Are Avocados Bad For You?
Also Known As: alligator pear
Short answer
Avocados are good for you as they provide a range of nutrients that benefit your body in many ways.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Avocados may have gotten a bit of a bad rap due to their high fat and calorie content, but rest assured they are not bad for you in the slightest. In fact, the opposite is true for these wonder fruit-- avocados are chock full of many vitamins and nutrients that are vital for good health.
Among a variety of other nutrients, avocados are rich in vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, and potassium. Vitamin K helps maintain good bone health and skeletal support. It strengthens your bones so there is a reduced risk of fractures and breaks, and helps prevent osteoporosis. Folate is especially important for pregnant women, as it vastly reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in their unborn children. Avocados also provide a good amount of vitamin C, which strengthens your immune system and in doing so protects against illness, infections, and inflammatory diseases. Finally, potassium is necessary for heart function and for managing blood pressure. In addition to all of this, avocados also help your body absorb the nutrients from other foods. It is, therefore, a good idea to include avocado in things like salads or sandwiches so you can get the full benefit of everything you're eating.
As for the high fat and calorie claim, avocados are high in monounsaturated fat, a "good" fat that has protective qualities for your heart. Good fats also insulate your organs so there is less of a strain while they are working their magic. The high calorie count is offset by the fact that avocados will make you feel full for longer, so you won't go snacking until a while after that guacamole. This is due to their high fiber content, which actually aids in weight loss for this very reason. It is always important to keep in mind that your body needs both calories and good fat to function optimally and to keep your energy levels up, and there is no better way to get both than from a nice, ripe avocado.
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- strengthens immune system
- manages blood sugar
- promotes regularity
- reduces the symptoms of arthritis
- reduces blood pressure
- maintains good bone health
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Written by Lindsay
Published on: 02-06-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 02-06-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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