Rev Up Your Fat Burning Metabolism with Avocado
83the avocado
Fat Burning Benefits of Eating Avocado
You can boost your fat burning metabolism by eating foods that contain L-carnitine. Avocado is a rich source of L-carnitine. As an added bonus, it is also an aphrodisiac.
L-carnitine is an amino acid found in your body in the liver. It helps to facilitate fat metabolism, and promotes fat loss. Additionally, it is known to increase energy production in muscle cells and increases blood circulation in the brain.
L-carnitine also helps to reduce triglycerides and increases good cholesterol, which helps to protect the heart. By preventing fat oxidation in the brain, it shows some promise in preventing Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Isn't L-carnitine sold as a supplement?
Yes, in fact L-carnitine is sold as a weight loss supplement. However, locally grown organic foods are always recommended before supplements. The advantages of eating whole foods is because whole foods offer a variety of health benefits.
What about the high fat content in avocados?
Although avocados are one of the few fruits high in fat, most of the fat is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat; it lowers cholesterol, a hormone that stores abdominal fat, which means it may even shrink belly fat. They are also the fruit richest in beta carotene, vitamin E, and protein.
How does the potassium in avocados reduce belly fat?
In addition to boosting metabolism, avocados are known for reducing anxiety because it is loaded with relaxing magnesium and potassium. Potassium is known for helping to reduce belly fat and it prevents fluid retention. (See link below for foods that help to reduce belly fat).
It also has pantothenic acid, which is a B vitamin, can rev up stress-reducing hormones and can lower your risk of depression. Stress is one of the causes of belly fat.
Other than slicing and eating, how else can it be easily included in the diet?
Avocado is now being suggested as an alternative to mayonnaise - on a sandwich for example. It has 4 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat which lowers cholesterol, 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein per ounce making it a more filling substitue for the mayo.
Locally grown foods are recommended. Where are avocados grown?
These fruits have been cultivated for over 7,000 years; three of the original types were West Indian, Mexican, and Guatemalan. They are now grown in in the USA in California and Florida, (and also in Africa and Australia). Many people grow them in their backyards.
We have been eating avocado as an aprhrodisiac and didn't know it? Explain!
It is said that the Aztecs made a sexually potent spread from mashed avocados, chiles, onions, and tomatoes and it was called 'ahuaca-mulli.' We know this same spread as guacamole. (Say 'ahuaca-mulli' fast and it sounds like guacamole - less emphasis on the 'a')
How do you select and store avocados?
Avocados will not ripen until after they are picked; avocado tree leaves produce a hormone that inhibits the fruit-ripening chemical ethylene. To tell if it is ripe, squeeze it gently to see if it gives. If you buy it ripe it can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. If it is not ripe you can speed up the ripening process by placing it in a paper bag. I always have success with this ripening method. It may take a few days.
See link below for hub on reducing belly fat and other healthy eating suggestions:
Healthy Eating Suggestions
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Hi hudsonliberty!
I have an avocado ripening. So glad we are finding out what West Indian people knew for ages - that the avocado is good food, good oil, good applied to the skin and excellent for the hair. I am so glad Americans are finally reaching for real food and not a magic pill - which doesn't exist.
Fortunately, I live in Brooklyn where there are plenty of greengrocers and better prices than the supermarkets.
I have gone to the children's day festival the day before the big spectacular Caribbean festival - and loved it. The one tomorrow is just too much for me. It's like everyone in the US will be there. I will listen from a distance.
Have fun and enjoy your Turkish Apricots (which I now have to research)!
Great hub! Who knew avocado's were aphrodisiacs! They're also good for heartburn. I used to eat them when I was suffering from heartburn during my pregnancy. Thanks such an informative hub. I can't wait to see what you find on Turkish Apricots!
Well Veronica Allen, that is another benefit of avocados - soothing heartburn - thanks for that info.
It makes so much sense - avocado is so soothing and high in so many vitamins, minerals - and healthy fat - fat good for the heart - and so heartburn too.
Sooooo glad we are going back to real food!
Ok back to the Turkish apricots - saw an article about orange foods being good for writer's block - hmmmm!
I live in So. Cal, where you can walk down any street and just pick Avocados off the street, (good ones too), however I just can't seem to develop a desire for them. I've tried over and over again. But now that I know about the L-carnitine I will just have to take supplements. Thanks BK. Good hub.
Very informative hub. Thanks for sharing it with us. Will definately try it though Im not fat :-)
Oh fastfreta I love when I hear about people being able to pick fresh foods right off the ground. How lucky for you! It was a long time before I had a desire for them although I do like guacomole. But after reading about so many health benefits I try to pick up one regularly. And if I am hungry when I get home in the evening just a little does calm me down until I can get something nutritious in me.
