Nutritional Benefits of Avocados

Mark Dreher, PhD

Mark Dreher, PhD - Nutritional Benefits of Avocados

Mark Dreher, PhD, leverages his education and background in agricultural biochemistry and nutrition to operate as president and chief scientific officer of Nutrition Science Solutions, LLC, in Texas. For more than three decades, Mark Dreher, PhD, has conducted strategic research on the nutritional benefits of certain foods, with experience specifically related to the health value of nuts and avocados.

Mark Dreher, PhD - Nutritional Benefits of Avocados

Nutritional research on avocados reveals a number of health benefits.

1. Avocados have nearly 20 essential nutrients, including B vitamins, fiber, folic acid, vitamin E, and potassium. Additionally, 70% of the avocado fatty acids is monounsaturated fat, which is the healthy fat characteristic of the Mediterranean Diet. Also, a one ounce serving contains 4% of the daily value for potassium and is sodium free.

Mark Dreher, PhD - Nutritional Benefits of Avocados

2. Researchers have discovered that the healthy fat found in avocados allows the body to absorb fat soluble nutrients such as vitamin A and E, and promotes better absorption of fat soluble carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein that can help protect the body.

Mark Dreher, PhD - Nutritional Benefits of Avocados

3. Clinical studies have shown that moderate fat diets with monounsaturated fats from avocados can help to optimize blood cholesterol levels by lowering the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)(bad cholesterol) in the bloodstream while maintaining a higher quantity of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (good cholesterol)compared to low fat diets. Also, avocado's are only 1.7 kcal/g or 50 kcals per serving.