Avocado is one of my favorite superfoods! Did you know that one cup of fresh, creamy avocado contains almost 40% of your daily fiber and vitamin K, 29% of your daily folate, 25% of your daily vitamin C and about 20% of your daily vitamins B5, B6 and potassium? Not only that but it contains the extremely anti inflammatory and heart healthy fats oleic acid (a type of monounsaturated fat) and omega 3. It has also been shown to help improve the absorption of carotinoid antioxidants such as beta carotene and lycopene by up to 400%!
So what are some delicious ways to include more fresh avocado in your daily diet?
- Try adding sliced or cubed avocado to salads, sandwiches or on top of soups or egg white omelets/frittatas right before serving.
- Mash into guacamole (or a salsamole) and serve with raw vegetable sticks or as a spread on sandwiches or lettuce wraps.
- Add a slice to your morning smoothie for a creamier, smoothie texture.
- Blend with just a few simple ingredients to create a healthy and delicious frosting.
- Blend with lemon juice, herbs, a dash of avocado oil and spices for a creamy salad dressing. For extra flavor try adding in sweet bell pepper, fresh seeded or soaked sundried tomatoes or pesto before blending.
- For a quick snack, cube half an avocado with a handful of diced cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with a little fresh lime juice, chopped fresh herbs and season to taste.
Avocados are a wonderful, rich, healthy fruit to include more often in your daily diet. Just keep in mind that one cup of fresh avocado contains about 250 calories, so make sure to balance it within the remainder of your daily intake and activity.
What is your favorite way to eat avocado? Let me know in the comments below and on Facebook!
Love what you are reading? Stay in the loop and never miss a recipe; get the FREE Nutritionista ezine for free expert tips, success strategies and delicious healthy recipes and get Erin’s exclusive list of the Top Ten Foods to Banish From Your Kitchen ($24.99 value) absolutely free! Get ready to nourish yourself sexy!
© 2013 Nutritionista. Erin Luyendyk, RHN. All rights reserved.
You might also like…
All material found on www.thenutritionista.ca is intended as general educational material only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition and has not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult with your personal physician before implementing any health, nutrition, supplement or exercise program to ensure its safety and suitability for your specific individual situation
