5 Health Benefits Of Avocados
Avocados are known for their healthy fats but some of you might be surprised to know that avocados are actually a fruit, not a veggie. Popular in many dishes for their creamy consistency and satiating benefits, they actually contain a good amount of water and fibre.
5 Health Benefits of Avocado
1. Avocados are nutrient dense
- 167 calories
- 15g fat (10g monounsaturated)
- 8.6 g carbohydrate
- 6.8 g fibre
- 3g protein
2. Avocados can support heart health
While there’s no official claim related to heart health at this time, avocados are similar in nutrition to tree nuts, which have a qualified health claim to support heart health (but also have more calories per 100g).
3. Avocados can support healthy digestion
With such a creamy texture, it’s hard to believe that avocados are a good source of dietary fibre. Experts recommend that we get between 25-35 grams of dietary fibre per day for healthy digestion, and half an avocado can provide about five of those grams.
4. Avocados can help you lose weight
Like other fruits, avocados are an excellent part of a weight management plan. Clinical research studies have shown that in spite of their caloric content, avocados are good foods to include when you want to control your weight.
5. Additional health benefits
Thanks to the phytochemicals, or plant compounds, in avocados, they can also support eye health and skin health thanks to their content of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Take home message
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Claire is a Registered Dietitian through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a board-certified Health and Wellness Coach through the International Consortium for Health and Wellness Coaching. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh.
Talking and writing about food and fitness is at the heart of Claire’s ethos as she loves to use her experience to help others meet their health and wellness goals.
Claire is also a certified indoor cycling instructor and loves the mental and physical boost she gets from regular runs and yoga classes. When she’s not keeping fit herself, she’s cheering on her hometown’s sports teams in Pittsburgh, or cooking for her family in the kitchen.
Find out more about Claire’s experience here.
