What Are the Benefits of Avocado?

The avocado:

• is called the crocodile pear;
• is a fruit; and
• is a perfect first food for babies!

The avocado is delicious to eat and also has a bounty of health benefits. Here are some of the ways are good for you. Avocados:

• keep your heart healthy;
• lower cholesterol;
• control blood pressure;
• regulate blood sugar levels;
• help prevent birth defects;
• increase the absorption of other vitamins and nutrients;
• reduce the signs of aging;
• help with weight loss and weight gain; and,
• can relieve bad breath.

Avocados contain a wealth of nutrients and can be part of a heart healthy diet. Some of the many health benefits of avocado are:

• Monounsaturated Fats (MUFAs) - These fats are actually good for you! They are healthy for your heart and can improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk for heart disease. MUFAs may also help regulate insulin and blood sugar levels.
• Dietary Fiber - Necessary in the diet for a smooth digestive process as well as regulation of cholesterol, 40% of the daily requirement of fiber is met by eating just 1 cup of avocado!
• Vitamin C - Vitamain C aids the body in tissue repair and contributes to the production of collagen, a protein, found in skin, cartilage, blood vessels, and ligaments. It helps boost the immune system and is a powerful antioxidant. 1 cup of avocado provides 25% of the daily requirement of Vitamin C.
• Vitamin K - Vitamin K is essential for blood coagulation (clotting). 39% of the daily requirement of Vitamin K is in 1 cup of avocado!
• Folate - Folate is important to the formation of red blood cells, protein metabolism, and cell division. It is important especially during the 1st month of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and anencephaly. 30% of the daily requirement for folate is in 1 cup of avocado.
• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)- This vitamin helps the body convert the carbohydrates we eat into glucose. It also helps the body metabolize fats and proteins, aids in digestion, helps the body use other vitamins, and is needed for the production of red blood cells. 1 cup of avocado contains 21% of the daily requirement of pantothenic acid.
• Potassium - An electrolyte, potassium has a role in heart function as well as in the contraction of smooth muscle. 21% of the daily requirement for potassium is found in 1 cup of avocado!

As a mother of 5 children, I am surprised that I never knew that avocado is considered an excellent first food for babies. Velvety smooth and incredibly soft, avocado is packed full of nutrients and healthy fats for growth and weight gain.

To prepare avocado for your baby:

• divide the avocado into 4 pieces;
• remove the skin;
• place the fruit in a small bowl;
• mash with a fork; and,
• serve immediately!