Avocado Has Tons Of Benefits — But How Much Of It Should You Eat A Day?

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1.

They support heart health.

"Avocados contain a phytonutrient called beta-sitosterol that has been shown to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels1," says Alyssa Wilson, RDN, a metabolic success coach for Signos.

Beta-sitosterol is a phytosterol that is similar in structure to cholesterol and leads to lower levels of cholesterol in the body via the hepatobiliary system (through excretion).

Avocados contain wonderfully healthy fats: monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Both MUFAs and PUFAs work to lower LDL levels (bad cholesterol)2 in the blood.

2.

They promote a healthy gut.

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3.

They moisturize and nourish the skin.

Munnelly says that most fruits contain high amounts of sugar that are then quickly digested by the body. Avocados are different, however, and instead contain high levels of oleic acid, the same fatty acid found in avocado oil and olive oil. Oleic acid has several health benefits, but a big one is related to skin health.

The skin is a metabolically active organ, meaning it can use fatty acids like oleic acid3 in order to lock in moisture.

4.

They can help lower inflammation in the body.

"Avocados are packed with anti-inflammatory compounds like carotenoids, vitamins C and E, and phenolic compounds," says Wilson. "All of these substances have been shown to protect against oxidative damage and chronic disease while improving cognitive function."

Oleic acid plays a role here, too, says Munnelly. Previous research has found that diets high in oleic acid have a positive impact against inflammatory-related diseases4 and activate the pathways of certain immune-boosting cells.

Avocados are also a great source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. ALAs have been shown to lessen inflammatory damage for those with colitis5, and have neuroprotective effects6.

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5.

They can help you maintain a healthy weight.

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6.

Strengthens eye health.

Perhaps this is an unexpected benefit of avocados, but Wilson says they are rich in two carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin. "These two phytochemicals are found in eye tissue and help protect against eye damage8, like that from UV light," she says.

The carotenoids in avocados are especially important because they have a built-in absorption benefit—intrinsic fats in the fruit help enhance the bioavailability and absorption of these fat-soluble carotenoids.

One reason to love avocados is that they're super versatile: You can eat your avo in guacamole, smother it on a slice of toast, add it to your smoothie for extra creaminess, or add it as a garnish to an omelet, salad, or chili. Research has even found that eating avocado alongside other whole plant foods helps increase the body's absorption of phytonutrients such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, adds Munnelly.

As a general rule of thumb, Munnelly recommends sticking to one-half an avocado as the standard serving size with your meal or as a snack. Avocados are particularly beneficial if you follow a ketogenic diet or Mediterranean diet pattern due to their nutrient composition of healthy fats.

Avocados grow best in the warm, humid conditions of South and Central America. This means that in the U.S., "avocados often need to be shipped long distances to reach the supermarket," says Munnelly. "We know that transportation is a significant contributor to climate change gas emissions11. When possible, try to purchase avocados that are grown as close to you as possible."

Not to mention, according to a water footprint calculator, it takes 60 gallons of water to grow just one avo.

To help reduce the environmental impact of the fruit, Wilson also recommends buying avocados that are labeled Fair Trade and/or organic. When you're done enjoying your avo, the leftover pits can even be used to dye your clothes a wonderful shade of pink!

It's always a bummer to reach for an avocado and find that it's still not quite ripe.

A hard, green avocado typically needs four to seven days to ripen. However, there are a few tricks you can use to speed up this process. For instance, Munnelly recommends wrapping your avocados in tin foil and placing them in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

Or, if you have a few days, Munnelly and Wilson say to stick the avocado in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. These fruits produce ethylene gas12, which speeds up the ripening process.

"To store cut avocado and prevent it from getting brown and mushy, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on it and place it in an airtight container," says Munnelly. "Cold water will also work if you don't have lemon juice on hand. It helps if you don't remove the pit before storage." Here are more hacks to keep your avocados fresh.