Avocados are chock-full of nutrients and can be a beneficial addition to a balanced diet. These are five ways avocados are good for your health:
1. Avocados are high in omega-3
They are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Often called LDL cholesterol, it is known as the “bad cholesterol,” Drayer said, while high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is the “good cholesterol.”
2. They are a great source of potassium
Potassium helps regulate nerve function and move nutrients into cells while taking away waste, according to the US National Library of Medicine. Potassium also works to combat high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
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3. They’re packed with monounsaturated fats
Monounsaturated fats are fat molecules with one unsaturated carbon bond, Drayer said. In simple terms, it’s an unsaturated fat that works to lower LDL cholesterol without affecting the good HDL cholesterol, she added. When you have too much LDL cholesterol, it hardens along the edges of your arteries and narrows them, according to the Mayo Clinic. This reduces blood flow through the arteries, which can cause blood clots and other medical complications.
4. They are also high in fiber
Avocados have nearly 7 grams (0.25 ounces) of fiber per 100 grams (3.5 ounces), according to the USDA. Foods with more fiber tend to keep you satiated longer than low-fiber foods do, the Mayo Clinic said. This makes avocados a great choice for people who are watching their weight, according to the Mayo Clinic.
5. Avocados are rich in folate
Folate is a B vitamin that is important for proper brain function and healthy pregnancies, Drayer said. Folate can help prevent birth defects, specifically those that affect a baby’s brain and spine, during the early weeks of pregnancy, according to the CDC.
Culled from CNN