Then fastfreta, I have a friend who says it is the best hair conditioner ever and she wears this big glossy 'fro' - she is fab! So I figure if I don't eat all of this next one I have ripening, I'll use part of it for my hair.
jayb23 - I think you might like the taste of the avocado. I just slice it and sprinkle a little sea salt on it and let it sit for a moment and it is so delectable. For some reason it goes over so big when I have guests over. Just cut it up and put it out with the sea salt and people get excited. Maybe it is the aphrodisiac effect! Hmmmm.
And somehow jayb23, I just knew you were not fat!!!!!
BK Creative,
I always look forward to your creative hubs they are always full of great ideas and healthy tips. Thanks for the good information on avocados. I will enjoy them that much more.
Blessings
What a lovely compliment DeBorrah K. Ogans - that you look forward to my hubs - that keeps me sharp. Seriously!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Great information. I love guacamole but can't deal with the pasty aftertaste of fresh avocado. I have a tummy tire and will try your sea salt. Thanks!
WOW!!!! I did not know this!!! Avocado's fat burner, YES!! And the good part about this is, I like Avocados!! Yea!!! GREAT HUB!!!!
Thanks again for your tips. I can do with some fat burning.
Hello Raggits - I see you like the one that is the aphrodisiac, guacomole - good for you! I love it with sea salt and nothing else. So good!
Hello drpastorcarlotta - I am learning so much as I research these wonderful foods. There was a time our elders were nutritionist - they knew a food for prevention or whatever ailed you. You're already ahead because you like avocado.
Hello, Hello, hello! Yes, it's fat burning, super healthy, an aphrodisiac, good applied directly to the skin and hair. The perfect fruit!
Thanks so much for writing great hubbers!
I knew there was a reason why I LOVE avocados!
Glad to hear from you Triplet Mom!
I am finding avocados addictive! A friend of mine says it makes the best hair conditioner too - and her hair looks great! I'll have to work on that!
Wow Bk another use for such a great food. I might have to try it as a conditioner and see how it works.
Let me know Triplet Mom or write a hub about it. My friend swears by it - and she always has that glossy 'fro!
Just started a new diet last week, focusing on fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains. Avocado (up to 1/2 a day) is included. Hooray!
This hub is a great reference for me, thanks!
Hello elisabethkcmo (with an 's') - I'm so glad to hear avocado is included! It'll keep you sated and healthy. Finally a healthy diet with healthy food - a lifestyle!
Thanks for writing!
One diet trick I will have no problems with! I love avocados and it seems they are so good for me the little fat they contain is nothing.
Good to meet you Camping Dan! - and what can be better for camping than packing a super nutritious fruit like the avocado! We need that little bit of healthy fat!
Wow!!! Thanks for the great info!!! I love avocados.. just to find them in season.. or at a reasonable price.. but love all the info... thanks again...
You're very welcome Artfulmama! Thank you for writing. I live here in Brooklyn, NYC and right now they seem to be overflowing - so costing only $1.00!
Its a n informative post for me. I have to loose my fat. Can you tell me where i can find avocado ?
Thanks Joe! Glad you liked the article!
Hello Personal Concierge - I live in NYC and avocados are everywhere. Every supermarket, every greengrocer and costing about 99cents to $1.50. If you haven't seen it in your supermarket fruit section - it may be because it's often thought to be a vegetable and put in the vegetable section.
I have a link at the end of this article about foods to eat that help you lose belly fat - so if you can't find avocado you can enjoy other foods. Even green tea.
Thanks for writing!
Ooooh I love 'em so that makes it so easy to go on a diet with them :)
When we were kids, we used to be given avocado milkshakes - I've tried growing a couple in our garden but no fruits yet - I live in hope!
Thanks for a wonderfully informative hub BkCreative.
Shalini Kagal - I am so intrigued by the avocado milkshake -that is new to me. But if you have a perfect fruit you should make a variety of perfect foods. Thanks for this info.
I have an avocado that has ripened just perfectly which I will dine on today. Getting so many great comments I will enjoy it even more.
Thank you too for such a nice compliment!
Avocado very good but bad taste for me.
Hi KyonSOS23 - I think it is an acquired taste. I like it with sea salt - that gives it a bit of flavor. Today I think a little hot sauce!
Very nice. Avocado is so good for us! My Jamaican brother-in-law calls them "pears" and he eats them as often as he can find them. Thanks for the article.
Your very welcome Sarah m Marie!
Your brother-in-law knows the deal. Glad we have more access to this amazing fruit. I'm eating mine throughout today and for the first time I decided to dash it with some hot sauce. Quite good.
Thanks for writing about the pears!
So many people run a mile from advocado's because of their high fat content, which is a shame because as you have pointed out so well, they are so beneficial. I love advocado, especially blended with banana and mango for breakfast - YUM!
