Today we celebrate Avocado Day. National Today states that avocados have been gathered and eaten since 8000 B.C. in Central Mexico. About 3000 B.C., people started growing trees so they could harvest avocados. In 1696, they were referred to as “alligator pears” – which I can see. They look kind of like alligator skin on the outside and are shaped a bit like a pear. By the 1950’s they started being sold regularly in the United States. So, are avocados keto friendly? Other than bacon and coconut, avocados may be the most recognizable keto-friendly food there is.
The Nutrition Makes Avocados Keto Friendly
1 cup of sliced avocados has 234 calories, 21 grams of fat, 2 grams of net carbs, and 3 grams of protein. That’s pretty much perfect for a keto diet. They actually have about 12 grams of carbs in the cupful, but there is 10 grams of fiber. When you take away the fiber for the net carbs calculation, you get 2 net grams of carbs. If you want more information on the difference between total carbs and net carbs, you can check out our workbook.
The Benefits that make Avocados Keto Friendly
Medical News Today has an article that outlines the many benefits that comes from eating avocados. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help protect your eyes from damage, and may even help prevent certain cancers. The healthy fats help your skin health and supports your immune system. They also help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels, which is good for your heart health.
Avocados contain vitamin K, which is good for bone health. They also contain folate. For any woman who has been pregnant, you know that folate is a big deal. Avocados can help you maintain these levels. Folate has also been shown in some research to help reduce the risk of depression. Finally, avocados contain tons of fiber, which I mentioned earlier. Fiber helps with your digestion and keeps your gut healthy.
Any Risks with Eating Avocados?
So that’s a lot of benefits. One risk that is mentioned in the article I mentioned above is that vitamin K can impact blood thinners. So, I wouldn’t eat a ton of avocados all at once if you are on certain blood thinners.
The article also mentions that the avocado is high in fat, which can make you feel fuller, longer. It may also make you gain weight. If you are on keto, this is not a concern. People who burn carbs as energy have to be a bit cautious of the fats they consume. We burn fat as energy, so we should not gain from eating fats. Avocados are especially healthy fats, so eat away.
The only other risk I’ve found with eating avocados is finding one that is ripe enough when I get it and not over-ripe when it’s time to eat it. This balancing act can be quite a feat in itself. If you have any tips and tricks, please let me know! Hey, maybe that will be another blog…
Wendy
