Avocado Nutrition: They're Good For You

I never forget an argument, if I lose it. So you might understand why it bothers me, until today, that I lost an argument years and years ago concerning an avocado. Here is what happened: Imagine a school bus. Envision a slim, cute girl who is ranting about how fatty and disgusting avocados are. Now, in your mind's eye, watch a shorter, bespectacled girl approach and vouch for avocados. Geeky girl insists that avocados are 'good fat'. Dieting girl insists that they are disgusting, and pulls out a few scientific facts to prove that avocados are, indeed, very fatty and bad. Geeky girl shamefacedly turns away, as always in awe of science and unable to think of a good enough defense.

Now I am taller and wear contact lenses. I have also, to my good fortune, discovered the internet, and as a result, I haven't lost a petty argument in years. Sometimes I wish I could rehash that stupid argument, and tell slim snobby girl exactly how wrong she is. Instead, do allow me to inform you all of the many nutritional benefits of avocado, fatty as it may be.

"Avocados, due to their mono and polyunsaturated fat content, are a healthy substitution for foods rich in saturated fat."

Um...yeah. I did learn the difference between all those fats in high school. Darned if I remember now. But sshh, this is exactly what Wikipedia is for...

All right. Mono and polyunsaturated fats are good for you. Here's why:

Unsaturated fats are important for the growth and development of the central nervous system and brain. Ha. You know what? Today there is indeed a marked difference between my intelligence and Snobby Girl's. You know how I can tell? I work for a newspaper distributed worldwide, editing and writing; and she works in a supermarket, ringing up purchases. Mwahaha.

"Avocados contain 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein, which some studies suggest may help maintain healthy eyes."

Yeah, I haven't seen this one work, personally. I probably average about three avocados a month, and I don't have 20/20 vision. Maybe I'm just not eating enough of this buttery, green fruit. Ooh. Do you know what, I should publish a book called 'The Avocado Diet'. Ahh. I've always wanted to write a dieting book. I'd make millions! Moving on...

"The avocado's smooth, creamy consistency makes it one of the first fresh fruits a baby can enjoy."

Now, I've seen that one working firsthand. My sister was fed avocado from when she was a baby, and today it is still one of her favorite foods. Though some of my family members claim that my sister's liking for avocado is built into her body's system, as my mom developed a liking for avocados in her forties, became obsessed with them, and ate an avocado every day while she was pregnant with my sister...

"Fresh avocado on sandwiches and toast or substituted as a spread in place of many other popular foods may help reduce dietary intake of calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol."

Well, yeah. I can see how that's true. An avocado sandwich is probably better for me than slathering butter onto my toast, or dabbing grape jelly onto my crackers.

"Avocados also have 60% more potassium than bananas. They are rich in B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and vitamin K. They have the highest fiber content of any fruit - including 75% insoluble and 25% soluble fiber."

Wow! I had no idea avocados had potassium! This is a big part of why I love to write - when I do research, I end up finding out cool stuff. Anyway, I like bananas too, but next time I want to get a potassium fix, I know I can just grab an avocado if there are no bananas handy. Nice of the vitamins to sneak in there as well. As for the fiber content: I'm sure there are vegetables with more fiber than avocado, but I tend to dislike vegetables... Oh. My. God.

I put a plate of vegetable soup in the microwave to heat up, and forgot all about it.

Right. I'm eating the soup now (broccoli, if you must know), and I've realized something very important: my subconscious, in agreement with my ...um, conscious, really doesn't like vegetables. This is why avocado has fiber in it. So that I should get some fiber occasionally in my vegetable-deprived diet. Although avocado is a fruit, so you see, I win both ways.

Mmm. Avocado. I can nearly taste the smooth fruit on the tip of my tongue...I wonder if we have any in the house. I'm sorry for walking away on you like this, right in the middle of a lovely monologue, but I need to raid the cabinets. I won't leave you alone, though - listen to this nice guy talk. He's got a lot of great tips about avocados, if you're interested!

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Go here for some great avocado and guacamole recipes!

Check out http://www.avocado.org/!