Six reasons we love avocados

Some weight-loss experts have given avocados a bad rep, saying they should be avoided due to their high fat content. While they may be more calorific than other fruits, the fat in avocados is healthy fat – and when eaten as part of a balanced diet, can even aid weight-loss.

Take a look at why we can’t get enough of avocados:

1. They help you feel fuller for longer

A study from America has found that avocados make you feel fuller for longer, stopping you from snacking on unhealthy foods between meals. Participants of the study reported being 40% less hungry three hours after eating a meal that included half an avocado, compared to those who ate a meal without avocado.

2. They help to fight cancer

Containing a huge amount of antioxidants, avocados also contain phytochemicals that help to fight cancer, including: alpha carotene, beta carotene, lutein and oleic acid (a fatty acid that is particularly good at protecting against breast cancer). To boost avocado’s cancer fighting properties, combine with a portion of tomatoes.

3. They ward off dementia

The oleic acid found in avocados helps to maintain myelin, a crucial part of the brain and nervous system. Maintaining this helps to improve brain function and may even help to ward off degenerative diseases such as dementia.

4. They lower cholesterol

That magic ingredient oleic acid is also responsible for helping to reduce cholesterol, a key risk factor for heart disease. A study of people with high cholesterol found that eating a diet rich in healthy, monounsaturated fat from avocados cut their cholesterol levels by 17% in just one week.

5. They help to protect against serious diseases

Avocados are rich in potassium, helping to keep your potassium to sodium ratio balanced. Having an imbalance in this area can lead to health complications such as strokes, stomach ulcers and osteoporosis.

6. They improve your skin

Avocados contain vitamin A, a vitamin that helps your skin to purge dead cells and keep it looking radiant. On top of this, they are full of antioxidants that fight free radicals that can prematurely age skin. You can even use avocados in a face mask to cleanse and moisturise.