Avocados are considered as some of the healthiest food sources, especially when it comes to good fats. While they are usually mistaken for as vegetables, they are actually fruits which have a high content of vitamins, good fats, fibre, proteins, and some calories as well. Avocados contain omega-3 fats and monounsaturated fats. Vitamins in these fruits include B vitamins like folate and folic acid, and vitamins, K, E, C, and A. It is also a good source of some minerals such as potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, and iron.
Because of the phytochemicals in avocados, it can fight diseases and other illnesses. Some of these phytochemicals include lutein, betasitosterol, and glutathione. Avocados can help achieve the following beneficial effects:
· Improved brain health
· Healthier heart and arteries
· Lower levels of bad cholesterol
· Regulation of blood sugar
· Improved digestion
· Anticancer
· Anti-aging
· Anti-inflammatory
· Skin health
· Better pregnancy
· Improved eye health
· Healthier blood pressure levels
Selecting and Ripening Avocados
Avocados are usually available in the market but there are times when you would have to ripen them first. Pick avocados which are firm and green and then you can ripen them at home. You will confirm that it is properly ripening when you notice the skin getting brown. You can ripen it by placing it in a paper bag and seal it. This will trap the naturally released ethylene gas which will help it ripen faster in about three to six days. The ripening process can even be helped by placing an apple, tomato, or a banana in the bag as well. Take note not to store the avocados in the refrigerator since they will not properly ripen that way.
Including Avocados to Your Diet
You can eat avocados as they are or in guacamoles, salads, and as an addition to some sandwich slices. You can even try avocado deviled eggs by combining the 12 egg yolks with a ripe avocado, and seasoning the mixture with some mayonnaise, a tablespoon each of Dijon mustard, capers, cumin, a dash of salt, some cilantro, and a tablespoon of chilli powder. Add a squeezed and zested lime and two finely chopped and seeded jalapeno peppers.
Because of the phytochemicals in avocados, it can fight diseases and other illnesses. Some of these phytochemicals include lutein, betasitosterol, and glutathione. Avocados can help achieve the following beneficial effects:
· Improved brain health
· Healthier heart and arteries
· Lower levels of bad cholesterol
· Regulation of blood sugar
· Improved digestion
· Anticancer
· Anti-aging
· Anti-inflammatory
· Skin health
· Better pregnancy
· Improved eye health
· Healthier blood pressure levels
Selecting and Ripening Avocados
Avocados are usually available in the market but there are times when you would have to ripen them first. Pick avocados which are firm and green and then you can ripen them at home. You will confirm that it is properly ripening when you notice the skin getting brown. You can ripen it by placing it in a paper bag and seal it. This will trap the naturally released ethylene gas which will help it ripen faster in about three to six days. The ripening process can even be helped by placing an apple, tomato, or a banana in the bag as well. Take note not to store the avocados in the refrigerator since they will not properly ripen that way.
Including Avocados to Your Diet
You can eat avocados as they are or in guacamoles, salads, and as an addition to some sandwich slices. You can even try avocado deviled eggs by combining the 12 egg yolks with a ripe avocado, and seasoning the mixture with some mayonnaise, a tablespoon each of Dijon mustard, capers, cumin, a dash of salt, some cilantro, and a tablespoon of chilli powder. Add a squeezed and zested lime and two finely chopped and seeded jalapeno peppers.
