Avocados... they are truly one of the most amazing fruits on our planet so I am stoked to have them as my first entry in the A-Z files.
Many people are scared of Avocados due to their ‘high fat content’. But as with many of the fruits, vegetables and superfoods I will highlight in this series - not all fats are bad and scary. In fact, many of the natural fats found in whole foods are ESSENTIAL... other wise known as EFA’s or Essential Fatty Acids. So yes, avocados have a high caloric content and yes they have a high fat content. BUT they DO NOT contain a high percentage of those scary fats - the saturated or trans fats; and DO contain more of those EFA’s than almost any other fruit on the planet. AND they contain a very large amount of fats that dramatically lower your cholesterol levels. So the reason many people don’t eat avo’s is exactly the reason that they should!
Now I’m not saying you should be eating avocados for breakfast lunch and dinner.(Although they are that versatile a fruit that you could! Check out my Avocado dessert below) We all know that moderation is the key and adding a smear to your sandwiches, a good chunk in your lunchtime salad or a big spoonful to thicken up a soup are great ways to enjoy this green ball of greatness. If you, like Moi however are a vegan and thus do not ingest high fat foods like animal protein, dairy, eggs, processed foods etc - you have even more reason to enjoy avocados regularly as your levels of saturated fats would naturally be quite low.
Still not convinced? How would like to feel fuller for longer and get a mass of nutrients which help to curb hunger cravings? As a natural appetite suppressant, avocados can assist with controlled weight loss. Also high in Vitamins B as well as C (for healthy plump and fuller looking skin, E (for healthy and strong hair, nails and skin) and K (rich in anti-oxidants with anti cancer properties and for a healthy liver). Lutein is an anti-oxidant that is great for eye health. It may help to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration as well as fight free radials in the body and guess what? Avos are jammed packed full of it!
Avocados have long been known as the ‘Fertility Fruit’. The Aztecs called it ‘Ahuacatl’ which means the testicle tree. But it doesn’t get this nick name just because of its physical appearance but the high level of B vitamins may assist in hormone regulation of women. The Avocado truly a gift from Nature’s Pharmacy of Nourishment.
So now, knowing how great this super fruit is; I have just one more thing to say....
“Go’orn... ‘Av an AVO!” xx
- If you are looking for a new way to incorporate avocados into your diet try making dips or adding it to soups, smoothies, salads and sandwiches. Or if you are feeling bold try the delicious recipe for CHOC-GUAC below.
CHOC-GUAC MOUSSE.
1 ripe REED Avocado
3 fresh medjool dates - pitted
2-3 tbs of raw organic cacao powder
pinch of celtic salt
strawberries for garnish
Place dates in a small bowl or container and just cover with warm water. Allow to soak for 10 mins.
Cut and de-seed the avocado and lightly mush with a fork.
In a food processor blend the soaked dates and salt until smooth. You may need to add 1-2 tbsp of warm water. Add in 2 tbsp of cacao and continue to blend. Add in avocado in and blend until smooth. Taste and add in extra cacao if necessary. Spoon into a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 mins. Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.
ENJOY!!!
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