Avocado is one of the hottest superfoods on the market right now. Its versatile nature allows the fruit to be added to a number of recipes improving texture and flavor, and sometimes, in place of a higher calorie option. Loaded with healthy fats and vitamins, like Vitamin K, Vitamin B and potassium, avocados are a great source of nutrients. Here are the top 5 reasons that you should be including them in your diet.

1. High Nutrient Value

Avocados contain 20 different vitamins and minerals, the most abundant being:

• Vitamin K: helps the blood clot

• Folate: DNA synthesis and repair + encourages cell and tissue growth

• Vitamin C: growth, development and repair of bodily tissues + healthy immune system

• Potassium: enhance muscle strength, metabolism and electrolyte functions

• Vitamin B5: helps produce energy by breaking down fats and carbohydrates

• Vitamin B6: needed for proper brain development and function

• Vitamin E: balances cholesterol and hormones

2. Rich in Heart-Healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids

According to the article, 12 Proven Health Benefits of Avocado, “the majority of the fat in avocado is oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil. Oleic acid benefits include a reduction in inflammation and proven positive effects on certain genes linked to cancer. The important thing to understand is although avocado is a high-fat food; however, the type of fats found in the fruit (monounsaturated) are deemed heart-healthy fats that help reduce bad cholesterol and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

3. Aids in Weight Control

Because this fruit is high in fiber, curbing your hunger. Avocados added to salads, snacks and meals helps you feel satisfied for longer, so that your calorie intake is lower. Plus, avocado are a food that’s low in carbohydrates, which turns into sugar and eventually fat. Therefore, eating low-carb foods can help control your weight.

4. High in Antioxidants

Antioxidants are beneficial to the body because they helping prevent damaging effects of oxidation in cells. Other benefits:

• anti-inflammatory effects

• protect the nervous system

• boost immune function

• anti-aging effects

• improve brain function & memory

• maintain eye health (reduced risk of cataracts and macular degeneration)

5. Easy to Integrate into Your Diet

With the amount of recipes that include avocado, there are so many ways to incorporate this delicious fruit into your diet. Here are a few suggestions:

• with a spoon (my personal favorite!)

• in salads or on sandwiches

• guacamole

• as a salsa over proteins like steak or chicken

• as an ingredient in ice cream and dessert

How to keep avocados from browning

Frustrated by the way delicate avocados brown almost immediately? NatureSeal for Guacamole and Avocado is a simple hack that will stop avocados and guacamole from browning!

What is your favorite way to eat avocado? Comment below!

Written by Laura Geaney