Avocado

Avocado

Consider adding avocado to salads, and not only on account of taste! Recent research has shown that absorption of two key carotenoid antioxidants lycopene and beta carotene increases significantly when fresh avocado (or avocado oil) is added to an otherwise avocado-free salad. One cup of fresh avocado (150 grams) added to a salad of romaine lettuce, spinach, and carrots increased absorption of carotenoids from this salad between 200-400%. This research result makes perfect sense to us because carotenoids are fat-soluble and would be provided with the fat they need for absorption from the addition of avocado. Avocado oil added to a salad accomplished this same result. Interestingly, both avocado oil and fresh avocado added to salsa increased carotenoid absorption from the salsa as well.

Avocados have been cultivated since 8,000 B.C. in Central and South America by the traditional cultures that lived there.  The nutrient-dense properties of this tropical fruit are now verified by science as promoting health for the heart, bone and blood.  Here are just a few of the rich nutrients in avocados and what they can do to help you be healthy.

Avocados are rich in potassium.  Potassium is needed by the body to regulate blood pressure.