Our Favorite Green Vegetable
Wednesday of this week was National Avocado Day, so we want to share some facts and information about one of our favorite vegetables!
Here are eight excellent reasons to add avocados to your diet:
1. They are filled with potassium. Potassium is a mineral your body needs to function. People generally think of bananas when they think of potassium, but ounce for ounce, avocados contain more.
2. Avocados are good for your eyes. Avocados contain antioxidants that absorb lightwaves and protect your vision. People who eat foods that are rich in these antioxidants are less likely to experience age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older adults.
3. Avocados can help you lose weight. A half-cup of guacamole has about 6 grams of fiber, about 25% of your daily fiber needs. Fiber helps you feel full so you are less likely to overeat.
4. This fun looking veggie can actually improve your mood. Avocados contain folate, an important B vitamin that can improve your mood and help your body respond better to antidepressants. One cup of avocado slices contains about ⅓ of the amount of folate adults should ingest each day. It can lift your spirits after you throw away the other three avocados you didn’t eat in time.
5. Take care of your heart. Avocados contain unsaturated fat, the “good” kind - unlike the saturated fats in red meat and whole milk dairy. They are also low in carbs and sugar, making them a diabetic-friendly snack.
6. Keep your brain healthy. The vitamin E in avocados supports brain health and can protect against Alzheimer’s and other memory-related issues.
7. Avocados can help strengthen your bones. Half of an avocado provides around 15% of the vitamin K needed per day for the average adult. Vitamin K, along with vitamin D which is also found in avocados, may help improve bone density and prevent fractures.
8. Keep your skin healthy and glowing. The antioxidants found in avocados can help keep you looking youthful by smoothing out your skin and protecting it from damaging UV rays. It works whether you eat it - or if eating avocados isn’t your favorite - you can get this same benefit from spreading it on your skin like a mask.