Avocados - Powerhouses of Energy

Avocados are one of the key foods in my 28 Day Health Challenge - which introduces you to epigenetics and covers how to balance, through what you eat, drink and how you sleep -  7 main hormones, including insulin, leptin and oestrogen and the foods that affects them.  ~The Challenge starts on the 1st day of every month. 

Avocados are one of the healthiest foods on the planet, and it is such a shame that so many people, especially women avoid them because they are high in calories.  Avocados are incredibly nutritious and whilst they may be high in calories, they are also high in amazingly good healthy fats - the monounsaturated fatty acids that are crucial to good health.  They contain more potassium than bananas and are loaded with fibre. 

Adequate fibre promotes regular bowel movements, which are important for the excretion of toxins through the bile and stool.  Many studies have shown that dietary fibre also promotes good gut health and microbial diversity  This helps the body maintain a healthy bacterial balance which in turn can reduce inflammation and aggravation of the digestive tract. 

Avocados are also great for vision as they contain lutein and zeaxanthin - which are two phytochemicals present in eye tissue.  They provide antioxidant protection to help minimize damage, including from UV light.  The monounsaturated fatty acids in avocados also support the absorption of other beneficial fat-soluble antioxidants such as beta carotene.  As a result adding avocados to the diet may help reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. 

They are great served alone, just with salt, or added to a smoothie for extra smoothness, or mixed with cocoa powder to make a chocolate mouse, or great smashed onto rye bread for breakfast - sprinkled with a little paprika pepper or chili flakes.