Surprising health benefits of eating avocados, top US doc explains

The adage, ‘You are what you eat,’ is more true than ever. The food you eat has a major impact on your health. In fact, eating the right food can keep several diseases at bay. One such fruit is . This creamy green fruit, known for its rich texture and versatile flavour profile, is a nutritional powerhouse. They have some surprising health benefits. Dr. Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist, explains the benefits of eating avocados. Take a look.

Fiber-rich

Native to Mexico and Central America, avocados are an excellent source of dietary fiber. “They contain a surprising amount of fiber. One medium avocado can give you up to 10 grams of fiber, and larger ones can give you up to 14 grams of fiber,” Dr. Salhab said in a video shared on Instagram.

“And since you need about 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day, this one food can give you about a third to a half of your daily required amount. People who eat more fiber tend to live longer and have a lower risk of chronic disease,” he explained.

Best for the gut

The fiber content in the avocados keeps the gut healthy and happy. Eating avocados regularly will improve your gut microbiome. “People who eat more avocados tend to have a greater gut microbiome diversity,” the doctor said. “Gut bacteria are linked to so many different processes in the body, and they produce beneficial metabolites for your body. So the greater the diversity, the better. Essentially a natural probiotic,” he added.

A study published in 2020 showed that people who consumed 175 grams (men) or 140 grams (women) of avocado daily for 12 weeks had lower fecal bile acid concentrations and increased bacterial diversity.

Slashes cancer risk

Yes, that’s right. Eating avocados can reduce your risk of cancer. Consumption of avocados is linked with a reduced risk of cancer. “It may actually decrease the risk of colon cancer in men.” Though the exact mechanisms behind this are still being studied, the combination of fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants in avocados has a protective effect and reduces the risk of cancer. A 2023 study has found that eating avocados was associated with reduced risk of certain cancers, particularly in men. “The slab of this on some sourdough bread in the morning, add a little bit of lime, and you've got the perfect nutritious filling breakfast,” the doctor said.



Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.

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