by cutting just deep enough to peel it while preserving the darker green area, which contains many nutrients. Alternatively, you can cut the fruit in half, remove the large stone and simply scoop out the flesh. Next time, you are looking for a tasty snack treat, why not give yourself a health boost with some homemade guacamole. This superfood snack is simple to prepare by mashing the avocado with a little olive oil, pepper, sea salt and crushed garlic. You’ll find it tastes so good, you won’t even know that its great for your health.
