4 Reasons Why You Should Eat More Avocados
Did you know that avocados are a superfood? They’re filled with nutrients, fiber and healthy fats which are all things that our bodies need to feel the best it can. According to GoodNet, there are many reasons to start eating this versatile fruit.
Lots Of Nutrients
Avocados have a lot of very important nutrients including vitamins C, K, E, B2, B5, and B3 folate. They also have minerals like potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Avocados also contain protein and healthy fats which practically make them a perfect food. Even just half of an avocado each day can help to boost your immune system.
Powerful Antioxidants
Avocados are filled with bioactive compounds including carotenoids. Carotenoids have antioxidant, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective properties. A diet that’s rich in antioxidants (like the ones in avocados) can improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and can improve heart health.
Gut Healthy
Avocados contain a large amount of fiber, which helps feed and fuel the healthy microbes in your gut. Just one avocado has 13.5 grams of fiber, that’s half of the daily recommended amount!
Heart Healthy
Heart disease is currently a leading cause of death in the US. Eating avocados can help to reduce this risk. They can do this because they are filled with almost everything needed food wise for cardiovascular health including: healthy fats, potassium, antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and folate. A study done in 2022 found that eating avocados lead to a 16-22 percent decrease in heart diseases.
Foods You Should Probably Skip Air Frying
Large Bone-In Meat
We’re not talking about chicken wings here, we’re talking about large whole chickens. You’re better off sticking to an oven when it comes to cooking them. If you’re wondering why, chicken must be cooked to a specific temperature internally before being consumed. According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, air frying this food item doesn’t guarantee an even cook. But hey, at least chicken wings are small enough to get an even crisp. Just make sure you line the air fryer basket first if it’s raw meat.
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Wet Batters
An air fryer is not a deep fryer. So, if you’re looking to toss battered fries, meat cutlets, or battered veggies, think again. There’s a big chance the batter will drip down the base of the machine, causing a big mess and major cleanup after. Bad enough, some people didn’t know you even had to clean an air fryer regularly. No really, someone on Reddit shared that they didn’t wash their air fryer basket after each use. “I don’t think I’ve ever washed it lol. I’ve had it for 8 months and decided to finally wash it today,” they wrote. They continued to say how there was a bunch of “solidified juices” and “fat/ grease” from steak and chicken.
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Cheesy Foods
It’s possible to make your favorite cheesy snacks in an air fryer. But it can get messy. AllRecipes cautions against air frying cheese. This isn’t because of health reasons but for cleanup purposes. They point out that cheese melts fast. The outlet suggests sticking to foods that effectively hold the cheese in place. Maybe, just stick to frozen cheeses like mozzarella sticks.
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Leafy or Chard Greens
Sure you can go ahead and put those Brussels sprouts or broccoli in the air fryer. But skip putting spinach, collard, or chard leaves in. If you haven’t tried it already, light leaves might move and shift around during the cooking process. You may also come across a fairly dry vegetable if you don’t put a little oil with it. And, of course, you don’t want to forget the seasonings.
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Popcorn
Some people have tried it but you probably shouldn’t. Most air fryer models won’t reach the required temperature to pop the kernels. According to Jolly Time Pop Corn, the best popping temperature is between 400 and 460 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, popcorn kernels can become lodged within the air fryer’s heating element, which can potentially cause it to short.
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Pasta, Quinoa, Rice, Grains
Some grains like bread can be cooked in an air fryer. However, it can get a little tricky with lighter breads like toast and English muffins due to the air making them fly around. But anything like pasta, quinoa, and rice doesn’t do too well. Raw grains need to absorb water to cook. But there is some good news. If you have rice that’s already cooked, just add a little oil to reat in the air fryer.
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