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Avocados are a superfruit. They are rich in nutrients, minerals, and fatty acids. You may be considering juicing them, but can you juice an avocado?
This article answers that question and provides alternative ways in which you can consume avocadoes. It also discusses their health benefits in detail.
In this post:
Can You Juice an Avocado?
You can juice avocado but it is not advisable to do so. This is because avocados cannot produce enough juice and most of the healthy parts will be lost in the process. But that does not mean you cannot consume them in other ways.
Best Alternatives to Juicing Avocados
1. Smoothies
You can make a delicious smoothie with avocados and other fruits or vegetables. Some common recipes are avocado banana and avocado spinach smoothies. This way, you will enjoy the full benefits of the avocado without having to juice it.
2. Salad
An avocado salad is a pleasant way to consume them. Make the salad with the fruits and vegetables of your choice. It will serve as a great appetizer before your main dishes. To add more palatability, sprinkle some freshly squeezed lemon juice on the salad and enjoy.
3. Plain, As Is
Avocado is delicious as is, without any accompaniment. You can however enhance the taste using a sprinkle of salt. It can also be used as a side dish to main dishes such as rice.
4. Guacamole
Guacamole or as is commonly known, guac is a great side dish and a great addition to your diet. It is made using ripe avocados, salt, lemon juice, and minced red onions.
It is famed to go well with foods such as tacos. You can also use it as a dip for French fries. It has a rich flavor that will ensure you enjoy all the benefits that avocados provide, while at it.
Health Benefits of Avocado
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1. Rich in Nutrients
Avocados are a source of many essential nutrients such as vitamins C, E, K, B6 as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid. They also contain minerals such as magnesium, and potassium.
In addition, they provide lutein, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. The fat in the avocado also enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals, in addition to being useful in the body cells.
With all these to offer, avocados are among the most nutritious fruits because one serving offers a lot.
2. Great for Vision
Avocados are known to prevent eye damage especially as a result of exposure to the sun’s UV rays. This is because they contain lutein and zeaxanthin compounds that act as antioxidants for the eyes.
They also contain monosaturated fatty acids that ensure the absorption of fat-soluble antioxidants such as beta-carotene into the body is enhanced. Beta-carotene reduces the risk of age-related eye degeneration, therefore, maintaining great eyesight even in old age.
3. Blood Sugar Regulation
This may seem odd but the fats in avocados are healthy for your body. Eating an avocado will keep you full and satiated and this prevents overeating.
Furthermore, the fat helps slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. This regulates blood sugar.
4. Improves Bone Health
Vitamin K is one of the dominant vitamins in avocados. It plays a major role in bone health and the prevention of degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis.
Vitamin K increases calcium absorption into the body and prevents its excretion in urine. This ensures the body has enough calcium for bone formation and maintenance of healthy and strong bones.
5. Improved digestion
Avocados contain soluble and insoluble fiber which is known to aid in digestion and prevent constipation. The fiber also provides nourishment for friendly gut bacteria and maintains gut health.
With gut bacteria, the chances of bloating are reduced because they can break down food in a more effective way.
6. Pregnancy and Immunity Boost
Avocados contain folate which is an important nutrient in fetal organ development. Consuming enough folate helps prevent defects and ensures the mother has a healthy pregnancy.
Furthermore, the vitamins in avocados help in boosting body immunity by enhancing the formation of white blood cells. Therefore, avocados are good even for immunocompromised persons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, instead of juicing avocados, you should consider consuming them in salads, as guacamole, plain or use them in smoothies. This will ensure you get their many benefits including boosted immunity, improved digestion, and better vision.
Reference
- Why is avocado good for you – Medical News Today