The humble avocado is bursting with important nutrients. Popular for its versatility, the avocado is the only fruit that provides substantial amounts of heart health monounsaturated fat. The avocado is richly dense with many vitamins and minerals.
The nutritious avocado comes in a number of varieties such as the Reed, Fuerte and Hass. When ripe, the skin will change to black.
The pear-shaped fruit has a very creamy, nut flavoured flesh.
Health Benefits
The healthy fat found in avocadoes support health and wellbeing in the following ways:
- Healthy fat is important in the absorption of the fat soluble nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, K
- Fat is supports a healthy brain and nervous system
- The high levels of monounsaturated fat that is found in the avocado, particularly oleic acid, may be beneficial to the heart
- The avocado is an important source of dietary fibre. Fibre is important for a healthy digestive system. It is also important for maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- The avocado is a good source of vitamin E. This important nutrients keeps the red blood cells healthy. Vitamin E protects the membranes that encircle and protect every cell found in your body
- There is an improved absorption of carotenoids (converted to vitamin A in the body) when it is consumed with avocado due to its fat content
- Avocado is a source of fatty acids
- The avocado is a good source of vitamin B6 which is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system
Select and Store
A ripe, ready to eat avocado should be dark brown or black with no dark sunken spots, cracks or very soft spots. If the avocado has a slight neck rather than a rounded neck, it may be richer in flavour due to the fact that it may have ripened a bit more on the tree before being harvested.
A firmer, unripe avocado can be ripened at home. For a speedier ripening process, store with bananas. It can also be ripened in a paper bag.
Originally published on Nov 11, 2016
