The Avocado Nutrition Perk That's Often Ignored

There are plenty of reasons to love the unassuming, yet versatile avocado — which, by the way, is a type of fruit. Hass avocados, the most common type at the market, are low in sugar and relatively high in fiber. You also get four grams of protein per avo, which isn't anything to sneeze at. Not to mention, a seven-ounce fruit contains 30 grams of healthy fats. 

Did you also know that this humble green powerhouse has some health benefits that you might not have realized? An avocado contains over a quarter (28%) of your recommended daily value of vitamin E, a nutrient that you need to keep looking and feeling great. A healthy adult needs 15 milligrams of vitamin E a day, while breastfeeding people might require more. Avocados are a great way to take in your daily dose of vitamin E because they are delicious and easily accessible.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and reduces systemic inflammation. It discourages the growth of cancer in the human body, and gives you natural sun protection and defense against the physical signs of aging. A growing body of research suggests that this vitamin could have positive effects on the progression of Alzheimer's disease and liver disease, although neither of these are proven. 

To take advantage of the health benefits (and deliciousness) of avocados, you can blend them in your smoothies for a creamy, green base, you can slice them on toast, or you can dress them up in a recipe for mango avocado spring rolls. Now that we know how to substitute avocado for butter in baking, we pick some up every time we go to the store! And, if you're wondering how to pick the best avocado at the grocery store, we've got you covered.