Superfood of the Week: Avocados
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This green, soft and delicious superfood is more than just the main ingredient in guacamole, it’s chock full of health benefits and weight loss elixirs! The avocado is known as a fat fighter due to the fact that it is high in monounsaturated fats, or the good fats. According to SELF magazine, dieters who consumed these healthy fats lost more weight, especially in their stomach, than those who didn’t eat them. Your blood sugar can send signals to your body to store fat around your abdomen, however, these healthy fats stop this from happening, which prevents fat accumulation. Call them the super hero of all fats!
The fats found in avocados not only slim your waist, but they also keep your heart strong and healthy. According to the American Heart Association, the fats in avocados lower your risk for heart disease by lowering the amount of LDL cholesterol [bad] from your body. Avocados are one of the few fruits that provide this good fat.
And for an added bonus, avocados are naturally low in calories [50 for 1/5 or 2-3 slices of an avocado]! That is half of the calories that are in a slice of cheese!
Are you one of the many who love the health benefits but can’t stomach the taste of it raw or the consistency? Don’t worry! Below is a recipe that even the pickiest of eaters will love! Courtesy of California Avocado.
photo courtesy of Maria Cooks.
Italian Guacamole
Ingredients
- 4 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, seeded and peeled
1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 2 Tbsp. shredded fresh basil leaves, or about 1/3 that amount dried ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped ¼ cup toasted pine nuts 1 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Coarsely mash (DO NOT PUREE) avocados
- Stir in vinegar
- Fold in remaining ingredients
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with crispy bread sticks or crostini.*Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.
Guacamole is best made as close to serving as possible. For short-term storage, seal in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap against the surface of the guacamole.Nutritional Information: 200 calories per serving, 18 gm. fat, 4 gm. protein [so enjoy sparingly!]
Claire
Tags:avocado, flat stomach, good fat, healthy fat, healthy fruit, healthy guacamole, healthy recipe, Superfood of the Week
