Avocados are one of a few high-protein fruit and one of the most surprising health benefits of Avocado is that they contain twice the potassium of a banana!  An avocado is a delicious nutrient bomb containing all the essential amino acids, over 14 minerals and are a great source of biotin to support skin health. 

In the past 20 years, Australia’s avocado production has increased from 18,000 tonnes a year to nearly 64,000 tonnes. 

Health Benefits of Avocado

AVOCADOS ARE PACKED WITH CAROTENOIDS     –     Avocados are a great source of lutein, a carotenoid that works as an antioxidant and helps protect against eye disease.

FIBRE AND HEALTHY FAT     –     Half an avocado contains 3.4 grams of fibre, including soluble and insoluble, both of which your body needs to keep the digestive system running smoothly.  This could help with weight control as soluble fibre slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in your body, helping you feel full for longer.

Avocados contain oleic acid, a fat that activates the part of your brain that makes you feel full. Healthier unsaturated fats containing oleic acid have been shown to produce a greater feeling of satiety than less-healthy saturated fats and trans fats found in processed foods.

GREAT SOURCE OF FOLATE     –     Did you know that one cup of avocado provides almost a quarter of your recommended daily intake of folate, a vitamin which cuts the risk of birth defects.  If you’re pregnant or planning to be avocados will help protect your unborn baby.   A high folate intake is also associated with a lower risk of heart attacks and heart disease. Does your family have a history of heart problems, or do you have risk factors (such as being overweight or smoking) for heart disease? Avocados could help keep your heart healthy

LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL     –     As well as increasing feelings of fullness, the oleic acid in avocados can help reduce cholesterol levels. A study found that individuals eating an avocado-rich diet had a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels, including a decrease in LDL cholesterol. Their levels of HDL cholesterol (the good type) increased by 11%.

Skin Health

AN AVOCADO IS A NUTRIENT BOMB     –     Underneath the avocado’s tough green skin lies over 14 minerals; protein, complete, with all the essential amino acids; fibre to trap excess cholesterol and send it out of the system; phytosterols; polyphenols; carotenoids; omega 3s; vitamins B-complex, C, E and K, to name a few.  Good amounts of Biotin, or Vitamin B7, (which is a water-soluble vitamin that’s a part of the vitamin B complex) Biotin helps us keep a young, attractive appearance since it plays a major part in maintaining the health of our hair, nails and skin.