Avocado has become a favourite brunch option in recent years, threatening to overtake the classic English fry-up. But it’s not just our taste buds that love them – avocados are smashing it in terms of health.
Despite their relatively high calorie and fat content, especially when compared with other fruits , a recent study revealed that women who ate avocado every day for 12 weeks lost “visceral” belly fat. Avocado’s heart-friendly quality is probably down to a combo of monounsaturated fats, fibre and compounds called phytosterols, such as beta-sitosterol, which help to block absorption of cholesterol from the intestine.
Valuable for vision Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been linked with a lower risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Diets rich in monounsaturated fats have also been found to protect against age-related eye problems. Nutrient boosters Avocado lovers tend to have better diets overall. One study found they eat more fruit, veg, unsaturated fats, fibre, potassium, magnesium and vitamins E and K than avo-avoiders – and less sugar. The fat in avocados also helps us absorb nutrients like beta-carotene , lycopene and lutein. Adding half an avocado to a salad of lettuce, carrot and spinach means adults can absorb almost 14 times more beta-carotene and four times more lutein.
Hibiscus: Already familiar in teas, this flower is breaking into fruit spreads and yoghurts. It packs a big vitamin C punch and is loaded with antioxidants. The science also points to its benefits for cholesterol and blood pressure levels, while its “powers” as a natural diuretic, removing excess water and sodium from the body, have not gone unnoticed.
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