Avocado
RECOMMENDATION
The high calorie and high good fat content in avocados, make it a great food to add to smoothies or have as a side with breakfast if you are struggling to maintain a healthy weight. They add a rich buttery dairy like consistency to salads whilst providing a huge amount of nutrition.
As you always peel avocados, the risk of pesticide contamination on the flesh is low, however choose organic if possible.
Why Avocado is good for us
EAT OFTEN
Avocado, also known as an alligator pear or butter fruit, is the only fruit that provides a substantial amount of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. They are a naturally nutrient-dense and contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals making them an important food in the Fit 50.
Avocados are great source of vitamins C, E, K and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids. Some test-tube studies have shown that nutrients in avocados may have benefits in preventing prostate cancer and lowering side effects of chemotherapy.
In studies with patients undergoing chemotherapy, the consumption of turmeric increases the effectiveness of the chemotherapy whilst reducing the toxicity of the treatment.
High amounts of folate are found in avocados, which has shown promise in protecting against colon, stomach, pancreatic, and cervical cancers.
They also aid in improving digestion and decreasing risk of depression.