Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Nutritional breakdown of avocados

healthydailymail.com According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, one serving (one-fifth of an avocado, approximately 40 grams) contains 64 calories, 6 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbohydrate, 0 grams of sugar, 3 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein.

avocado cut in half
Avocados are naturally nutrient-dense and contain around 20 vitamins and minerals.
Avocados are a great source of vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta-carotene and omega-3s.

Although most of the calories in an avocado come from fat, don't shy away! Avocados are full of healthy, beneficial fats that help to keep you full and satiated. When you consume fat, your brain receives a signal to turn off your appetite. Eating fat slows the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar, which helps to keep sugar levels in your blood stable.

Fat is essential for every single cell in your body. In fact, over sixty percent of your brain is made of fat. Eating healthy fats will make your skin glow, increase vitamin and mineral absorption and even help boost your immune system.

Do not be fooled by fat-free and low-fat products, or shy away from foods like avocados and nuts that are full of healthy fats. Ever since the low-fat craze started in the 1950s, we have only become fatter. Manufacturers often just replace the fat in reduced and fat-free products with sugar.

This does not mean you should eat loads of bacon cheeseburgers and fried foods, because not all fats are created equal. Eating healthy fats daily (like mono- and polyunsaturated fats in avocados) will improve heart health, lower cholesterol, keep you full and satiated and curb your cravings for fried, greasy foods. On the flip side, fried foods, processed meats and cheeses contain saturated fats that clog arteries and increase cholesterol.

No comments:

Post a Comment