The Avocado-Nature’s Little Wonder
A great deal of people are aware that the Avocado is creamy, rich and delicious in guacamole or added to a salad, but did you know, it is also packed with nutrients and offer many health benefits?
They are known to contain a lot of fat, however, it is the “good” fat- monounsaturated fat, the kind that helps promote a healthy heart. This little fruit contains potassium, vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, iron, copper, magnesium, vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber. It contains 60% more potassium than the amount found in bananas.
Avocados also contain oleic acid, glutathione, an antioxidant with anti-carcinogenic potential and a significant amount of a cholesterol-lowering phytosterol called beta-sitosterol. Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, may help to lower cholesterol and has recently been shown to offer significant protection against breast cancer.
So break out the chips and salsa and add a little or a lot of guacamole to the mix, or add an avocado or two to your favorite salad. Here is a one of my favorite recipes for a simple chicken salad that includes these little bursts of nutrients.
Chicken Salad
1 chicken breast-antibiotic and hormone free, baked at 325 for about 25-35 minutes with a generous portion of organic extra virgin olive oil. This gives it flavor and keeps it moist.
1 organic head of red leaf lettuce and one organic romaine heart
3-4 organic carrots, peeled and sliced
1 huge organic tomato, cut up
2 organic avocados cut up
Served with a generous portion of Newman’s Own Ranch Dressing-Unfortunately not organic but all natural. You can substitute an organic ranch dressing of course, but I have acquired a taste for this particular brand.
