Avocado Revisited: Health Benefits of the Original Superfood

Avocado has for some time now reigned supreme as the quintessential millennial superfood, known better for being trendy “healthy” food than for their actual health benefits.

But what’s actually good for you about avocado? Is the fruit actually all it’s cracked up to be? Let’s take a look:

Avocados, as the fatty green food we know and love, are technically a fruit, originating somewhere in South Central Mexico. They’re high in vitamin K, C, B5, B6, and E, as well as containing healthy doses of potassium and fiber. Avocados also contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, which we’ve discussed before on this blog: these fats are associated with reduced inflammation and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. And avocados are high in folate, a B-vitamin which seems to reduce the risk of certain cancers (the mechanism by which it does this is currently unknown, though recent research has suggested it may be linked to protecting against dangerous DNA and RNA mutations).

Avocados have also been linked to a number of digestive health benefits, particularly because of the fruit’s high fiber content: it promotes improved digestion, reduces the risk of colon cancer/inflammation, naturally detoxifies the digestive system, and has antimicrobial properties (with particular efficacy against certain bacteria that cause food poisoning).

So, does avocado live up to the hype?

Our answer is a resounding yes: not only is this superfood incredibly versatile (its uses range from toast to sandwiches, eggs to guacamole, salad to even milkshakes), it’s also loaded with nutritional value that makes it a fantastic choice for any part of the day!