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Debunking The Myth Around Avocados And Constipation


Avocados are listed as one of the top fruits to be included in the diet for regular consumption. Owing to their abundant vitamins, healthy fats, and minerals, avocados embrace your salad toppings, soups, sandwiches, or pasta equally. The buttery texture with a subtle aroma which is due to the presence of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) compensates for their not-so-sweet taste and blends with any meal or snack.

However, there has always been a question on if avocados cause constipation, and below is the answer.

Does Avocado Cause Constipation?

The answer is – no. Dietary fiber is an essential part of one’s diet. One-half of an avocado has 4 grams of dietary fiber. This equates to 16% of daily recommended intake of fiber for women and 11% of daily recommended intake of fiber for men.

The Role Of Fiber

Fiber in avocado prevents constipation

Fiber aids digestion and ensures easier bowel movements. With itself not being digested, fiber speeds up the process in which the food moves through your intestine, preventing constipation. It also absorbs enough water, elevating your fluid intake, preventing dehydration.

This, in turn, reduces the time your colon is exposed to undigested food and reduces the strain caused due to sluggish bowel movement and tighter stools. The overall action contributes to a healthy colon. As hemorrhoids are the side-effects of an unhealthy colon, the chances of your colon facing this problem are significantly reduced.

The Role Of Vitamin-C

Vitamin-C in avocado promotes muscle contraction

Every 100 grams of avocado has 16 grams of vitamin-C, which is essential for a strong immune system and production of collagen.

Collagen is a protein which is the building block of muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and skin. A healthy amount of it is also necessary for the contraction of the muscles, with gastrointestinal muscles being no exception. Vitamin-C in the avocados brings about a healthy contraction of the intestine, pushing the undigested food ahead, preventing constipation.

Vitamin-C further improves the health of the intestine by keeping infections at bay and maintaining a healthy amount of gut bacteria.

In Case Of Babies

Does avocado cause constipation in babies

Studies show that avocados don’t cause constipation in babies either. In fact, mashed avocados are recommended for babies as they start weaning. They are easy on the stomach and rich in nutrients. The healthy fats present in avocados are essential for proper growth and development of the brain.

Avocados also are the least allergic foods and can be fed to babies who are 4–6 months old. The flesh of this fruit needs no cooking and can be scooped out and mixed with any other fruit your little one likes, to enhance the taste.

However, either in adults or in infants, too much of fiber is bad and may give rise to problems like diarrhea, upset stomach, bloating, and gastrointestinal irritation. For these reasons, it is advisable to consume avocados in moderation.


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