Celebrate Heart Health Month with Some Delicious Avocados

Half an avocado a day keeps the cardiologist away. 

Botanically speaking, avocados are considered to be a fruit, simply because they grow on trees like citrus, apples, stone fruit, and bananas. However, unlike all other fruits, they are unique because they are a major source of healthy, or monounsaturated, fat. Due to their healthy fat content, avocados can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, therefore reducing the risk of heart disease. 

Avocados are also rich in potassium, which is an important mineral that helps trigger your heart to squeeze blood through the body with every beat. Getting at least 4.7 grams of potassium daily can also decrease blood pressure and lower risk of stroke by 15%. Additionally, avocados contain fiber, which is important for lowering both total and LDL cholesterol. 

Half of an avocado (75 grams) contains 380 mg of potassium, 8.5 grams of healthy fats, and 5 grams of dietary fiber. Keep in mind that avocados are high in calories, so portions are key when including them in an overall healthy diet. Half an avocado provides 130 calories, while an entire avocado provides 250 calories. 

Aside from eating them right out of their skin, there are so many other ways to enjoy avocados. Mash them up into some delicious guacamole, spread them onto sandwiches in place of butter or mayonnaise, cut them up into salads or ceviche, or get creative with make-your-own avocado toast. 

However you enjoy them, help Celebrate Heart Health Month this February with some delicious and creamy avocados.