Mental Health has been long discussed topic now. We know it’s stigma, facts, myths, symptoms, illness, and treatment, but we don’t know the nutrition. And we don’t care much about it too. But are they important? Yes! Indeed food and nutrition are very important factors to influence your mental health. Foods rich in vitamins and zincs like avocado are vital for anyone’s mental health. There are many great benefits of avocado for mental health.
Avocado? Yes, Avocado. If you are thinking about the benefits of having avocados for mental health, then you need to read this article till the end. Because today we are going to discuss some best lowkey benefits of avocado for mental health!
Benefits of Avocado for Mental Health
Largely known as butter fruit or alligators pears, Avocado is a bright green fruit with a buttery consistency and a nutty flavor. It has greenish and yellowish hard outer skin and a large seed in the middle. And, is mostly eaten in salads and as smoothies. It grows in a warm climate and is very popular among fitness freaks.
According to Statistica, the consumption of avocados in the United States in just 2021 amounted to three billion pounds. This consumption has subsequently increased from 2.7 billion pounds in 2020. Many say this is because of the perks of avocados in your diet. But many are unfamiliar with the fact that Avocados can have a big impact on your mental health. How? We’ll give you some in-depth benefits of including Avocados in your diet for your Mental Health.
Avocado benefits for Mental Health
1. Keeps your blood sugar steady
Studies have shown that greater consumption of sugar triggers imbalances in certain chemicals in your brain which are responsible for creating depressive symptoms in some. Similarly, for some increased sugar has also been linked to mood swings and anxiety. For such cases, Avocados are the best.
Having a moderate amount of avocados on a daily basis helps in maintaining your sugar level. Because they are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, having them aids in avoiding any further complications and sets you in a better mood which maintains your mental health.
2. Improves digestive health
The stomach as well as the intestines are directly impacted by the brain. For instance, before food even enters the stomach, the mere idea of eating can cause the stomach to secrete juices. This relationship is reciprocal.
Just as a disturbed brain can send messages to the gut, a troubled gut can also transmit signals to the brain. As a result, anxiety, worry, or depression can either induce or result in stomach or intestinal trouble in a person.
Avocado acts as a natural detoxifier for our bodies. It contains a good amount of fiber which helps in eliminating waste from the body and getting rid of toxins as well.
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3. Improves mood
Food affects your mood. And mood affects your mental health. Unhealthy eating patterns and unhealthy foods can cause mood swings. Foods like Avocado contain nutrients, fibers, micronutrients, and healthy fats which help you put in a good mood. It boosts your energy level and makes you energized.
To do this you don’t need many avocados. Just one spread over the toast will do the job.
4. Reduces Depression and Anxiety
Much research done in past years in the field of nutrition has concluded that food can greatly contribute to the development, prevention, and management of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Depression and anxiety are known to be also caused due to the deficiency of folate in the human body. Much research done in the 1960s, shows folate deficiency in patients with depression. And, Avocado is a good source of folate. A moderate amount of daily dose of avocado can consequently lead to maintaining folate in your body which will reduce depression and anxiety.
5. Regulates tension and stress
The next benefit of Avocado in our list for mental health is the regulation of tension and stress. Avocados are long known to be stress-releasing fruit. They are rich in Vitamin B6 which is also known to release stress and make us fresh.
Vitamin B6 is responsible for the formation of neurotransmitters in our body called serotonin. And serotonin influences our mood. A deficiency of B vitamins has been reported to cause anxiety in some. So, to reduce such risks Avocados can be of great use.
6. Maintains healthy body weight
Yes! Having a healthy body weight deeply affects our mental health. We live in such a regressive society that people are body shamed for their appearance constantly. This is not good for their mental health as it can leave many negative impacts on one’s mind which directly affects their mental health.
So, if you are also one of those who is having a negative impact of their health on their health or mental health then, daily use of avocado in your breakfast or lunch can be a very effective choice.
Avocado is one of a kind of fruit which have significant benefits in weight loss. It can be said as a home remedy for weight loss. Avocado is high in fiber and other nutrients which promotes weight loss and metabolic health. Similarly, it reduces appetite and risk of high blood pressure as well.
How to make Avocado Tastier in Your Diet?
It is human nature to care about food’s taste before taking care of the food’s benefits. Similarly, Although Avocados are best for your health, not many consume them due to their nutty and earthy flavor.
Just like its Chinese name Niu you Guo which literally means butter fruit, this fruit is creamy, ice-cream-like, and smooth. But how do I add more taste to it in my diet? Here’s how:
1. Season it
If you don’t like having bald avocados, try seasoning them with pinch and pepper. It will definitely taste better.
2. With scrambled eggs
Make your basic scrambled eggs classy by adding Avocados to them. With one egg add half an avocado slice and enjoy it as your breakfast
3. Toast it
This is the most heard way to have avocados. With your butter-like avocado mixture, have toast. Just one spread over your hot toast will give you a bag full of nutrients.
4. In salads
Adding Avocados to your green salads not only makes you healthy but also keeps you fuller for longer. It can be a good lunch option if you are looking for something light but filling dish.
5. In sushi rolls
Sushi is traditional Japanese cuisine which is actually made up of tuna, fish, rice, and seaweed. Adding a small slice of Avocado on top of the roll actually makes it tastier.
6. In smoothies
Late for your work or school? think like you’re gonna miss your breakfast? Don’t worry. Make this healthy easy-to-make avocado smoothie. Just add 1 ripe avocado, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of vanilla greek yogurt, and 4 to 5 cubes of ice. Blend it and have it. Trust me. It tastes like heaven.
Daily Limit of Avocado
Everything and food are harmful when taken in excess.
That’s why it is usually recommended to have 1/2 to 1 or a maximum of 1 and 1/2 avocados per day.
What happens if we have Avocados more than recommended?
Avocados contain substances such as polyols and sorbitol-like carbohydrates. These carbohydrates affect people who have a sensitive stomach.
So, if you also have a sensitive stomach then keep in mind the amount of avocado for your daily intake otherwise, you’ll get some serious issues in your gut.
Summing up
Nevertheless, As the Consumption of avocados significantly affects your physical and mental health even if you don’t like Avocados, it is recommended to have it once a day or thrice a week. Remember our health is in our hands. Even if it’s mental health, health always comes first. So, grab an Avocado, make it tastier by the methods listed above, and share it with your loved ones.
Enjoy eating!!!
Also, read- Best time to drink milk to get maximum benefits
FAQs
Is Avocado Good for the brain?
Avocados contain high quantities of monounsaturated fatty acids which are good for your brain.
What happens if I have recommended amount of avocados daily?
If you have recommended amount of avocados daily, your digesting capacity increases.