8 Research-Backed Health Benefits Of Avocado

Glass bowl with some avocados. One is cut in half.
Packed with benefits

Avocado is a well-known and delicious fruit. The rich, creamy texture of avocado is enjoyed all around the world.

It could be in guacamole, on a sandwich, or perhaps as a smoothie.

But avocados are not just tasty, the health benefits of avocados are numerous.

Avocados are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can protect you against heart disease, cancer and even lower the risk of depression.

Avocados Are Very Nutritious

Avocados contain nearly 20 different vitamins and minerals.

Avocados do not contain any cholesterol or sodium. An avocado contains naturally good fat and is a good source of fiber and folate.

Avocados are a great source of vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Contrary to previous popular belief, not all fats are the same, nor are they all classified as bad. Fat is a major source of energy and can help your body absorb nutrients from foods.

1. Avocado Helps Your Body Absorb Nutrients

Research shows that avocado might make it easier for the body to absorb antioxidants from other healthy foods.

One study in particular, from Oxford Academic , published in the Journal Of Nutrition, observed a notable increase in the absorption of carotenoids from vegetable-based foods consumed with avocados.

2. Avocado For Your Eye-Health

Avocado is high in antioxidants. For instance, avocados contain high amounts of carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. They are incredibly important for eye health.

Studies show that lutein and zeaxanthin can be able to reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration , which are common in older adults.

3. Avocado Contains Cancer Preventing Nutrients

Avocado is a widely-consumed fruit containing cancer-preventing nutrients, vitamins, and phytochemicals.

Studies have shown that phytochemicals extracted from the avocado fruit selectively induce cell cycle arrest, inhibit growth, and induce apoptosis in precancerous and cancer cell lines.

One result of this is that phytochemicals from the avocado fruit can be utilized for making active chemoprotective ingredients for lowering the side effect of chemotherapy .

4. Eating Avocado Can Regulate Your Blood Pressure

Avocados are full of potassium, something our bodies need but might have a hard time getting in adequate amounts. Potassium is known to help reduce blood pressure.

Avocado provides more potassium and magnesium than a lot of other fruits, even more than bananas.

Studies have shown that having a high potassium intake correlates to reduced blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.

5. Avocado Can Help Treat Depression Disorders

Depression is one of the most common types of mental illnesses worldwide.

Depression is a multifactorial disorder. Both genetic and environmental factors, such as diet, are thought to play crucial roles in its etiology and treatment.

Avocados contain dietary fats that could help with treating depressions.

Diets that lack essential nutrients have adverse consequences on overall brain function and, consequently, mental health.

According to some studies, there is encouraging evidence to suggest that changing and supplementing dietary fat intake , like the fat you find in avocado, could help improve the efficacy of antidepressant treatments.

6. Avocado For Weight Loss

Avocado may aid weight loss by keeping you full longer and making you eat fewer calories.

A study made on 31 participants showed that eating avocado for lunch can make you stay saturated longer. The participants who ate half a fresh avocado with lunch reported a 40% decreased desire to eat for hours afterward.

Avocado is also high in fiber and low in carbs, which may promote weight loss.

More information about avocado and weight loss can you find in Is Avocado Good For Weight Loss?

7. Avocado Promotes Healthy Skin And Hair

Avocados contain lots of skin-friendly fats and the antioxidant Vitamin C: How To Use It For Your Benefitvitamin Cvitamin E.

Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of collagen, which is necessary for keeping your skin looking healthy over the years.

But you don’t have to eat the avocado to reap the skin and hair rewards avocado can give you. Because avocado oil is a great moisturizer. You can apply it directly to your skin or in your hair. More information about what avocado oil can do for your skin and hair read What Is Avocado Oil Good For?

8. Eating Avocado Make You Overall Healthier

A study, made over a seven-year period where the researchers monitored the dietary habits and health of its participants. The results from the study were highly interesting.

The studied participants who ate avocado regularly, were found to be much healthier than those who didn’t.

They wrote in their conclusion Avocado consumption is associated with improved overall diet quality, nutrient intake, and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome.

Dietitians should be aware of the beneficial associations between avocado intake, diet, and health when making dietary recommendations.

Conclusion: Avocados Are Jam Packed With Health Benefits

Avocados are full of useful nutrients that your body needs.

There are proven health benefits of this fruit.

Avocados might be able to help you with lowering your cholesterol, preventing cancer, regulating your blood pressure, and even lower depression.

Avocado has become an incredibly popular food among health-conscious people. They are often referred to as a superfood.

It is because of its content of a wide variety of nutrients and its amazing health benefits.

Avocado contains naturally good fats. Fat is essential for every cell in your body.

The beneficial fats in avocado will also help you feel full and satiated.

Avocados may even help you lose weight.

I suggest you add avocado to your already varied diet. Because it will do you lots of good and dare I say one of the best-tasting fruits in existence!

Simply put, eating avocados makes you healthier. Add them to your diet today!

Sara Niemelä

co-founder Care Omnia, Head Content Creator

Author Image of Sara Niemelä

Nutrition is my passion. I've spent thousands upon thousands of hours reading, analyzing, categorizing and comparing research studies.

I’m a wife and a mother of three. I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, and spending time with my family.