Does Avocado Cause Bloating of the Midsection?

Eating avocado can have a very short-term bloating effect on the stomach area, mostly because of its high fiber content. Extreme bloating is usually caused by water retention, which is more associated with heavily salted and processed foods, though.

Avocado does contain a high amounts of insoluble fiber, which cannot be processed by the digestive system and simply passes through. Insoluble fiber is very healthy, as it helps to push food through our systems, and encourages bowel movement, which reduces the risk of colon cancer.

But because it is not digested, the fiber content of avocado can cause minimal bloating in the intestinal area. But it is usually not enough to be noticed and definitely not enough to be concerned about. You will get much more bloated from eating canned goods, meats, and other heavily salted foods.

In the long run, eating avocado regularly can do wonders for your health. Its large content of unsaturated fat is excellent for maintaining healthy LDL cholesterol levels, and avocado is also packed with healthy phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Don’t let the fear of bloating prevent you from adding avocado to your diet. Any bloating caused by it is minimal, and you have much more to gain in the way of health benefits.

Image: Overweight beach man by Kyle May