There are many health
benefits of consuming avocados, including reducing risk factors in
cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cancer. Avocados have substantial health benefits due
to their abundance of different amino acids, which essentially means they are a
great source of protein. Although the
protein content is relatively low per 100g, being only 2g of protein, these 2g
contain 18 different amino acids. Avocados are technically a fruit, but the
carbohydrates that they contain are either the easy to digest simple
monosaccharides, or fibre, which is necessary for normal digestive processes. They are also rich in fatty acids, the
majority of which are the unsaturated fats oleic and palmitic. The type of fat they contain are actually
heart-healthy fats, which also provide energy for your brain to function.
Avocados are also
extremely versatile and are a great addition to any child’s diet. Sliced avocado and banana sandwiches, on
wholegrain bread or in wholemeal pitta bread make for a healthy lunch for young
children, and they can be combined with endless other fruits and vegetables to
ensure there is lots of variety. Here’s
just a few simple and easy options, suitable for young and old:
-
Hummus, sliced avocado, sliced tomato and
rocket on wholegrain toast
-
Guacamole
-
Half and avocado baked with an egg
-
Hummus, sliced avocado and cranberries on
oat cakes
-
Avocado, spinach and red pepper in a wrap
-
Spinach, diced avocado, walnut and roast
butternut squash salad with balsamic dressing
-
Toasted slices of sweet potato with
avocado and radishes
-
Potato hash with sliced avocado and tomato
and a tahini dressing
The combinations are only
limited by your imagination!
