The Benefits of Avocados

Avocados aren't forbidden fruit anymore. These colorful, deep green fruits, native to the New World and enjoyed by native peoples since ancient times, are back on the menu for health-conscious individuals. It turns out avocados are heart healthy, can help control diabetes, and can even help pregnant women ensure healthy offspring.

Avocados in History

Avocados are native to the South American continent and have been a part of the human diet for many thousands of years, according to chef and food researcher James T. Ehler's Food Reference website. Chef Ehler records that as avocados moved north, ancient Mayans regarded them as possessed of magical powers. Avocados may not be magical, but they are good for you.

Heart Health

Avocados are good for your heart. According to The Doctor's Book of Food Remedies, avocados contain oleic acid, a compound which is known to help increase levels of healthy HDL cholesterol. Avocados, according to this book, also contain potassium, which helps regulate sodium levels in the blood and lower blood pressure. Also, avocados contain fiber, which help stools--and the cholesterol they contain--to move out of the body more quickly.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Avocados can help you regulate your blood sugar, a concern for everyone interested in health, but even more important if you happen to have diabetes. According to Dr Abhimanuy Garg, MD, professor at the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, quoted in The Doctors Book of Food Remedies, avocados contain high amounts of the types of monounsaturated fats that can help control blood sugar and other conditions associated with diabetes.

Healthy Babies

Avocados are a good choice if you're expecting. According to the Baby Center website, the monounsaturated fat found in avocados supports the development of an infant's brain and eyes both before and after birth. These fats also support the growth of placental tissue and other tissue, and may help prevent birth defects and low birth weight.

Warning

Even though avocados are good for you, they are healthy foods that should be enjoyed in moderation. According to the Colorado State University Extension, avocados are high in calories. The serving size for avocados is about two tablespoons, or about 1/6th of an avocado. If you were to eat an entire avocado, you would ingest 30 grams of fat, which is a lot for a snack.

You can enjoy avocados without overdosing on fat by slicing them and putting them on salads, eggs and sandwiches. Also, several healthy cooking cookbooks and websites contain recipes for lower-fat guacamole and other avocado-based recipes.