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On some toast, in a salad, in a smoothie or directly scooped out… avocado fever has been around for years in the foodie world. Yet nowadays, there has been a push from detractors trying to associate them with weight gain, obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Just another unjust campaign since the 1960s criminalizing the consumption of fats in favor for refined carbohydrates and sugars.
The University of Loma Linda in California not only denies that avocado makes you fat but actually recommends eating it daily for its multiple antioxidant and heart-healthy benefits.
Just Half A Day: The Perfect Amount
It’s true that 75% of its calories are fat, but they are monounsaturated fats (“good” fats). This can also be translated as 0% cholesterol and 0% trans fat.
As with everything in life moderation is key. The study showed that half and avocado a day is the perfect amount. This is equivalent to about 100 grams or 160 calories, the perfect choice to add some extra energy to your breakfast or healthy snack. All without the feeling of regret while indulging in its delicious, creamy texture thanks to its innumerable heart-healthy properties. It’s ideal for balancing cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and lowering blood pressure.
Avocados help make you skinny
The study shows that it is precisely that healthy fat in avocados that makes it a powerful satiating agent reducing our urge to “snack” for up to three or five hours by 40%.
The combination of fat and protein in avocado does not activate insulin or trigger the feeling of hunger, which is the case with other foods loaded with sugars and carbohydrates such as cookies and/or yogurt. Considering that avocados are a slow-digesting food this makes the body able to hold out longer until it becomes hungry again. Knowing all this, it’s easy to see why avocados help to control weight gain.
Other Benefits
- Rich in vitamins: Its high content of vitamins B6, E and K (reduces bad cholesterol and protects the heart).
- Packed with minerals: It has between 40 and 60% more potassium than bananas (strengthens the immune system). Besides that, it is also rich in magnesium (helps to lower stress levels) and is low in sodium, which promotes decreased blood pressure
- Provides healthier plant compounds: Rich in lutein (carotenoid that protects our sight), antioxidants with anti aging effects, plant-based proteins, folic acid, fiber (helps digestion) and Omega 9 (contributes to the production of collagen and elastin, ideal for hydration and youthful skin).
Now we know all the advantages that this super fruit offers us, so now it’s just down to adding it to part of our daily routine. Avocados are easy to find in any local fruit or vegetable market. In Spain they are best between May and June. Keep them at room temperature and don’t forget to check out our favorite avocado recipes!
Homemade Guacamole
Avocado and Coconut Cream
Avocado Brownies
#BeMoreNatural #SoloTieneCosasBuenas
