Avocado Always!!

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Boy howdy, how I love AVOCADO! If it was up to me, guacamole would be a food group.  Avocados are a naturally nutrient-dense food and contain almost 20 vitamins and minerals and are the only fruit that provides a substantial amount of healthy monosaturated fatty acids. 

Eating a diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Numerous studies have found that a predominantly plant-based diet that includes foods such as avocados can help to decrease the risk of disease and mortality while promoting a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy and overall lower weight.

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, one serving (one-fifth of an avocado, approximately 40 grams) contains:
  • 64 calories
  • almost 6 grams of fat
  • 3.4 grams of carbohydrate
  • less than a gram of sugar
  • almost 3 grams of fiber

Although most of the calories in an avocado come from fat, don't shy away! Avocados are full of healthy, beneficial fats that help to keep you full and satiated. When you consume fat, your brain receives a signal to turn off your appetite. Eating fat slows the breakdown of carbohydrates, which helps to keep sugar levels in the blood stable.

Avocados have also been proven to improve digestion, protect against chronic diseases (such as diabetes and hypertension), lower your risk of depression, protect against certain cancers and help maintain healthy levels of cholesterol!
Moral of the story...Eat more avocado! It is great on toast, omelettes, and in salads.  

Check out this easy guacamole recipe:

Ingredients:
  • 5 large avocados
  • 1 large tomatoes, diced
  • 2 large limes, juiced
  • 1 medium onions, diced
  • 3/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
  • salt
  • jalapeno, finely chopped

Directions:
  1. Slice the avocados. Remove the seed and scoop into a bowl.
  2. To avoid discoloration, add 1 lime juice immediately. Use a fork to mash the mix into a good consistency.
  3. Add the tomato, chopped onions and cilantro. Mix the ingredients well.
  4. Pour the second lime juice into the mixture. Add salt to taste. Stir the mixture slightly.
  5. Next mix in the jalapeno.
  6. You can serve this with tortilla chips, carrots or sliced peppers! 

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