Looking for the diabetes nutrition facts for avocados? Here they are.
If you want to add variety to your type 2 diabetes meal plan without losing a grip on good blood glucose management, the avocado might be just the ticket.
Despite the avocado's reputation as a calorie-laden, high-fat vegetable, it has no cholesterol. The avocado is a source of healthy fats known as omega-3 fatty acids.
A Low-Glycemic, Zero-Cholesterol Food
The avocado will not spike your blood sugar, even though it does have carbohydrates.The glycemic index, which uses a scale from 1 to 100 (higher numbers indicate foods that raise blood sugar higher and faster than foods with lower numbers), rates the avocado with a glycemic index of less than 15. So it is a great addition to a diabetes meal plan.
Avocados are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C, K, E and B6, as well as folate, potassium, lutein and magnesium.
And don't forget the fiber. Avocados are a good source for that, too.
It's a beneficial nutrition choice, whether sliced into a salad or mashed into guacamole. So go ahead. Add some delicious variety to your diabetes meal plan.
Avocado Nutrition Facts
1 whole avocado: 322 calories, 29.5 grams of fat, 17.1 grams of carbs
1/4 of an avocado, sliced: 80 calories, 7.5 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of carbs
1 cup avocado, cubed: 240 calories, 22 grams of fat, 12.8 grams of carbs
Preparing an avocado can be a little tricky.
A Closer Look at the Health Benefits of Avocados
Since elevated cholesterol levels is often associated with type 2 diabetes, avocados are the perfect food. They are free of transfats, cholesterol and sodium and high in cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fats.
A 2-tablespoon serving of avocado is roughly one-sixth of a medium-sized avocado.
Each serving provides 5 grams of fat, 55 calories, and negligible carbohydrates.
Whereas 1 teaspoon of butter packs around the same amount of calories -- but all in saturated fats, so avocado is a good substitute for spreads on breads and sandwiches.