Some people can be a bit weary of avocados because of their high calorie and high fat content
(138 calories and 14.1g fat in half a medium-sized avocado). But do not fear these green fruits! Avocados are actually one of the best foods you can eat. They're packed with beneficial nutrients and heart-healthy compounds. Here are just a few reasons you should consider adding avocados to your diet more often.
- Avocados are a good source of lutein, a carotenoid that works as an antioxidant and helps protect against eye disease. They also contain the carotenoids zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene
Not only are avocados a rich source of carotenoids by themselves—they also help you get more of these nutrients from other foods. Carotenoids are lipophilic (soluble in fat, not water), so eating carotenoid-packed foods like fruits and vegetables along with monounsaturated-fat-rich avocados helps your body absorb the carotenoids.
Avocados will keep you fuller longer
- Half an avocado contains about 3.4 g of fiber, including soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber slows down the breakdown of carbs in your diet, which can in turn keep you fuller longer.
Avocados can help lower your cholesterol
- As well as increasing feelings of fullness, the oleic acid in avocados can help reduce cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. The cholesterol-lowering properties of avocado, along with its folate content, help keep your heart healthy.
Avocados are a good source of protein
- An average avocado contains around 4 grams of protein, which is much more than most other fruits. This makes them an option for a good source of protein for those on a vegan or vegetarian diet as well.
I adapted this recipe from Apple of My Eye's truffle recipe....here. I followed her recipe mostly with just a few tweaks.
Dark Chocolate Avocado Truffles
Ingredients:
1 1/2 small, ripe avocados
5 oz. dark chocolate
1 heaping Tbsp. Splenda brown sugar blend (or 2 Tbsp. brown sugar)
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (separated)
Slice avocado in half, pit the avocado, then get all of the flesh out into a medium sized bowl. Using a fork, mash the avocado until lump-free.
For the dark chocolate, try to find baking bars or dark chocolate bars rather than dark chocolate chips if you can. I used Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate bars. Melt the chocolate in microwave safe bowl. Add the melted chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and about 1 1/2 Tbsp. of the cocoa powder to bowl of mashed avocado. Stir well to combine.