Avocado: Why This Superfood is One of the Best Healthy Fats

Avocados are fruits that grow on trees in warm climates. The avocado tree was first 
discovered in Mexico. Contrary to most fruits, avocados are not sweet. The fruit has a 
soft creamy green flesh with 1 large seed in the middle. The taste is often described as 
nutty or buttery. Avocados are generally eaten in salads and made into oils or 
condiments and dips, such as guacamole. Avocados are a staple food in many cultures 
because of the benefits they provide.  

 
Nutrition Facts  
 
Avocados contain a high amount of monosaturated fat. Monosaturated fat is a type of 
unsaturated fat and is considered a “healthy fat” when eaten in moderation. 
Incorporating unsaturated fats into your diet is important for proper cell function and 
studies have shown that when these types of fats are consumed, individuals tend to 
have a lower risk of heart disease and high cholesterol problems. 
 
In addition to the cardiovascular benefits, avocados are jam-packed with vitamins and 
minerals. One avocado contains vitamins B-6, C, E, K and has more potassium than a 
banana. In addition, an avocado is an excellent source of magnesium, beta-carotene, 
and Omega-3 fatty acids.  
 
You may even lose weight when you add avocados to your diet. Many people feel fuller 
longer when they eat them. Avocados are chock full of antioxidants that can minimize 
free radicals from wreaking havoc on your metabolism.  

 
Preparation Ideas  
 
Avocados are quite versatile and easy to incorporate into your diet. If you like them raw, 
you can slice them thin and add them to your sandwich or salad. You can smash them 
up and put it on toast topped with some salt and tomato slices. You can chop them up 
and add them as a garnish to your chili. Or you can have a taco night and whip up some 
guacamole.  
 
Others prefer to cook with avocados. You can add them to your scrambled eggs. Those 
who may be eating low carbohydrate diets may carve a whole in the middle of the 
avocado slice and put an egg in the middle to make an “egg in the basket.” Top it with 
cheese and it’s delicious.  
 
Soup is another option. You can test your culinary skills by making a chilled avocado 
soup. This makes a perfect lunch during the hot summer months.  
 
Stuffed Avocados are also quite popular since you can make a variety of stuffings 
depending on your palate preferences.  
 
Whatever way you prepare your avocados, know that you are adding a Superfood to 
your diet. There are hundreds of ways you can incorporate avocados into your diet to 
reap the nutritional benefits they provide.
