From green smoothies to guacamole, avocados are a versatile superfood. They also happen to be a staple on most Latino household tables. But there’s more to the superfood than delicious taste. Here are 10 facts about avocados that will make enjoying them even more…enlightening!
1 – The green superfruit has been around for over 10,000 years, grows in more than 500 varieties, and originates from Central Mexico.
2 – Yes, yes, it is a fatty food, but it’s good-for-you fat (because such a thing does exist)! Monounsaturated is the technical term; studies show monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) improve cardiovascular health, balance insulin levels and control blood sugar. Not only that, it’s also pretty common for individuals to take omega-3 supplements, eat an avocado, and you get your serving of omega-3 the ‘organic way’.
3 – Because of it’s scaly skin, avocados have earned the nickname, Alligator Pears.
4 – Are you a vegetarian? Tired of eating peanut butter for protein? Avocados are your answer. In fact, avocados are a better source of fiber than red meat. So next time your meat-eating friends give you a hard time about your eating habits, don’t get mad, share an avocado with them!
5 – The party’s tonight and you have to make the guacamole – but wait – it isn’t ripe yet! Don’t fret. Throw it in a paper bag with a ripe apple and you can fast forward the process.
6 – When your smoothie calls for yogurt, avocados are a dairy-free alternative.
7 – It’s okay to eat up to one avocado a day. A
ssuming of course it isn’t the size of a grapefruit.8 – Mash up an avocado with a little olive oil, and you’ve got a creamy vitamin-filled spread for bread and crackers.
9 – Avocados are jam-packed with potassium; potassium aids in reducing body fluid retention, and encourages muscles growth. What’s this mean? They help you cut body fat!
10 – Avocados work as dessert! Here’s a quickie recipe: grab two ripe avocados, two cups of vanilla ice cream (or yogurt), two cups of milk (soy, fat-free, almond…whatever you prefer), two tsp. of vanilla extract, and two tsp. of lemon juice – blend ’em all together, and enjoy!
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