3 reasons to start consuming avocados this winter

The avocado is one of the most delicious and nutritious foods that winter has to offer. You can mix it with additions to the guacamole spread, cut it into cubes and throw it in the salad so that it comes out richer and more satisfying. Some even like to saute it in a pan with vegetables like peas or broccoli. Of course, you can always spread it in a sandwich or simply eat it “natural” – with a spoon straight from the peel. Bottom line – there are so many benefits to avocado, and it’s just a serious miss not to include it in the menu regularly. Here are 3 that stand out in particular.

Maintains heart and blood health

Clinical studies show that the consumption of avocados helps the health of the heart and blood vessels, while having a positive effect on the lipid profile in the blood. This is thanks to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA).

Great for the skin

Various studies indicate that a regular inclusion of avocado in the menu contributes to the appearance of glowing and fresh skin. Avocados, as it turns out, have many vitamins and minerals, among them a high content of vitamin C which, among other things, is essential for the creation of collagen and elastin – two important components for achieving firm skin. The high bioavailability of 2 phytochemicals found in avocados (lutein and zeaxanthin) may also help protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Contributes to weight loss

A relatively new study found that consuming one whole avocado a day (you heard that right), helps reduce “bad” cholesterol – the so-called oxidized LDL cholesterol (it is very important to know that not all LDL is bad cholesterol) and… lose weight.

In the study, the participants were divided into four groups. The first group – consumed a low-fat menu (which is usually recommended for lowering “bad” cholesterol), the second group – consumed a menu with a balanced (medium) level of fat, the third group – consumed one whole avocado a day and the fourth group, consumed the same amount of fat that is in the avocado, But through a nutritional supplement. The results of the study indicated that the third group that consumed whole avocados lost the most weight and the “bad” cholesterol level of the participants was the lowest of all.

Recipe: Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Component:

2 ripe avocados (preferably organic)

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/4 cup Dutch cocoa (or the less healthy version: melted chocolate chips)

3-4 tablespoons of sugar-free vegetable milk (almond, oat, soy)

1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon of salt

1/4 cup silane/agave/pure quality maple syrup

The preparation:

Put all the ingredients in a food processor until you get a completely smooth mixture or the texture you like.

The author is Einav Burstein, a consultant and guide for natural nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. to Instagram of Einav