Working from home? Add some avo into your life! Avocados already have a lot of hype. And we get it. They’re delicious, filling, and just so Instagrammable. Plus, alligator pears (yep, that’s another name for the avo) are pretty dang healthy. Whether you prefer your avocado on a piece of toast, mashed into guacamole, blended into your smoothie, or on its own, you’re reaping quite a few health benefits every time you opt for this selection from the produce aisle. 

Why your nutritionist is glad avocados are trending.

Sure, there are quite a few fads that have been less-than-ideal for our health. Take fad diets, for example. Or super tanned skin, for another. But avocados are one of those bandwagons you can climb aboard guilt-free. In fact, your doctor might even help you up onto it. 

That’s because avocados are nutritional powerhouses. They’re high in heart-healthy fats and antioxidants and low in net carbs (most of their carbs are fiber). Plus, they’re rich in:

• Vitamin K
• Folate
• Vitamin C
• Potassium (they have more per serving than bananas)
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin E

In fact, one study showed that people who ate avocados regularly were healthier than people who don’t. The avocado-eating group had a lower risk for heart disease and diabetes and lower BMIs with less belly fat. 

Picking and storing your avocados — and using them before they go bad. 

The only downside about avocados is that they aren’t cheap. Depending on where you live, you could be looking at paying a couple of bucks or more per avo. That’s why it’s a crying shame that avocados all too often seem to sneakily slip from underripe to mushy mess in a matter of moments. 

Fortunately, there’s a quick test you can perform to see if your avocado is ready to eat. Pull at its stem. If the stem doesn’t come off easily, the avocado isn’t ripe yet. If it comes off with a slight tug and the area it reveals is green, your avocado is ripe and ready. 

(If the area where the stem used to be is brown, you’ve missed your window. But this avocado can still be a great addition to smoothies. Just check it for mold first.)

Got a ripe avocado you’re not quite ready to use? Pop it in the fridge to slow down further ripening for at least a few days. 

Be well,