Are avocados one of the best foods to eat?
admin August 11, 2008
Hello-
One food that I have not written about on Best Foods to Eat is avocados. Are they one of the best foods to eat? This article will talk more about the tasty avocado and let you know if you should be adding this fruit to your diet. Yes, it is a fruit and not a vegetable. :o)
What is the nutritional value of the avocado?
Here’s what Wikipedia says:
“A whole medium avocado contains approximately 21 grams of fat, though most of it is monounsaturated fat. Avocados also have 60% more potassium than bananas. They are rich in B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and vitamin K. They have the highest fiber content of any fruit - including 75% insoluble and 25% soluble fiber.” Source
Here’s how avocados are good for your health:
Avocados and Heart Disease:
* Avocados can help consumers meet the dietary guidelines of the American Heart Association, which are to eat a diet that is low to moderate in fat. The fats should be primarily unsaturated and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The avocado is virtually the only fruit that has monounsaturated fat.
* Avocados help assist consumers in meeting a major dietary goal of reducing saturated fat in the diet, when they are consumed in place of saturated-fat containing foods.Avocado and Weight Loss/Maintenance:
* When used instead of other fats, avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients and can be part of a calorie-reduced diet.
* Avocados can be a satisfying addition to a calorie-reduced diet, when they are eaten in lieu of other fats.* When enjoyed in place of other fats, avocados can be a satisfying addition to a calorie-controlled diet. Source
How to pick an avocado:
“A ripe, ready to eat avocado is slightly soft but should have no dark sunken spots or cracks. If the avocado has a slight neck, rather than being rounded on top, it was probably tree ripened and will have better flavor. A firmer, less mature fruit can be ripened at home and will be less likely to have bruises. The Hass avocado weighs about 8 ounces on average and has a pebbled dark green or black skin, while the Fuerte avocado has smoother, brighter green skin. Avoid Fuertes with skin that is too light and bright. Florida avocados, which can be as large as 5 pounds, have less fat and calories, but their taste is not as rich as California varieties.
A firm avocado will ripen in a paper bag or in a fruit basket at room temperature within a few days. As the fruit ripens, the skin will turn darker. Avocados should not be refrigerated until they are ripe. Once ripe, they can be kept refrigerated for up to a week. If you are refrigerating a whole avocado, it is best to keep it whole and not slice it in order to avoid browning that occurs when the flesh is exposed to air.
If you have used a portion of a ripe avocado, it is best to store the remainder in the refrigerator. Store in a plastic bag, wrap with plastic wrap, or place on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Sprinkling the exposed surface(s) with lemon juice will help to prevent the browning that can occur when the flesh comes in contact with oxygen in the air. ” Source
All that being said, I would rate the avocado as one of the better foods to eat but would hesitate to call it one of the best foods to eat. When you compare it to the goji berry or the acai berry, the avocado would not be considered one of the best. But it does have its place in your diet.
It can help you meet your good fats requirement.
It can also help you with your heart as noted above.
I really like adding some to my burger and in a spicy guacamole dip. :o)
So enjoy yourself a nice avocado when you get the chance.
Thanks for reading.
Have a great day!
-Adam
