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 containing certain colors such as green, blue, purple, red, white, yellow and orange provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals. These nutrients help overall health, energy level, protect against the effects of aging and reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Green fruits and vegetables, such as avocados, help maintain a lower risk of some types of cancer, vision health and strong bones and teeth.

More health benefits of avocados:

	Folate- promotes healthy cell and tissue development
	Potassium- helps the body’s electrolytes stay in balance
	Calcium- strong bones
	Vitamin C- healthy teeth and gums, helps immune system
	Vitamin E- neutralizes free radicals, slows the aging process and protects against heart disease, avocados are the highest fruit source of Vitamin E
	Lutein- protects against eye disease such as cataracts and macular degeneration
	Fiber- helps lower bad cholesterol and reduce 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- associated with lowering blood cholesterol levels, avocados contain four times the beta-sitosterol in 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