Health Benefits Of Avocado

You've experienced avocado in guacamole, on toast, and maybe even in avocado chocolate pudding. But do you know the health benefits of avocado?

Click here for the 6 New Ways to Use Avocado slideshow.

The health benefits of avocado have been associated with lowering the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and overall mortality, according to Medical News Today. Avocados are high in fat and in calories, but they contain beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol that can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Stop using milk as your only tool for building strong bones. The health benefits of avocado include vitamin K, which can improve bone health by increasing calcium absorption. A quarter of an avocado provides about 25 percent of the daily-recommended intake for vitamin K.

Fruits and vegetables are shown to improve digestion, due to their high levels of fiber. One of the health benefits of avocado is preventing constipation by promoting a healthy digestive tract. Similar to bananas, avocados are high in potassium, which is known for reducing blood pressure and lowering the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and kidney failure, according to Authority Nutrition.

You can reap all the health benefits of avocado by putting it in your salads and smoothies or pairing it with grilled chicken. 

The accompanying slideshow is provided by special contributor, Yasmin Fahr.