Benefits of Avocados
By Rona Garfield

Avocados are a mystery to many people. Avocados, also known as an alligator pear or butter fruit, are the only fruit that provides healthy monosaturated fatty acids. Avocados contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. Many people believe eating avocados is not healthy and shy away from them because this fruit has a lot of fat and can cause weight gain. Below I will list the very many health reasons why you might consider adding Avocados to your daily regimen.

DISCLAIMER: If you are on blood thinners such as coumadin, before you include them in your diet, you should discuss them with your physician. Avocados are a high source of vitamin K which plays a role in blood clotting.

• Avocados are nutritionally rich – 64 calories for 1/5 of an average size avocado.
• Great source of Vitamin C, E, K, B-6, magnesium, potassium and many healthy minerals.
• Most of the calories in an avocado come from fat. However, it is very healthy fat and makes you feel full. Your brain receives a signal to turn off your appetite due to this healthy fat.
• Avocados help slow the breakdown of carbohydrates which, in turn helps to reduce sugar levels.
• Avocados are healthy for the heart because they contain a plant ingredient called sterol which helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Great for vision as well. Avocados contain lutein which provide antioxidant Protection….
• One half of an average size avocado provides 25% of the daily requirement of Vitamin K. Vitamin K Helps promote healthy heart, skin, brain and eyes.
• Avocado is a natural detox which helps regulate the immune system according to research from the Department of Nutritional Science Program at the University of Kentucky. This research found high fiber will significantly lower risks of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and obesity.

Tips for eating: You can tell if an avocado is ripe by gently pressing it. If it is firm, it needs more ripening. Put it in a paper bag with a banana for a few days. Remember: IT ONLY TAKES 1/5 OF AN AVOCADO A DAY TO HELP KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY.

Source: MEDICAL NEWS TODAY