Due to the avocado's rich monounsat

Due to the avocado's rich monounsaturated fat content, if avocados are used in preparing creamy dips and spreads -- in place of saturated fats such as butter or cream -- an individual may reduce her risk of developing heart disease. This is due to the fact that monounsaturated fats, in place of saturated fats, help lower the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, or "bad," cholesterol levels in the blood, according to the MayoClinic.com. The California Avocado Commission reports that, along with being cholesterol- and sodium-free, avocados may also increase the body's ability to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients such as lutein, from foods that are eaten alongside them. Lutein is an antioxidant important for eye and skin health.