Over the recent years, avocados have become one of the trendiest foods in the United States. In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that numerous articles were circulating the Internet with millionaires scolding millennials for frivolously spending their hard-earned money – and giving up their opportunity to own a home – on the superfood. Just how good does a super food have to be to seemingly force people to give up their chances of ever owning their own home? In the case of the avocado, the answer is pretty good.
They Reduce the Risk of Disease
With obesity, diabetes, and heart disease being some of the most talked about and life-threatening conditions in the US to date, it stands to reason that anything that can help prevent them would be well worth it – and this is where avocados come in. In a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrients, the underlying physiological affects of adding avocados to the diet of 31 obese participants was closely followed, including how it affected hunger, satisfaction, and fullness over the course of the six hours after consumption. As it turns out, the study was able to prove the changes to their diet limited “insulin and blood glucose excursions, further reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease by adding healthy fats and fibers.” Additionally, it was also determined that meals including avocado lowered overall hunger and left participants feeling much more satisfied – which could lead to significant weight loss.
They’re Packed with Nutrients
Avocados actually have an astounding 20 different vitamins and minerals to offer, some of the most abundant being:
- Vitamin B5 (14% of the DV)
- Vitamin B6 (14% of the DV)
- Vitamin C (17% of the DV)
- Vitamin E (10% of the DV)
- Vitamin K (26% of the DV)
- Foliate (20% of the DV)
- Potassium (14% of the DV, more than a banana!)
Avocados also contains Vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, and zinc – all for only 160 calories with no cholesterol or sodium. Avocados even have 7 grams of fiber to counteract its 9 grams of carbs, as well as 15 grams of healthy fats and 2 grams of protein.
Eating Them Can Help You Absorb Plant-Based Nutrients
Whether your patients love eating their vegetables or not, making sure they are absorbing all the nutrients from them is the most important thing. Some nutrients are fat-soluble, and require healthy fat to be properly absorbed. Research has proven that adding avocado, or even just avocado oil, to salads and salsas can significantly increase the absorption rate of various antioxidants.
They May Prevent Cancer
Certain test-tube studies have suggested that avocados may be able to help “reduce side effects of chemotherapy in human lymphocytes” and “inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.” However, these results were based on isolated cells and not live subjects – currently all human-based research is unavailable.
Avocados Are as Versatile as They Are Delicious
The mild flavors of avocados and extreme versatility definitely add to its popularity as a superfood. Once known as the staple ingredient in guacamole and atop salads, avocados are now being used on toast, fried as appetizers, and even as a base ingredients in desserts, like cheesecake and brownies!
Bottom line is, if you want your patients to truly get the most out of their meals while simultaneously helping them potentially avoid detrimental diseases along the way, you definitely should consider making avocados a more prominent ingredient inside your facility’s kitchen. Call 629.777.8989, or fill in the free consultation form in the sidebar, to learn more about how our software can positively impact the lives of the patients and visitors you service every day.