Six myths you should know about avocados (and their effects on our health)

The first months of the year mean for many an opportunity to get fit through healthy food and sports. Among those known as ‘superfoods’ -so used to achieve the goal-, it is the most demanded and popular in recent years, since it provides numerous nutrients and health benefits, such as weight control or

In this sense, and to make proper use of this delicacy, the World Avocado Organization (WAO) dismantles six myths about avocado and its effects on our body and health:

Avocado is a unique fruit with good fats

The avocado is the only fruit in the world with healthy fats for the body. Replacing bad fats with good fats is recommended, since good fats offer benefits in the body without raising LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Because? Because the body needs some dietary fat to facilitate the absorption of nutrients. Good fats do not raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. That’s why avocado is a perfect option: a third of a medium avocado contains 6 grams of good and natural fat.

The avocado does not contain sugar; it is a good source of fiber

One of the most widespread myths is the relationship between sugar and avocados, but avocados are free of sodium, sugar and cholesterol. In fact, to reduce calories without starving yourself and to control your weight, replace some higher-calorie foods with lower-calorie foods that contain water and fiber, such as avocados, which have 79% of the weight of an avocado in fiber and water. .

Also, diets rich in healthy foods that contain fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, can reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

The unsaturated fat in avocados acts as a nutrient booster

The unsaturated fat in avocados can act as a nutrient booster by helping to increase the absorption of vitamins A, D, K, and E. Avocados contain 6 grams of this type of good fat per serving, making them a unique fruit.

It’s the good fats, like those in avocados, that help the body absorb fat-soluble nutrients without raising LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, as long as you eat a healthy diet on a regular basis.

Avocado keeps cholesterol at bay

Avocados provide phytosterols, that is, they can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Phytosterols are naturally occurring substances found in avocados and other plant foods that help block the body’s absorption of cholesterol when consumed twice daily as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Avocados are the fruit richest in phytosterols. One third of a medium avocado contains 38 milligrams, which will help us maintain cholesterol levels if we practice a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Avocado helps reduce blood pressure thanks to its potassium content

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can help control weight and blood pressure. Avocados are a healthy and nutrient-dense fruit. A diet rich in potassium helps offset some of sodium’s deleterious effects on blood pressure.

One serving of avocado provides 6% of your daily potassium needs. A diet rich in potassium can help offset some of sodium’s harmful effects on blood pressure.

Fresh avocados are a fruit with multiple benefits for the heart

Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Avocados have no cholesterol or sodium, and most of their fat content is monounsaturated, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood and may lower the risk of heart disease.