The avocado fruit (yes, fruit) can be a delicious spread or its oils can be extracted and applied as a moisturiser.
They are packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients that keep us healthy.
Here are 6 reasons why avocados are good for your health, as explained by WebMD.
- Contains potassium: Avocados contain more potassium than bananas, and our bodies need potassium to work normally.
- Its antioxidants protect your eyes: The fruit contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants which absorb lightwaves harmful to our vision. Eating foods containing these two antioxidants makes us less likely to have age-related macular degeneration. Most of the avocado’s antioxidants are found in the darker green flesh, closest to the peel.
- Helps you lose weight: It is said that half a cup of guacamole contains about 6 grams of the daily fibre needed. Fibres fill us, making us less likely to overeat. Lastly, avos contain monounsaturated fat, a type of fat (when added to your diet) that helps trim your waistline.
- Vitamin E helps save your brain: Avocado’s vitamin E may help protect our brains against Alzheimer’s disease and the slow decline in memory and thinking skills.
- Essential for bone health: The nutrients found in vitamin K in avocados may help to improve bone density as well as prevent fractures.
- Good for your skin: Antioxidants, like vitamin C, helps to make our skin look youthful by smoothing out wrinkles. The same nutrients that protect our eyes can also protect our skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage. Thus, you can put an avocado paste on a sunburn.
Also see: The positives and negatives of consuming energy drinks
