Avocados are a healthy addition to your diet. Avocados are cholesterol and sodium free and have been shown to be excellent sources of monounsaturated fat (good fat), which in studies has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. They are also high in phytochemicals, natural plant compounds that provide a variety of health benefits.

According to the “5-a-day” program, deeply hued fruits and vegetables with colors such as green, blue, purple, red, white, yellow and orange provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals. These nutrients help overall health and boost energy, protect against the effects of aging and reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Green fruits and vegetables such as avocados help lower the risk of some types of cancer, as well as help maintain vision health and strong bones and teeth.

Vitamins and Nutrients in Avocados:

	Folate: Promotes healthy cell and tissue development
	Potassium: Helps the body’s electrolytes stay in balance
	Calcium: Builds strong bones
	Vitamin C: Promotes teeth and gums, helps immune system
	Vitamin E: Neutralizes free radicals, slows the aging process and helps heart disease; avocados are the highest fruit sources of Vitamin E
	Lutein: Protects against eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration
	Fiber: Helps lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack; avocados have the highest fiber content of any fruit
	Folate: Promotes healthy cell and tissue development; avocados contain more folate that any other fruit
	Magnesium
	Niacin
	Pantothenic acid
	Riboflavin
	Thiamine
	Beta-sitosterol: Lowers blood cholesterol levels; avocados contain four times the beta-sitosterol compared to other commonly eaten fruits
	Glutathione: Helps protect cells from free radicals, slows the aging process and protects against certain cancers and heart disease; avocados are higher in glutathione than any other fruit