How Much is Too Much Avocado? The Answer Will Surprise You!

Not all fat is created equal. We all know that fat from fried food and red meat can lead to weight gain and clogged arteries. But how about fat from healthy sources like avocado? Healthy fats are always portrayed as a superhero, helping your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and giving you long-lasting energy. But, how much is too much avocado?

Avocados are technically a fruit, and they are high in healthy fat, specifically the unsaturated kind.  These days, everyone seems to eat avocados with everything. Subsequently, we feel great about it as a “healthy choice.” Honestly, it’s a little alarming! Just think about how much avocado toast, guacamole, and avocado smoothies are eaten every day.

How Much Fat is in Avocado?

Yes, avocados do contain unsaturated fats that are needed for good health. However, too much of a good thing can also be bad! Why? High-fat foods are also high in calories—and this food is no different!

In fact, a single avocado has 30 grams of fat. In other words, they are higher in fat than a large order of fast-food French fries from McDonald’s. This means when you’re eating these as a healthy addition to your diet you may actually be packing on extra pounds. Avocados still contain saturated fat, too. So aside from weight gain, they can still cause heart disease if eaten in excess.

How Much Saturated Fat Should You Eat a Day?

The American Heart Association recommends that adults only eat 5-6% of their daily calories in saturated fat.  That equals 120 calories in a 2,000-calorie diet. A single avocado contains approximately 30% of that limit.  You are probably eating other foods with saturated fat without knowing it. Add on two or more helpings of guac, and you are most likely going over that limit by a longshot.

Generally, you should only eat about half an avocado a day. Instead of adding them into your diet, try to use them to replace saturated fat. This is going to require a little extra effort. You have to read your food labels!  It’s obvious that some foods have saturated fat, like cheese. But others, such as croutons, are probably not what you would initially think of. Even the fact that avocados have saturated fat may come as a surprise to most of you! So read those labels and do your research.

Saturated fat shouldn’t be completely forbidden, but you should eat them in smaller amounts. Choose low-fat yogurt, leaner cuts of red meat and use less butter.  Of course, when you can you, should always replace them with healthier sources like your avocados, fish, and nuts.