AVACADOS 101

Article from  http://www.avocadosfrommexico.com/Nutrition.aspx

Avocados from Mexico have so much to brag about! Sure, they taste great and are super versatile in recipes—and they’re also nutrient powerhouses. You can always feel good about serving Avocados from Mexico to your family and friends because they deliver nutrients our bodies need every day.
Packed with Goodness

One-fifth (1 ounce) of a Hass avocado has 50 calories, 3 grams of monounsaturated fat, 0 cholesterol and sodium, and 1 gram of dietary fiber. (Who knew a fruit that is so smooth and creamy provides dietary fiber that’s so important to a healthy digestive tract.)

Avocados provide nearly 20 essential vitamins and minerals: potassium, folic acid and other B-vitamins, as well as vitamins E and K. They also contain phytonutrients, believed to help prevent many chronic diseases.

Avocados act as a "nutrient booster" by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha- and beta-carotene as well as lutein and vitamins A, D, K and E in foods that are eaten with avocados.

Avocados are a good source of lutein, an antioxidant which has been shown to be concentrated in the macula of the eye. Research suggests that it may help maintain healthy eyesight as we age. An ounce of avocado contains 81 micrograms of lutein.

HEART HEALTHY


Avocados fit into the American Heart Association’s guidelines for a diet that provides unsaturated fat and is low in saturated fat. Avocados contain no saturated fat or cholesterol and are virtually the only fruit that provides good-for-you mono-unsaturated fat.

LOW- CARB

Diabetics and others who must watch their carbohydrate intake can enjoy avocados often. A one-ounce serving has only 3 grams of carbohydrate.

LACTOSE INTOLERANT

Add avocados to smoothies, sauces, soups and salsas for creamy flavor and texture without the dairy!

WEIGHT-LOSS

Recent research indicates that a diet that contains 20-30% calories from “good fat” like the oils found in avocados, not only supports good health but aids weight loss and maintenance.

Great nutrition meets great taste. Hello Avocado!

Avocados serve up vitamins, minerals and more.

Studies have shown Avocados from Mexico contribute nearly 20 different types of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that can help your body function normally.

Plus, Avocados have the mono- and polyunsaturated “good” fats that are recommended as part of a healthy diet.

A one-ounce serving (approximately one-fifth of an Avocado) is just 50 calories, yet serves up nutrients, 3 grams of monounsaturated fat and 1 gram of dietary fiber.

All with zero cholesterol and just 0.5 grams of saturated fat (the “bad” type of fat).*

Quick facts

Phytonutrients are thought to prevent many chronic diseases.

A serving of Avocado has the same calories as a serving of other popular fruits like cantaloupe, honeydew melon and pineapple.

*Total fat content 4.5 grams., Includes 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0.5 grams polyunsaturated fat and 3 grams monounsaturated fat.