If you are an athlete, both elite and amateur, you will know that our body requires certain nutrients to compensate for consumption during exercise. And for this there are several recommended foods, such as banana or nuts.
These are just a few examples of the many there are. But if there is any fruit that stands out above the rest, that is the avocado.
It is a fruit with a high caloric intake. It is something that has given him a bad press that he does not deserve at all. And it is that the avocado contains infinity of essential nutrients for our cardiovascular health.
What nutrients does avocado contribute to our diet?
We talk about potassium, magnesium, fiber, lutein / zeaxanthin, phytosterols and vitamins A, E, K, C, B-6, among many others.
Also say that even though avocado is a fatty fruit, its fatty acids help promote a healthy lipid profile. Therefore, it could be said that avocado contributes to maintaining cardiovascular health and keeping control of our weight.
As an athlete that you are, you have surely eaten a lot of nuts in your life. Well, what do you know that avocado has a nutrient and phytochemical profile very similar to that of almonds, walnuts or pistachios.
And what would you think if we told you that avocado provides more than half the calories of these other fruits? Without a doubt, a highly recommended food for those who practice constant physical exercise.
Especially among men. And there is a series of foods that contain all the necessary nutrients to improve men’s health at all levels. This is the case of invigorating ones, which are good foods for men .
Benefits of avocado consumption in athletes
- Weight control: Although it may not seem like it, avocado helps to control our weight. It is true that its caloric density is 1.7kcal / g, but it contains fiber and a fat matrix that increases satiety. In fact, diets rich in monounsaturated fatty acids help reduce the appearance of abdominal fat.
- Fight osteoarthritis: As you well know, joint problems are very common among athletes. It is due to deterioration due to oxidative stress and inflammation. And the lutein and zeaxanthin contained in avocados are related to the better preservation of cartilaginous tissues.
- Powerful antioxidant: As we say, avocado is one of the fruits with the highest antioxidant properties. And it is that lutein and zeaxanthin –which are its main carotenoids– decrease oxidized LDL values, one of the main indicators of vascular damage.
- Eye health: Another of the great properties of avocado is that it contributes to better health of our eyes. Many studies show that diets rich in monounsaturated acids protect against age-related eye dysfunction.
- Skin health: In addition, lutein and zeaxanthin will protect our skin from the damage caused by the UV rays of the sun.
Therefore, it could be said that avocado is the perfect complement for any athlete. And it is that it helps to improve the lipid profile and blood pressure, among other benefits. And since it is a food with a high caloric intake, it will not be difficult for an athlete to incorporate it into their diet.
