Can Avocados Help You Lose Weight?

Avocados contain Heart-Healthy Fats

Although avocados are technically a fruit, nutritionally they are considered a source of fat. About 77% of its calories come from fat. Avocados contain mostly monounsaturated fat, plus a small amount of saturated fat and polyunsaturated fat.

Most of that monounsaturated fat is oleic acid, the same fatty acid found in olives and olive oil. This type of fat is considered very healthy. Numerous studies have linked oleic acid to health benefits, such as decreased inflammation and a lower risk of developing heart disease. These benefits include increased insulin sensitivity, better blood sugar management, and lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Avocados contain almost 20 times more fat-soluble phytosterols than other fruits. Phytosterols are plant compounds believed to have positive effects on heart health.

Avocados help Boost the Immune System

Avocados are rich in nutrients and antioxidants which help keep your vital organs healthy and strengthen your immune system. Avocados are a great source of vitamin E. Vitamin E can help improve the immune response during aging and can reduce the oxidative damage in the body. Vitamin E can help alleviate symptoms of asthma and help your body recover after a hard exercise.

Avocados are High in Fiber

High fiber foods help reduce appetite, decrease the risk of high blood pressure, and serve to lower your cholesterol levels. Avocados improve your metabolism.

Avocados are a Rich source of Vitamins and Minerals

Avocados contain 20 different vitamins and minerals. Here are the most prominent ones:

• Vitamin K: 26 percent of the daily value.
• Vitamin B9 (Folate): 20 percent of the daily value.
• Vitamin C: 17 percent of the daily value.
• Vitamin B5: 14 percent of the daily value.
• Vitamin B6: 13 percent of the daily value.
• Vitamin E: 10 percent of the daily value.
• Potassium: 14 percent of the daily value.

Avocados can help Protect your Eyes

Avocados are full of powerful antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect and maintain eye cells from harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light.