Chunky salad wedges, creamy guacamole, or smooth spread for your favorite sandwich. Avocados are delicious any way you slice it and the benefits to your body are undeniable.

Take advantage of avocado benefits

Cardiovascular Health Promotion: Heart and blood vessels are strengthened from the significant amounts of oleic acid, vitamin B-6, and folic acid prevalent in avocado. Inflammatory and oxidative risk factors, as well as blood fat levels, are also reduced by avocado intake.

Anti-Inflammatory Support: Avocado’s ability to prevent inflammation is unquestioned and highly touted. Research has shown avocado to be greatly beneficial to arthritis sufferers.

Carotenoid Absorption: The match between avocado fat content and its varied carotenoids is perfect, providing optimal absorption and nutrition.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Avocado contains carbohydrates rarely seen in food, called 7-carbon sugars. These 7-carbon sugars may be important in helping regulate the way blood sugar (glucose) is metabolized.

Anti-Cancer Properties: Avocados appear to both reduce inflammation, a significant factor in cancer growth, and create an environment that increases oxidative stress, pushing cancer cells into a death cycle.

What about that fat?

Avocado is a high-fat fruit, 85% of its calories come from fat, but it’s not what you think:

The fat in avocado is found in three forms:

·      Phytosterols are the largest portion of avocado’s fats. These fats are essential for their anti-inflammatory benefits.

·      Polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PFAs). PFAs are found primarily in ocean plants. The avocado tree uniquely retains this fat. It too is associated with anti-inflammatory benefits.

·      Oleic acid is a fatty acid found in unusually high amounts in avocado. Oleic acid aids the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like carotenoids and helps lower the risk of heart disease.

When it comes to avocado, fat is definitely your friend.

How to pick the best avocados

At the grocery store, choose ripe, slightly soft avocados without cracks or blackened, super-soft areas. Florida avocados will be larger with fewer calories. California avocados are known for better flavor.

For optimum health benefits use avocado in its raw, unheated form. The fruit’s unique properties and delicate fats are best preserved in their natural state.

Read the full article here: Avocados