All Things Avocado
Inspired by my Sunday Night Dessert (recipe below), I felt the need to show the avocado some love. The avocado is so much more versatile than as a Mexican dip. Some would go so far as to deem it a super food because of all its nutrients and its versatility. The avocado is actually a fruit (also know as the alligator pear).
Here are 4 Reasons I Love Avocados:
1. Unlike most fruits that are high in sugars, most of the avocado’s sugars are fiber (which we all know – does a body good). Fiber is also important in helping you feel full longer, thus assisting in weight management.
2. Yes, the avocado is high in fat – but the good healthy kind that helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides making it a heart- friendly food.
3. The avocado has more potassium than bananas, which many people can be deficient in and can help reduce high blood pressure.
4. The highly nutritious avocado is also beneficial for eye health, decreasing macular degeneration and cataract formation due to the specific antioxidants in the fruit.
Avocados are great on their own; in salads; as dips; as a butter, dairy and egg replacements in simple sandwiches to baking, and thickeners of smoothies and soup.
My simple tip for picking perfect avocados is to look under the stem. If the stem doesn’t come off easily or at all- it’s not ripe enough. If it’s brown or black under the stem – it’s too ripe and you’ll throw most or all away. If it’s a nice green color under the stem – it’s perfect for use.
Substituting with avocados