How many Calories are there in an Avocado?

Avocados are something that can be enjoyed in a number of ways. They can be a part of salads, smoothies and even cakes for that matter. Their diverse uses make them all the more popular.

Those who love avocado are always interested in knowing the nutritional facts about it and whether or not does the fruit has calories.

Calories in an Avocado 

Gone are the days when avocados were only limited to guacamole. Now, this fruit has found its way to the home and taste buds of every American and also people across the globe. Avocados are generally regarded to be a healthy food option, but an astonishing fact about them is that they do contain calories and fat. These pear shaped fruits have leathery skin and a single large seed which is called the stone. 

The most common variety of avocado found in the USA is the Hass avocado, and it is the most cultivated one in the world. The avocados as they ripen turn from dark green to black. Though they generally vary in size, most of the avocados in grocery stores are medium-sized. The amount that is used in serving is generally around one-fifth of a medium-sized avocado.

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Now, one serving of an avocado is equal to one-fifth of an avocado which has 50 calories and around 4.5 grams total fat. Similarly half of a medium avocado will have 130 calories, and 12 grams total fat. If you eat one complete avocado, then you will get 250 calories and 23 grams total fat.

The Great Thing About Avocados 

Don’t let the information above scare you as avocados are extremely healthy and the fat that they contain is essential for the body but this is not the only thing that the fruit item contains. Avocados are rich in essential nutrients which include potassium, B-vitamins and folic acid. They also function as a nutrient booster, when eaten with other food stuff, they help the body to absorb cancer-fighting nutrients, one being carotenoids,w which is found in spinach and carrots. If you eat avocados, your cholesterol level will lower and being a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid, they help fight and protect against breast cancer.

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Is There A Thing As Healthy Fat?

So, yes avocados that you so dearly love are high in nutrients but also contain a good amount of fat. Does this make them not a very good food choice? Avocados are high in fat but it is not the saturated fat that is commonly found in dairy products, red meat, and other junk food. The AHA ( American Heart Association) recommends that you limit saturated fat in order to have a healthy heart.

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Though later a meta analysis was done in the year, 2011 found that it was not saturated fat per se but the trans fat that was the major culprit. This fat is found mostly in processed food and partially hydrogenated oils. Avocados though contain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) which reduce the amount of total cholesterol and also the bad cholesterol (LDL), they, in turn, increase the good cholesterol (HDL).

What is your take on this versatile food item? Do share your feedback using the comment box below. 

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