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Amazing Avocados
Since ancient times, people have been cultivating avocados in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South
America. Several LocalHarvest farmers in Southern California also grow avocados, and this year's harvest
is in! This is the best time of year to enjoy their great taste and incredible health benefits.
Packed Full of Powerful Nutrients
Avocados have a plethora of nutrients that boost health and well-being:
Potassium - With over 1,200 milligrams per fruit, an avocado contains more than two and a half times
as much potassium as a banana. The FDA states that diets containing foods high in potassium and low in
sodium help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
Lutein - Avocados are a good way to get more lutein in your diet. Lutein is a potent anti-oxidant
that protects the eyes from cataracts and from age-related macular degeneration.
Fiber - With about 10 grams per fruit, avocados are a good source of fiber. Fiber helps lower blood
cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and helps to prevent colon cancer.
Monounsaturated fat - Avocados are a rich source of Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat known to
decrease total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol), and increase HDL (good cholesterol) lending
it cardio-protective properties.
Beta-Sitosterol - Avocados are the number one fruit source for Beta-Sitosterol, a substance that
lowers cholesterol, decreases risks of certain cancers and promotes prostate health.
Avocados also act as a "nutrient booster" by increasing the body's ability to absorb fat soluble
nutrients like alpha and beta carotene, lycopene and lutein. By adding avocado to your salad or salsa,
you can get more of these health promoting carotenoids from the vegetables in your diet.
And it is so simple to add them to your meals! Ripe avocados are easily mixed with salsa to make a
guacamole, or added to salads or sandwiches to give them a rich and creamy flavor.
To start gleaning the health benefits of avocados, you can order yours from LocalHarvest:
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