7 Powerful Health Benefits of Avocados

You’ve probably heard that avocados are good for your health, but did you know they’re considered a superfood? In fact, the humble avocado provides us with key nutrients that are lacking in the modern diet.

Delicious sliced into salads or smushed on toast, this versatile and creamy fruit is one of the most nutrient-dense foods out there (containing almost 20 vitamins and minerals).

Read on to discover some of the powerful health benefits the avocado offers:

1. They help regulate blood-pressure

Potassium is an important nutrient that many of us don’t get enough of. It’s needed to keep your

blood pressure levels stable and your heart healthy. While bananas are well-known to be high in

potassium, avocados contain even more; a serving of avocado packs in 14% of your RDA, while a

serving of banana gives you 10%.

2. They improve digestion

Although avocados taste rich and creamy, they’re actually high in natural fibre. It’s recommended

you include plenty of fibre in your diet to help improve digestive health, prevent constipation and

reduce the risk of colon cancer.

3. They help absorb nutrients

Avocado isn’t just highly nutritious, it can help you absorb nutrients from other foods, too. Some

plant-based nutrients (including vitamins A, D and E) are fat-soluble. This means that they need to

combine with fat for them to be absorbed properly. The healthy fats in avocado ensure you absorb

these vitamins from your veggies.

4. They promote eye health

Avocados are loaded with antioxidants, and contain 2 types in particular (called lutein and

zeaxanthin) which are very important for eye health. Studies have shown these antioxidants absorb

light rays such as ultraviolet that harm your vision, and can also lower your risk of cataracts and

macular degeneration.

5. They may help prevent cancer

Evidence is limited, but research suggests the nutrients folate and avocatin B found in avocados

could help prevent certain types of cancer. Folate or folic acid is a nutrient with many health

benefits, including protecting our DNA. It’s also been suggested nutrients in avocados can help

reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy.

6. They’re good for your bones

Avocados are loaded with vitamin K, a nutrient that’s essential for bone health. Vitamin K is needed

to help the body absorb calcium, and it also helps improve bone density and lower the risk of

fractures. If you eat avocado with spinach, tuna, or egg, you’ll get a generous dose of vitamin K

together with vitamin D, another nutrient that’s needed for healthy bones.

7. They can help you lose weight

It might surprise you to learn that avocados can help you lose weight – even though they’re one of

the fattiest foods around! This is because they are high in fibre and low in carbs, both factors that

promote weight loss. Avocados also help you feel full for longer, so you eat less calories overall.

Are you looking to include more avocado in your diet? Check out one of these delicious recipes.