Avocado is EVERYWHERE, for some people it is the holy grail of foods and there are over 2 million pictures of avocado on Instagram!
For those of us new to the healthy eating scene is can be a bit intimmidating so we've decided to outline some of the pros and cons of avocado.
The "Bad" Avocado
Avocado contains high amounts of fat. About 29 grams per avocado! Each avocado many contain about 200-300 calories which may deem daunting if you are counting calories.
Avocados also contain chitin's which is an enzyme. This isn't necessarily a bad thing UNLESS you are allergic to latex and you touch or eat an avocado. For people with such an allergy you may have a reaction so its best to steer clear.
If you're on a budget, avocados may not be for you. They are quite small and quite expensive making them more of a luxury item for most.
When first buying avocados be careful of how firm they are. If you are wanting to use the fruit straight away, you don't don't to buy one hard as a rock. If you want to use it a few days later, buying one which is quite firm is the best idea. When avocados are too hard, it makes it difficult for some recipes which require mashing or spreading.
When they are too soft, they begin to brown and lose their lovely green colour and can have a slightly different taste.
Avocado Benefits
Avocados have many benefits which may be unexpected.
The oils found within Avocados are used in a wide range of beauty products found all over the world due to their ability to enhance skin and hair.
Blood pressure can be regulated because of the amounts of potassium and folate found in the fruit.
Cholesterol can be controlled because of the oleic and linoleum acids - reducing the bad cholesterol and raising the good.
The potassium content helps to balance electrolytes for healthier nerves and muscles.
Oils can help soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis.
As pointed out in the negatives, avocado has quite a high fat content, however this kind of fat is not the same as the kind of fat you would be getting if you were eating a cheeseburger! The body does needs some fats and along as you have a somewhat balanced diet, the fat content of an avocado shouldn't be a major issue.
For those of us new to the healthy eating scene is can be a bit intimmidating so we've decided to outline some of the pros and cons of avocado.
The "Bad" Avocado
Avocado contains high amounts of fat. About 29 grams per avocado! Each avocado many contain about 200-300 calories which may deem daunting if you are counting calories.
Avocados also contain chitin's which is an enzyme. This isn't necessarily a bad thing UNLESS you are allergic to latex and you touch or eat an avocado. For people with such an allergy you may have a reaction so its best to steer clear.
If you're on a budget, avocados may not be for you. They are quite small and quite expensive making them more of a luxury item for most.
When first buying avocados be careful of how firm they are. If you are wanting to use the fruit straight away, you don't don't to buy one hard as a rock. If you want to use it a few days later, buying one which is quite firm is the best idea. When avocados are too hard, it makes it difficult for some recipes which require mashing or spreading.
When they are too soft, they begin to brown and lose their lovely green colour and can have a slightly different taste.
Avocado Benefits
Avocados have many benefits which may be unexpected.
The oils found within Avocados are used in a wide range of beauty products found all over the world due to their ability to enhance skin and hair.
Blood pressure can be regulated because of the amounts of potassium and folate found in the fruit.
Cholesterol can be controlled because of the oleic and linoleum acids - reducing the bad cholesterol and raising the good.
The potassium content helps to balance electrolytes for healthier nerves and muscles.
Oils can help soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis.
As pointed out in the negatives, avocado has quite a high fat content, however this kind of fat is not the same as the kind of fat you would be getting if you were eating a cheeseburger! The body does needs some fats and along as you have a somewhat balanced diet, the fat content of an avocado shouldn't be a major issue.