How Much Fat In An Avocado And Are They Healthy?

‘A’ is for Avocado. Also known as the alligator pear, butter pear, the fatty fruit and the key ingredient behind the Mexican delight, the guacamole! The fruit has been the subject of debate among doctors, dieticians and health connoisseurs for decades. The fats present in the fruit have long prevented many from enjoying the multitude of health benefits that it offers. And today we continue the debate a little further!

It is a common fact that about 85% of an avocado’s calories come from its fats. So how much fat does an average size avocado contain? A medium sized avocado may contain as many as 30 grams of fat, almost the same as a quarter pound hamburger!

Now let us move to the key question, what kind of fats are they, and are they harmful for our health? Are avocados healthy for us?

The answer to this is a big fat YES. Why? Read on to know more:

The Good And The Fat:

Yes avocados are high in fats, but did you know that they are high in the good fats? Medical research suggests that most of the fats present in an avocado are the monounsaturated heart-healthy fats.

The Benefits:

A single avocado contains the following carotenoid antioxidants – alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-Cryptoxanthin, chrysanthemaxanthin, Latin, neochrome, neoxanthin, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin.  What do they do? They help promote your body health, and help fight against cancer. They are also excellent sources of iron and copper which build red blood cells. Their low sugar content also makes them are a good diabetic food

It Is Anti-inflammatory:

The phytosterols, omega-3 fatty acids, polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols, and the antioxidants present in the fruit have highly anti-inflammatory properties, thus helping in diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis!

Promotes Health:

An avocado helps in a controlled absorption of the blood sugar and carbohydrates, while benefitting heart and general body health. Avocados are also naturally high in potassium, vitamin E and magnesium.

Avocados are a perfect health food to replace meat, eggs, cheese and poultry. The fatty acids and protein in avocados make them easy to digest. An avocado contains 14 essential minerals that help stimulate and sustain growth also making them good baby foods. A single avocado contains vitamins A, B1, B2, C, iron, phosphorus and magnesium.

If you are still not convinced, below are some avocado fast facts that will help you change your mind:

• High in water and fiber content
• Contains all the essential amino-acids
• Zero cholesterol
• Easily digested
• A non-allergenic food
• Does not require any cooking and preparation
• An alkalizing food, balances body PH

So the next time you visit a food store, buy one. And instead of spreading butter mayonnaise on your bread spread some mashed avocado! Not only do you save on calories, you also add up on your body’s store of monounsaturated healthy fats!

Add it to your salads, or as a side dish to your meal, or simply mix it with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lemon and seasoning for a delicious guacamole!

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