This Super Fat Food Needs To Be In Your Diet

Have you been avoiding avocados because you think they are fattening? Many people dismiss nutrient-packed avocados due to their high fat content, and while they have more fat than any other fruit, it’s mostly monounsaturated fat, a healthy type of fat that’s been shown to increase HDL, or “good,” cholesterol and improve heart health.

The American Heart Association explains:
“[Monounsaturated fats] help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells. Monounsaturated fats are also typically high in vitamin E, an antioxidant vitamin most Americans need more of.”

Avocados are packed with magnesium and potassium, in fact, an avocado provides more magnesium than bananas, strawberries, kiwis and many other fruits. They’re also rich in folates, with just one cup containing 23 percent of the daily value for folic acid.
Snacking on an avocado is a great way to keep hunger pangs at bay, helping you to avoid the temptation to eat an unhealthy snack, while also keeping your metabolism burning at its max.

Avocados are good for your skin too – they can be used as a moisturizer, to treat sunburns and even help reduce wrinkles. Mixing raw honey, plain Greek yogurt and an avocado together makes a great mask that can prevent wrinkles and hydrate dry skin.
You already know that avocados make an amazing dip, but how else can you add them to your diet?
Dice one up and add it to eggs or omelets before cooking
Mix mashed ripe avocado with one tablespoon fresh lime juice and a dash of salt and pepper and use it to top a baked potato
Combine avocados with berries, mango and apple chunks for a delicious, healthy fruit salad
Or, follow this recipe for delicious avocado pancakes (don’t forget to choose organic ingredients whenever possible):

• 2 bananas
• 3 eggs
• 1 large avocado
• ½ cup almond butter
• ¼ egg white protein powder
• ¾ cup water
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Grease a skillet with coconut oil and pour the batter into 4 to 5″ pancakes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
Banana-avocado pudding makes for an especially satisfying, yet healthy, treat:

• 1 banana, peeled and frozen
• ¼ avocado
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Toss all ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth.
The avocado is truly a versatile, nutrition-packed delight!
-The Alternative Daily