Muffins and Mozart

When you think about avocadoes, the first thing that pops into your mind is most likely guacamole. And when you imagine avocados, you probably think about a bright green, leathery skinned, egg-shaped creature that is about five inches long and weighs about six ounces….and know that you can expect a large pit that is about two inches in size. Lately the avocado has been classified as a superfood that has become an incredibly popular food among health-conscious individuals. Let’s take a look at the nutritional value and health benefits that 1/2C avocado provides…

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Fat

The typical avocado consists of about 75% fat…or six grams…which may seem like alot…and might make you think about excluding avocados from your diet…unless you’re eating at a Mexican restaurant. But wait… Most of the fat found in an avocado is monounsaturated fat…which is actually “healthy” fat that can provide many health benefits—such as reducing inflammation, preventing cancer, helping you lose weight, keeping your blood sugar levels, supporting skin health, and boosting the immune system.

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Vitamins 

Avocados also contain at least twenty different vitamins and minerals.

• Vitamin B5: 14% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 13% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 17% of the DV
• Vitamin E: 10% of the DV
• Vitamin K: 26% of the daily value (DV)

Avocados also contain trace amounts of vitamins A, B1, B2, and B3.

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Potassium

Avocados are very high in potassium. In fact, 1/2C provides 14%RDA…four perfect more than the same amount of banana, which most of us think of as being the fruit that contains the highest amount of potassium food.

Potassium is important for keeping your blood pressure in check and for preventing heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.

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Fiber

Avocados also contain fiber…In fact, one-half cup of avocado provides seven grams of fiber…27%RDA…of which about 25% is soluble and 75% is insoluble. Fiber can contribute to weight loss, reduce blood sugar spikes, and help prevent many diseases.

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Health Benefits

Anti-Inflammatory…Avocados contain vitamin E…which is important for lowering inflammation in your body….and preventing Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. Bone Health…Avocados contain vitamin K…a vitamin that is important for maintaining healthy bones, slowing down bone loss, and helping you get the most benefits of calcium. Cancer…Avocado may be beneficial in cancer treatment and prevention because of their folate content. Folate has been shown to help lower your risk of certain cancers—such as prostate, colon, stomach, pancreatic, and cervical. Folate also can help protect you from the side effects of chemotherapy. Depression…Depression is often caused by low levels of folate…a mineral that is important for keeping your blood flowing freely to your brain. Keeping blood flowing freely to your brain is important for regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. Avocados contain high levels of folate…and might be a good addition to your self-care plans during this crazy coronavirus/stressful election time. Heart… Avocados can lower your risk of heart disease…which is one of the most common causes of death in the entire world for many reasons..such as

• increasing HDL, the “good” cholesterol by up to 11%
• lowering LDL cholesterol by up to 22%
• reducing blood triglycerides by up to 20%
• reducing total cholesterol levels significantly

Vision…Avocados are high in antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which prevent eye problems such as cataracts…and protect the tissues in your eyes from UV light damage. Weight Loss…Avocados can help you feel more satisfied while you’re eating and lower your desire to eat for at least the over the next five hours…helping you naturally eat fewer calories and making it easier for you to stick to healthier eating habits.