A is for Avocado
Welcome to the second series of my Alphabet of Healthy Foods, to help you understand that food is not the enemy!
It is the amount of food many of us eat that can become a problem for our weight and digestion. We live in the land of plenty and the temptation to eat the wrong foods is everywhere.
We need food to nourish us, provide fuel and nutrients to repair the damage and build a strong body. The foods I have chosen for this series are all good for our health, I am hoping to encourage you to include them in your diet.
To start, I am beginning with A for Avocados. I eat them regularly, as I find them delicious and know they are an excellent health food.
Avocados are packed with goodness and contain fourteen minerals all of which help regulate body function and stimulate growth. They have the highest protein content of any fruit. They provide the following benefits:
Avocados are an excellent source of Vitamin E and potassium which helps keep the heart healthy. They are high in fibre 12 -14g per fruit – we all need more fibre in our diets because it aids digestion and is good for gut health. The fat content is monounsaturated fat which research indicates helps lower blood cholesterol levels. They are a good source of folate essential during early pregnancy but also important in red blood cell formation for healthy cell growth and function.I understand avocados are not to everyone’s taste, but you can disguise them by having them mashed with a small amount of chopped chillis or why not make guacamole? I recommend them as an excellent choice for breakfast on whole wheat toast with a poached egg. 
Please be aware that avocados are high in calories, approximately three hundred calories per fruit so if you are working at reducing your weight consider this when planning your menu. However, the nutritional benefits of including avocados in your diet, far outweigh this drawback so enjoy!
Live with joy and health
Elizabeth Beetham
Posted in Health Advice