Avocados are popular due to their great taste and creamy texture– But do you know about the health benefits and nutritional value of avocados? Read on to add this healthy fruit to your diet and everything you need to know about eating avocado on a healthy diet.
Disclaimer: Just Average Jen is not connected with any weight loss plan. Please check nutritional values and/or syns yourself.
How Many Calories Do Avocados Have?
The number of calories you get can differ depending upon the size of the avocado, but not much. The calorie count falls between 250-320 calories per avocado.
Can You Freeze Avocado?
Yes, you certainly can but when it is defrosted it is really only best for smoothies or guacamole.
The best way to freeze an avocado is to prepare it as normal and then place it in a freezer bag. Remove all the air, or as much as possible from the bag then pop straight in the freezer.
For best use of the avocado use the frozen fruit within a month. Adding a few chunks of frozen avocado to smoothies is a great way to add many nutrients to your smoothie and also a creamy texture.
Health Benefits of Avocado
When it comes to your health, avocados won’t disappoint you. Some of the health benefits of avocados are listed below:
1. Improve heart health
Avocados improve your heart health by balancing the lipids in your body. The fat present in avocados is about 71% monounsaturated fatty acids, 13% polyunsaturated fatty acids, and 16% saturated fatty acids. Studies have shown that foods with a good amount of healthy fats, primarily monounsaturated fatty acids, are good for heart health.
In addition to this, avocados are cholesterol-free and contain compounds such as magnesium, sitosterol, potassium, etc. These compounds also help the body in lowering cholesterol levels and maintaining blood pressure. All these collectively improve heart health over time.
2. Lower the risk of metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a term used for a group of diseases that are life-threatening. Eating avocados is linked with lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome, as per many studies.
3. Anti-cancer
Avocados have phytochemicals that are considered to have anti-cancer properties. They stop cancer by promoting the apoptosis (programmed cell death) of the cancerous and precancerous cells. It helps to prevent the growth of cancer in the nearby tissues.
4. Help in weight loss
If you want to lose weight, then avocados can be your go-to food. Their high fibre and low carbohydrate content make them ideal for a weight loss diet plan. The fibre keeps you full for longer periods that help you avoid junk food or other midday snacks.
How to enjoy avocados
Amazed by the health benefits and nutritional value of avocados? You can top them on your omelette or enjoy them with salads or soups. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy their delicious taste while they will make you healthy from the inside.
Have you tried my avocado recipe for smashed avocado on toast?
If you have never made your own guacamole now is the time to give it a try with my tasty easy guacamole recipe.
Eating Avocado on Slimming World
High in syns (approx 14 for a regular-sized one), avocados are typically frowned upon by hardcore Slimming World leaders. But it is vital to remember that they offer many benefits, so although they are high in syns, the positive impact they can have on your health makes it worthwhile.
It is much better to spend syns on avocado than chocolate (perhaps debatable… but certainly from a health perspective). They also contain smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals.
A whole avocado either fresh or pureed is 14 syns (approx). If instead, you prefer to work out the syns based on weight, or are not having a full avocado then 100g of avocado is 9.5 syns (approx).
Avocado oil, if this is something you are interested in using, is synned in the same way as other oils, 2 syns per teaspoon (approx) or 6 syns per tablespoon (approx).
Will you be eating avocado on Slimming World?
