Avocados have long been known as the “Alligator pear” due to its pear shape with tough, green skin. Despite its high calorie and fat content, avocados are one of the healthiest foods that we can eat. Although just one avocado contains about 731 calories and 30 grams of fat, incorporating small amounts of it into your diet can be extremely beneficial for many reasons.

1. They contain high amounts folate, and potassium. As folate is an essential nutrient most are us are not getting, eating avocados is a way to ensure this important nutrient doesn’t get missed-one avocado has 2/3 of the daily folate value we should be consuming. Avocados are also higher in potassium than bananas are, and will fight high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease.

2. They contain good fats. Avocados are extremely high in monosaturated fats. These fats will improve the healthy fats levels in the body and help control diabetes.

3. Avocados are high in fiber. Most people do not get enough fiber in their daily diet-avocados contain about 10grams of fiber per one avocado.

4. Avocados maximize nutrient absorption from vegetables. Eating a few slices of avocado with a salad promotes the body’s ability to absorb health-promoting carotenoids which provide the body with much needed nutrients.

5. Avocados can actually be used to promote a healthy weight. Despite its high caloric and fat content, this fruit can be helpful in promoting weigh management. This is because its monosaturated fats speed up metabolism, as well as give the person eating it a feeling of fullness quicker and thus, reducing the temptation to eat foods high in sugar or carbohydrates.

A ripe avocado that is ready to eat is slightly soft but with no sunken marks or dents, which could indicate bruising. Try preparing a salad with a few slices, or add some to your favorite sandwich or wrap to maximize health benefits.