Avocados are not just delicious and versatile, they are also packed with healthy fats, folate, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber (among many other vitamins and minerals). In addition to its nutritional value, an avocado, which is classified as a fruit, reportedly has a number of health benefits, and according to Dr. Axe, can result in better digestive health, create a hormone balance, and improve heart health.

As mentioned above, among the vitamins that avocados contain is vitamin K, which is essential for bone health. And the fiber found in avocado can improve digestion and maintain a healthy digestive tract, as well as encouraging regular bowel movement and regulating the immune system, Medical News Daily reports.

Avos are also filled with protein, and Dr. Axe claims that they have the highest protein and lowest sugar content of any fruit. While the monounsaturated fats in an avocado (which make up the majority of calories) contain oleic acid, which, according to Healthline, has been found to reduce inflammation and have a positive effect on the genes linked to cancer. Dr. Axe also notes another benefit of oleic acid, and how it can improve memory and brain activity, as well as help with carotenoid absorption to aid healthy growth and development.

Avocados contain the plant sterol called beta-sitosterol, which according to Medical News Daily can help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. And Healthline notes that heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world, and cholesterol is one of the markers that put an individual at an increased risk.

Some people are reluctant to add avocados to their diets because one medium-sized fruit is 215 calories but Dr. Axe notes that the official serving is meant to be one-fifth of the whole avocado. And, the benefits seem to justify the high calories.

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