When news of Meghan Markle’s love of avocado toast broke the internet, the avocado gained more than a few followers. This, of course, comes as no surprise since its an extremely delicious fruit but most people wouldn’t call avocado a superfood. This article will look at 6 avocado superfood health benefits so you can make that delicious guacamole and avocado sandwich even more.
Avocado Nutrition Facts (1)
The nutrition facts for one raw avocado (201 g) are:
- Calories: 322
- Total Carbohydrate: 17.1 g
- Total Fat: 29.5 g
- Protein: 4.0 g
- Vitamins: Vitamin A (293 IU), Vitamin C (20.1 mg), Vitamin K (42.2 mcg), Niacin (3.5 mg), Folate (163 mcg), Vitamin E (4.2 mg)
- Minerals: Calcium (24.1 mg), Iron (1.1 mg), Magnesium (58.3 mg), Phosphorus (105 mg), Potassium (975 mg), Sodium (14.1 mg)
- Water: 147 g
Avocado Health Benefits
Antioxidant properties
Avocados are rich in a powerful antioxidant called glutathione. This antioxidant helps the liver to filter out substances that destroy cells.
Avocado May Help Prevent Cancer
While there is no conclusive evidence of avocados preventing cancer, they enhance the absorption of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, two phytonutrients that reduce the risk of getting cancer. Scientists say that eating a serving of avocado a day can actually reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Maintain the health of the digestive system
Avocados contain high amounts of soluble fiber that feeds the good gut bacteria in your intestines and improve your digestion.
Improve eye health
Avocados increase the rate at which your body absorbs antioxidants and other nutrients from other plant-based foods. However, they also contain a high amount of antioxidants such as carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin that improve the health of your eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration in adults.
It is rich in fiber
The nutritional value of avocados includes 9 grams of carbs but 7 grams of those are actually fiber. The fiber content and cholesterol-free fat make you feel fuller for longer and contribute to weight loss and a smaller waist.
Treat various dermatological diseases
Did you know that one avocado contains more than 10 vitamins? Vitamin E specifically helps to heal and revitalize the skin and cure dermatological diseases.
The Bottom Line
There are a lot of benefits you can derive from eating at least a piece of avocado a day or even ding an avocado superfood detox. The good thing is that they are cholesterol-free and provides your body with healthy fats that will actually help you lose weight and have a healthy heart.
