We all know that keeping fit and eating healthy in your 40s and beyond is harder than when we were in our 20s and maybe even 30s. Sometimes, it’s not until we reach our 40s that we start to realize the importance of health, especially in terms of the foods that go into our bodies and get absorbed into our systems. We become even more conscious than before, because let’s face it—we have family plus kids we want to be there for, for as long as possible.
You know that saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Well the same can be applied to avocados! My favorite superfood is the avocado, which is full of nutrients and health benefits for any age.
I recently learned from health and wellness genius, Dr. Frank Lipman, that we should all eat one avocado every day. I am hooked! If you’re looking for a food loaded with good fats, will keep you feeling fuller longer, and want something solid to help with weight-loss, I highly recommend avocados, and here’s why.
They Have More Potassium Than Bananas
A medium sized Haas avocado can have about 700mg of potassium. A medium sized banana has only about 420mg of potassium. That’s 60 percent more potassium than bananas! Why is potassium important? Because it builds proteins in your body, breaks down and uses carbohydrates, and builds muscles. And we all want those muscles, right? 😉
They Are Full of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Avocados are high in monounsaturated fat (77% of it is fat), but these are good fats. These fats are necessary for a good and healthy heart. They can also lower bad cholesterol levels, and are beneficial only when consumed in moderation. So don’t go stuffing your face with a handful of avocados a day! It’s important that you replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats in order to help reduce the risk of heart disease. In short, avocados equal a healthy heart.
They Are Full of Vitamins
Avocados are full of about 20 other vitamins. The most notable are vitamin K (to help regulate blood clotting and bone health), folate (to produce and maintain new cells), vitamin C (to protect against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease and eye disease), and vitamin E (to boost the immune system to fight off bacteria and viruses).
They Can Help Prevent Cancer
Although studies to prove they can prevent cancer are minimal, an avocado does contain many cancer preventing nutrients, vitamins and phytochemicals. Avocados are full of cancer-fighting carotenoids: “Carotenoids appear to protect humans against certain cancers, heart disease and age-related macular degeneration.” Research done at UCLA showed that California avocados had the most amount of beneficial “carotenoids in the dark green fruit of the avocado closest to the peel.” So make sure you know how to properly slice and peel an avocado!
They Can Help You Lose Weight
If you’re on a mission to get fit, then eating avocados can hep you get there! Why? Because they are high in fiber, which will help you feel fuller longer and thus your caloric intake will be lower. Avocados are also low in carbs, so it’s a perfect addition to your salads, sandwiches, shakes and spreads, especially if you’re not eating as much bread, potatoes and pasta.
How do you avocado? Let’s share ideas! My favorite is avocado toast! xoxo
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