Beyond Fat: 3 Benefits of Avocados

PODCAST. Think about avocados and what comes to mind? Guacamole? The amount of fat? You‘ve heard you shouldn’t eat them. Actually avocados are a wonderful source of the better-for-you fat known as monounsaturated. Beyond better-for-you fat, avocados have other health benefits. Let’s talk about 3 that will surprise you.

#1. Bone health: vitamin K is usually left out of the ‘how to keep bones healthy’ conversation that typically focuses on vitamin D and calcium. Essential for bone health, vitamin K can help increase the amount of the mineral calcium that is absorbed by the body. Did you know that half of an avocado provides you about 25% of the vitamin K you need every day? But don’t miss this…if you’re taking a blood thinner like warfarin, don’t start eating large amounts of avocado quickly because of the vitamin K content.

#2. Phytosterol content: phyto-what? ½ avocado contains these natural compounds called phytosterols. Why should you care? Because they may help lower LDL cholesterol, the type you don’t want elevated. What a tasty way to get this benefit. Remember we said that the better-for-you fat is called monounsaturated? It also has a positive effect on cholesterol and heart health. It’s a two for one benefit. And…an extra bonus of the monounsaturated fat content is that it helps the body use beneficial antioxidants such as beta-carotene.

Listen to the podcast for more avocado benefits. Don’t miss the companion Food Fit Fabulous video: How to Cut and Slice an Avocado.

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