What Is The Nutritional Value Of Avocados?

Avocado, also known as alligator pear, is a fruit that is likely native to Peru, according to the Herbs 2000 website. Today, it is cultivated in subtropical climates around the world. This fruit is characterized by a thin, textured peel and dense, creamy flesh. The avocado is commonly used in guacamole, a dip common in Mexican cuisine. Avocados are rich sources of several important nutrients.

Calories

Calories are expressions of energy potential of foods -- they denote the amount of energy available from food sources through cellular respiration. A medium avocado contains about 276 calories, according to the Herbs 2000 website.

Protein

Avocados are modest sources of lean protein -- a medium avocado contains about 5 g of protein, according to the California Avocado Commission. Protein is a source of fuel for your body -- it provides energy for daily activities. It also supplies energy for the repair and regeneration of organ, muscle, connective tissue and bone cells.

Fats

Although fats are considered "bad" in the Western world, they are necessary for cellular repair, nervous system protection and brain function. A medium avocado provides about 22.5 g of fat, according to the California Avocado Commission. Most of the fats found in avocados are unsaturated fats. These help lower low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels in your bloodstream and prevent arterial blockages that can contribute to heart disease. Only about 2.5 g of the fats found in an avocado are saturated fats that cause lipid blockages in your circulatory system.

Vitamin K

Avocados are rich sources of vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for blood clotting and the healing of wounds. Vitamin K may also enhance bone health by improving absorption of calcium, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." A medium avocado contains about 42.2 mcg of vitamin K, or about 53 percent of the recommended daily intake for adults, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database.

Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B-6 is a B-complex vitamin necessary for nervous system health. This vitamin also aids in the metabolism of fats and protein from foods. A medium avocado provides about 0.517 mg of vitamin B-6, or about 4 percent of the recommended daily intake, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database.