Here's How Healthy Guacamole Really Is
Guacamole is a popular dip that originated in Mexico. Traditionally made from just avocados and sea salt, variations of this recipe often contain lime juice, cilantro, onions, and jalapeños. When made with only whole ingredients, guacamole is a healthy treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. The main ingredient in guacamole is avocado, which boasts a variety of health benefits on its own.
"The fiber and healthy fats found in avocados can improve cholesterol, making guacamole a heart healthy snack or condiment," Kim Murachver, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., C.D.E., certified diabetes educator and owner of Greene Nutrition, told Eating Well. One study suggested that eating one avocado per day can reduce LDL cholesterol (also known as "bad" cholesterol) in five weeks.
Avocados boast an impressive nutrient profile. In addition to fiber and healthy fats, they contain vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorous, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin B3 (via Healthline).
Although avocados are high in fat, you shouldn't avoid them
Some people fear eating avocados because they contain a high amount of fat and calories. However, many experts agree that the health benefits of avocados outweigh their higher calorie number. Avocado is actually one of the best weight-loss foods, according to Eat This, Not That!. They have been shown to decrease belly fat, work as appetite suppressants, improve diet quality, help you absorb more nutrients, and boost your metabolism.
That being said, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. "Like with any foods, it's good to be mindful of portion sizes," Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, author of "Read It Before You Eat It: Taking You from Label to Table" and a spokesperson for the California Avocado Commission (CAC), told Health.
The serving size of an avocado is about ⅓ of a medium-sized fruit. Depending on the rest of your diet and your activity level, eating more than ⅓ of an avocado may be fine. As long as your avocado consumption is part of a well-balanced diet, go ahead and enjoy that guac.