Wednesday, February 3, 2016

The Amazing Avocado!

Just what is so amazing about this pear shaped alligator looking fruit? Yes. It's a fruit. It grows on a tree and contains a pit. Avocados provide almost 20 vitamins and minerals, are low in sugar, high in fiber and have a mild buttery flavor that makes them very versatile for use in dips, spreads, smoothies and a variety of recipes!

According to Medical News today, avocados contain the phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin, which are essential to eye health. It contain twice the amount of potassium as a banana, which helps control blood pressure, and folate which is important during pregnancy and helps lower the risk of breast cancer. Avocados are also naturally high in fiber, which is very important in maintaining a healthy intestinal tract. I don't know about you, but I would rather eat an avocado than choke down a glass of Metamucil any day!
It contains a whole alphabet soup of vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6. The avocado is high in monounsaturated (the healthy kind) fat, which helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure and insulin levels, reduce risk of stroke and help maintain a healthy heart. It also contains powerful antioxidants, which help fight cancer causing free radicals and helps keep us all younger looking!
According to several home remedy and natural websites, avocados can even help fight bad breath because it has all that fiber to clean out the intestines, which are the cause of a coated tongue and bad breath. Goodbye, Metamucil!
Due to its thick skin, avocados are one fruit that you don't have to buy organic and are usually pretty inexpensive. Avocados can be purchased at any stage and left to ripen on a counter. Once it is soft to the touch, peel and eat or refrigerate until ready to eat. I keep these bad boys on hand all the time...they are pretty amazing!

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