Avocados are a source of vitamins C, E, K, and B6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Avocados have a very high fat content, but they are also very high in omega 3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid. This is considered “good” unsaturated fat and accounts for about three-quarters of the calories in an avocado.
Avocados are not considered a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, containing no EPA or DHA and even less ALA (162g on average) than salmon.
Eating an avocado a day is good for your health. Avocado consumption has skyrocketed in the last two decades, from an average annual consumption of 1.5 pounds per person in 1998, to 7.5 pounds in 2017.
You first have to look at what your goals are for your weight, gut health, overall healthy diet — and your body type, activity level and genes, Cucuzza says. “Usually, I would recommend that ½ to one avocado a day is reasonable,” she says.
Eggs are mother nature's incredible and edible source of Omega-3 fatty acids, providing on average, 180mg per serve (2 eggs). Of this amount, 114mg is the long-chain type of omega-3 fatty acid – which represents between 71-127% of the desired intake for adults.
Mangoes. This summer delight has a very balanced Omega 3 vs Omega 6 fatty acids ratio. Not simply this, they're loaded with protein and important nutrients and minerals. You can incorporate mangoes as a great source of omega 3 fatty acids in several ways.
Both olive oil and avocado oil are considered good fats and are an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help improve heart health. On the other hand, olive oil is slightly more nutritious on the whole because it contains more potassium, calcium, iron and vitamins.
Omega 6 and Omega 3 in extra virgin olive oil play a key role for the good functioning of human bodies. EVOO in fact contains essential linolenic (Omega 3) and linoleic (Omega 6) fatty acids in a good Omega 6: Omega 3 ratio, that is 8:1.
However, bananas do contain a small amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a type of omega 3 fatty acid. ALA is a precursor to other omega 3 fatty acids, but the conversion rate in our bodies is relatively low. Therefore, while bananas do contain ALA, they are not a reliable source of omega 3.
Seaweed, nori, spirulina, and chlorella are different forms of algae that many people eat for their health benefits. Algae and seaweed are important sources of omega-3 for people on a vegetarian or vegan diet because they are one of the few plant foods containing both DHA and EPA.
Tomatoes Enhance Brain Power
Your brain, given the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, is particularly vulnerable to damage by free radicals. Tomatoes, being rich in lycopene and beta-carotene and other antioxidants, can help combat this.
One avocado contains approximately 9.2 grams of fiber. A diet high in fiber supports healthy digestion by keeping things regular. Avocados also stimulate the healthy functioning of your digestive organs, including your pancreas, gallbladder, liver and intestinal tract according to Dr. Ben Kim.
Blueberries. Blueberries are low in calories, and packed with nutrients and antioxidants. They provide 437 mg of omega-3 per serving and have up to 9.2 millimoles per litre (mmol) of antioxidants per 100 grams.
Kale, spinach, and watercress are among the most nutrient-dense vegetables that are also high in omega-3s.
Peanut butter is high in omega-6 fats and low on omega-3 fats, so that can cause an imbalanced ratio, especially if its consumed in excess.
“There's actually a good amount of cheeses that have omega-3 fatty acids,” says Supan.
Fortified foods such as pasta, soy milk, oatmeal, cereal, and margarine can each have between 250 and 400 milligrams of added omega-3s per serving, depending on the brands you choose.
Canned tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA. As you can see in the chart above, it's an even better source than fresh tuna. A diet rich in omega-3s is associated with an overall lower risk of heart disease, lower inflammation levels, and lower blood triglycerides.
Excess intake of avocados may also cause constipation due to its high fiber content. On the other hand, the fruit is high in water too. Consuming the fruit in excess may make it difficult for your body to absorb all the water properly, potentially leading to diarrhea.
We don't suggest going on a guacamole only diet (although that does sound delicious), but if you're looking to burn belly fat, incorporating an avocado into your meals may do your waistline some good. Avocados are also packed with monounsaturated fats which increase fat burning and help scorch calories after eating.
Avocados are a perfect example, and one of our favorite superfoods. Not only are they incredibly nutrient dense, but they're also a creamy, tasty compliment to so many of our menu items. Here are four impressive reasons avocados are one superfood that should be on your plate as often as possible.