Avocados – a Natural Appetite Suppressant

Do you shy away from avocados? Although it is true that avocados are high in calories and fat compared to other fruits, consuming these creamy green fruits in moderation can offer great benefits to people who want to lose weight by suppressing appetite.

Recent research suggests that oleic acid found in avocados (and a few other foods) could help naturally curb appetite and thus contribute to weight loss. A group of scientists from Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University in New York found that oleic acid was converted into OEA (oleoylethanolamide) in the small intestines of mice. OEA, which is a type of lipid hormone, activates a brain area that increases the feeling of satiety and fullness. Only unsaturated fats containing oleic acid are believed to control appetite in this way. The findings of this study were published in the October 2008 edition of the journal "Cell Metabolism".

In addition to avocados, oleic acid is found in significant amounts in olive oil and grapeseed oil.

Now, before you rush to incorporate avocado into your diet, keep in mind that avocados are energy-dense compared to other vegetables and fruit. Half an avocado, for example, provides around 160 calories. Avocado oil is even more energy-dense, with just two tablespoons providing a whopping 248 calories! If you're trying to lose body weight, you want to keep your total caloric intake in check as excess calories – even if they are from healthy food sources such as avocados – can sabotage your weight loss efforts. For more information about healthy weight loss, check out our Healthy Diet Tips for Overweight People.

Healthy recipes that feature avocados: