Avocados are like nature’s little gift packed with vitamins, minerals, and hidden benefits to people with diabetes.
Here are 8 reasons why you should eat a whole avocado a day.
#1 They Combat Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is defined as a clustering of certain symptoms that are a result of a faulty metabolism. High cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and even high body mass index (aka weight) are all symptoms of metabolic syndrome. People with metabolic syndrome are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes.
That’s why I’m pleased to say that a roundup of recent studies has demonstrated that avocados can combat all of these things and, in effect, lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.
#2 They Are Loaded With Fiber
Fiber is a good thing for the health conscious as they keep things moving regularly in the bathroom department. This is particularly good for diabetics because it slows the absorption of carbohydrates, which helps maintain steady blood glucose levels.
#3 They Lower Bad Cholesterol
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association split overweight people into three groups, each with a different cholesterol-reducing diet as a form of treatment. The group that was instructed to eat one whole Haas avocado per day showed the greatest improvements in the whole experiment.
The results were so impressive that the authors of the study posit that an avocado a day could reduce your overall risk for heart disease!
#4 They Slow Weight Gain
Diabetes Care published a study that showed avocados can downregulate the expression of certain fat genes and prevent fat distribution around the belly. As we know, a high body mass index is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes so when you find food that can prevent this, load up!
#5 They Protect Against Macular Degeneration
Avocados are rich in antioxidant phytochemicals, which protects against many different types of diseases, including macular degeneration and cataracts. Eyesight is greatly affected by diabetes as volatile blood glucose over the years damages the different layers of the eye. By filling your diet with these phytochemicals, you are ensuring that your eyes have a chance to fight back!
#6 They Lower the Risk of Diabetes
Avocados are packed with vitamin K (among many others) which are particularly helpful in regulating metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Diabetes Care reported that people who had sufficient vitamin K in their diets had a 19% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the course of a 10-year study. One avocado provides 66% of your daily requirement of vitamin K.
#7 They Are a Great Source of Monounsaturated Fats
Monounsaturated fats reverse insulin resistance and regulate blood sugar levels, making avocados a great supplement for diabetics.
#8 They’re Delicious
Lastly, just in case you didn’t already know, avocados are delicious and can be the perfect garnish to any savory meal. They can even be used in sweet dishes, as well! Chocolate avocado mousse anyone?
Don’t be afraid to indulge in this fatty fruit now that you know just how good they are for diabetics!
[expand title=”References“]
Science Daily. URL Link. Accessed April 10, 2017.
Journal of American Heart Association. URL Link. Accessed April 10, 2017.
Diabetes Care. URL Link. Accessed April 10, 2017.
Dr. Axe. URL Link. Accessed April 10, 2017.
Huffington Post. URL Link. Accessed April 10, 2017.
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