Avocado is one of the most popular ingredients in vegan dishes. This delicious fruit can be found in smoothies, salads, burgers, desserts, and sauces. Who can even forget when avocado toast was all the rage? In fact, avocado is so popular, there are even restaurants in the USA that are completely dedicated to using avocado in their dishes, such as the Avocado Café in Atlanta.
But what you ever considered why avocado is so popular aside from its delicious taste? Well, here are four reasons why eating avocados are beneficial if you’re on a vegan diet.
Packed With Nutrients
Avocados are filled with vitamins and nutrients. A single serving of avocado (around 100 grams) contains vitamins K, C, E, B5, and B6. It also contains magnesium, iron, and zinc. This amazing fruit also contains folate, making it one of the best fruits for pregnant women.
Did you know that avocados contain more potassium than bananas? Most people think of bananas when they need to take more potassium, but avocadoes contain 14% of the recommended daily allowance of potassium, compared to 10% in bananas.
So, next time you need a potassium boost, grab a ripe avocado!
Loaded With Healthy Fats
Avocados are high in fat, but they contain a good kind of fat. The majority of fat in this fruit is oleic acid, a highly beneficial type of monounsaturated fatty acid. It is the same type of healthy fat that you would find in high-quality olive oil.
Research has shown that oleic acid helps reduce the risk of cancer, and it is known to reduce HDL levels in the body. HDL is known as the “bad” fat, which causes obesity and obesity-related diseases. Eating avocadoes on a regular basis can also help lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Contains Lots Of Fiber
Avocados are high in fiber, both the soluble and insoluble kind. Soluble fiber is important because it increases the number of good bacteria in your gut, which leads to healthy digestion. Insoluble fiber is also important because it helps clean out your bowels and facilitates regular movement.
Avocados have around 25% soluble fiber and 75% insoluble fiber.
Helps You Lose Weight
Aside from being full of healthy fat and lowers cholesterol, avocadoes help you lose weight because it gives you the feeling of being full. When you eat avocados, the body will slowly digest the fruit, so that you feel full for longer. You won’t be tempted to grab a snack in between meals.
Studies have shown that people who eat avocado with a meal are less likely to eat over the next five hours. So if you’re trying to lose weight and you can’t seem to stop snacking in between meals, try eating some avocado as your dessert at the end of your meal. Want to learn more about the benefits of going vegan? Click here!
Conclusion
The bottom line with avocados is that they are not only delicious, they are also very good for your health! Adding avocados to a vegan diet is a win-win. What’s more, avocadoes are so versatile, you won’t have any trouble looking for a recipe that utilizes avocado. You can use them in both sweet and savory recipes, as well as in different types of cuisines. And if you’re not feeling up to cooking, you can simply eat them plain!