Hass avocados are available year round. They are grown in Mexico, New Zealand, the Dominican Republic, Chile and California. This fruit is oval shaped and is about five to 12 ounces in weight. They have a small to medium seed and a skin that turns from green to a blackish purple when the fruit is ripe. According to the American Heart Association, Hass avocados are a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Serving Size
A one-ounce serving has only 45 calories and is packed with beneficial vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
Healthy Fat
The avocado is one of the only fruits that contain monounsaturated fat. According to the American Heart Association, unsaturated fats are the "good" fats while saturated ones should be avoided. More than half the fat found in an avocado is unsaturated. Avocados are also cholesterol- and sodium-free.
Nutrient Booster
According to the Hass Avocado Board and the California Avocado Commission, avocados enable the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as those found in vegetables. Adding avocado to a dish with vegetables will increase the nutritional value of the meal.
Lutein
Avocados are rich in lutein, a nutrient that is found to be concentrated in the eye, with one ounce of avocado contains 81 micrograms of lutein. According to the Hass Avocado Board, avocados may help maintain healthy eyesight as the body ages.
Other Nutrients
Avocados contain almost 20 nutrients that help keep the body healthy. They are a good source of potassium, fiber, protein, beta-carotene and vitamins E and C. They also contain folate and copper.
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