Team Avocado

Are you on Team Avocado? Seems this green goodness is regularly popping up in sandwiches, salads, smoothies, puddings and more. And, there’s good reason for that:

• They are loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, contain over 20 vitamins and minerals, and 18 amino acids.
• They help protect your eyes against cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Avocados actually contain more potassium than 3 bananas, which promotes healthy blood pressure.
• The fruit and avocado oil are full of heart-healthy fats that can help lower inflammation in your body, and we know inflammation to be at the root of all disease.
• Avocados defend against certain cancers, including mouth, skin and prostate cancer.
• Because avocados are high in fat, your body will be able to absorb fat soluble vitamins (A, K, D, & E) more efficiently, so teaming your avocado with veggies will give an energy boost to your day.
• They are fiber-rich, which means you will feel full faster and minimize overeating. This makes avocado a weight loss helper.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the avocado is considered a berry fruit? It is a single seed berry that is native to South Central Mexico.

How to Choose Avocado: The fruit should have a little give when you press it. Too much give (leaves an indent) means it is overripe. If the stem is still attached, pop it off and take a look; if you find green underneath it is ripe and ready to consume.

How to Store Avocado: If you are not consuming a whole one, you can squeeze a little lemon juice over the cut side to help prevent browning. Press plastic wrap directly down on the flesh and store in the refrigerator. Prepped like this, avocado halves will keep for up to two days.

Truthfully, I was never a huge fan of avocados, but the benefits far outweighed my mild distaste for them. Over time and with a few tries, we can retrain our taste buds. Trying recipes that ‘gently’ incorporate an ingredient that we are not too fond of is a good way to start, like this recipe for Avocado-Mango Salsa taken from Natasha’s Kitchen (www.natashaskitchen.com):

Avocado Mango Salsa 

Ingredients

• 1 diced mango
• 1 diced avocado
• 1/ 2 finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
• 1/4 tsp salt & pinch of black pepper

Directions

• In a medium bowl, combine mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro.
• Squeeze lime juice over the top and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
• Toss gently to combine and serve. If not serving right away, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Go Team Avocado, Go!

Nourish your body. Nurture your soul. Live life fully from the inside out!

P.S. – Want to hang out? You can find me across most social media here: @HolisticJudith