So nice to meet you HWP! - and you are exactly right about the incorrect fear of the high fat content.
American nutritionists were handing out this misinformation - because they did not know the differences between fats. Of course we have also been sold on buying certain food products that were labeled low-fat and told to avoid avocados (and coconut oil etc.) and those other food products have been proven to be harmful.
I was wondering how to do it as a shake as one hubber mentioned. I can certainly taste it now blended with banana and mango - what a healthy drink to keep you satisfied for hours.
Thanks so much for writing!
I enjoyed this hub, BK. I like avocados. I can tell a friend that likes them that they are good for his heart; he'll like that.
I enjoyed this hub, BK. I like avocados. I can tell a friend that likes them that they are good for his heart; he'll like that.
Thanks Deltachord! I am so glad to know that we are going back to eating healthy foods - to keep us healthy or to heal us. Plus it tastes good. Hope your friend likes the avocado.
Thank you for writing!
What an interesting and informative Hub !! Being a California guy I was raised on avocado...My Mom would pack it into our tuna fish sandwiches for school...my Dad would slice it for his BBQ burgers, and my wife uses it, like you have suggested, as a condiment for just about everything, from potatoes to chili...no wonder her skin is like wet glass, and at 71, I'm not showing much belly fat...Thanks again for this well written and entertaing Hub...Larry
Wow maven101! What a tribute to the avocado!
I am so glad you wrote this so we can share it with everyone - lots of good information.
So nice to meet you. I am your fan now and will keep up with you.
Thanks so much for writing!
BkCreative, I think your a nutritionist. Can you tell me the benefits of guava. It's one of the tropical fruits here in the Philippines. Avocado can also an alternative food to babies who are already eight months and above, because of its non-saturated fats. My mom didn't secreted too much milk when I was a baby, so, the most available supplement was the legendary avocado.
Thank you travel_man1971 for your kind compliment!
It seems our elders here in the USA were the real nutritionists. They knew the benefits of each kind of food and how to heal with food. We've lost sight of that with the mass introduction of cheap processed foods.
Guava is showing up quite a bit in the USA - I'll have to do research. I think people should eat what naturally grows in their environment. It the environment sustains the food then the food will sustain the people.
I read recently, that many cultures gave babies avocados as a first food. Even here it is being suggested because it has so many health benefits, including the fat.
Nice to meet you and I will keep up with you in your fan club.
Great hub! I love avocado on and in almost everything. I eat them whenever I can.
Hello there dashingclaire!
I have an avocado ripening right now which I can enjoy tomorrow. I have added it more often to my diet.
Thanks for the compliment!
I love avacado! Great on sandwiches. I love the idea of replacing mayo with mashed, spread avacado. Yummy, can't wait to try it. Thanks for the tip!
You're welcome Mrs. Obvious!
I'm so glad we are taking control of our health with healthy eating.
Can't wait to eat mine later today and share with a friend!
this is good news as I love avocados: early in the morning with freshly made toast, with freshly baked bread; for lunch filled up with prawns or in a salad... delicious!
Everything sounds so great Anath - and I can taste it as you describe it - and smell the bread! Fortunately, I have a bit of avocado left which I can now go and have with my lunch - I will even toast a bit of bread I got this a.m. from the bakery. Delish!
Love your avatar!
I was wondering how to do it as a shake as one hubber mentioned. I can certainly taste it now blended with banana and mango - what a healthy drink to keep you satisfied for hours. http://www.enjoyhealthybody.com
I haven't tried the shake yet but will do as suggested - 3 great fruits blended together - wow! It sounds so good!
Thanks for writing sanju!
Hi, BkCreative. I really enjoyed your Hub that sings the praises of avocados. You make it extremely clear that this is a very healthy food to include in our diet. You clarify how an avocado increases good cholesterol, reduces anxiety due to its magnesium and potassium, and especially, burns fat because of how its L-carnitine (an amino acid in the liver) affects our metabolism. As a side note, I never thought of using avocado as a substitute for mayonnaise. I'll have to try that sometime!
Hello Weight Pills! I'm glad you found the hub so very informative. I was surprised to find how easily I could make the change to using avocado as a spread (even hummus) as opposed to mayo.
Nice to meet you by the way! Thanks for your comment!
I love avocadoes and know it can be used to control weight but as an aphrodisiac--that's interesting. Interesting article and lots to learn.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for writing anglnwu! I found it interesting too that part about the aphrodisiac - but it's so good for you so why not!
nice hub! i love avocados
Nice to meet you Sarah and Donnie! I enjoyed your hubs and left some comments. Thanks for writing!
hudsonliberty says:
3 months ago
It so funny you would write about avocados. I was just enjoying some Turkish Apricots. I like avocado dip and it is suppose to be good for the complexion as facial.
Are you going to be at the Caribbean festival tomorrow?