Is Guacamole Bad For You?
Also Known As: guac
Short answer
Other than possible weight gain from eating too many avocados, guacamole is fantastic for your health.
Recommended Alternative
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
Guacamole is a popular dip made from avocados, garlic, onion, jalapeños, salt and pepper, lime juice, cilantro, and sometimes tomatoes. The main ingredient in guacamole is avocado – and as such is where the dish gets most of its nutrients. The only downside to avocados is that they are high in calories – one fruit contains well over 200. Also, if you have any allergies or are hypersensitive to latex, you will want to avoid eating anything containing avocado.
From the avocado present in guacamole, you get approximately ¼ of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin K. Vitamin K helps prevent blood clotting and is crucial in maintaining a regular heartbeat. Also found in significant quantities in avocados are Vitamin E (fights against free radicals that cause cancer and heart disease), vitamin C (strengthens the immune system), and niacin (vital for the digestive system). Capsaicin from the jalapeños is known to protect against cancer. Anticarcinogenic agents are also found in the garlic. Garlic and onion both work as detoxifiers and can help rid the body of unwanted toxins. Lastly, tomatoes contain lycopene, which has been shown to help prevent prostate cancer and lime disease.
It may look decadent and get a bad rap, but the truth is – guacamole is one of the healthiest options out there, especially when compared to all of the other available dips. The only real worry (other than if you are allergic to some of the ingredients) would be eating too much and packing on some unwanted pounds.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- detoxifies the body
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decreases risk of cancer
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decreased risk of heart disease
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aids digestion
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improves immune system
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promotes regular heartbeat
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helps prevent blood clotting
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reduces risk of lime disease
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source of essential nutrients
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Wholly Guacamole Minis
- Conveniently packaged
- Classic guacamole flavor
- Portion-controlled size
- No preservatives
Learn More!
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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