The next time you’re at the grocery store, consider adding avocados to your shopping list.
Avocados are a unique fruit native to Central America. Unlike many other fruits that are primarily known for their sugar content, avocados are loaded with healthy fats – monounsaturated fats known as oleic acid.
These fats, along with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, come together to create a nutritional powerhouse that can have a significant positive impact on your overall health.
Benefits of avocado
Here’s a glimpse of some benefits of this superfood:
1. Boost in satiety
The high fibre content in avocados keeps you feeling fuller for longer, helping you manage your weight and avoid unhealthy snacking. This feeling of satiety can contribute to better overall dietary choices.
2. Fat absorption
The healthy fats in avocados help your body absorb essential vitamins from other foods you eat. These vitamins, like vitamins A, D, E, and K, are fat-soluble, meaning they require fat for optimal absorption.
3. Heart health
The monounsaturated fats in avocados can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels while potentially raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. This translates to a healthier heart and reduced risk of heart disease.
4. Blood sugar balancing
Avocados can help regulate blood sugar levels. The combination of fibre and healthy fats slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes. This can be particularly beneficial for those managing diabetes or pre-diabetes.
5. Eye health
Packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants found in avocados, these fruits can help protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
7. Digestive health
The fibre in avocados keeps your digestive system running smoothly. This promotes regularity, reduces bloating, and contributes to overall gut health.
The sexual benefits of avocados
Now, let’s get a little personal. You might be surprised to learn that avocados have also garnered a reputation as a potential sexual health booster.