Superfood: Eat Your Avocado!
Guacamole lovers, rejoice! It turns out that not only is avocado super delicious, but you can enjoy your avocado without the guilt thanks to its mix of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
You probably already knew that avocado was a great source of vitamin E, but did you know that because it’s so rich in antioxidants and the good-for-you type of fat, it’s also an anti-aging powerhouse? Studies have shown that the minerals in avocado even help you better absorb other nutrients, like beta carotene. They also contain a sugar called D-manno-heptulose that helps your skin produce collagen, which can prevent wrinkles.
It might sound a little bit strange to talk about “healthy fat,” but there are differences between the type of fat you find in an avocado versus the fat in something like cheese or french fries. Unlike the saturated fats that you find in animal products and fried foods, avocados are loaded with monounsaturated fats, which help protect you from heart disease, and their fiber content can help fight high cholesterol.
Of course, you can eat avocado on its own or mixed into guacamole, but it’s actually a much more versatile ingredient.
10 Avocado Recipes
Avocado Tips: Choosing a ripe avocado may seem tricky, but don’t fret! A ripe avocado gives a bit when you squeeze it gently, but it shouldn’t feel mushy – just tender. You also don’t have to skip the avocado just because you can’t find a ripe one at the store. Toss an unripe avocado into a paper bag with a banana. Fold the bag closed, and check it once a day. It should ripen within a couple of days this way. Once your avocado is ripe, store it in the fridge to make it last longer.
1. Avocado Corn Cups – Who needs a bowl when you can eat a yummy, organic corn salad right out of an avocado?
2. Avocado Pudding – This might sound a little iffy, but avocado makes a great base for pudding! Just toss it in the blender with some cocoa powder and the liquid sweetener of your choice. If you need more deets, check out these ideas for making avocado pudding.
3. Vegan Avocado Alfredo Sauce – Who needs butter and cream? Make a decadent alfredo sauce with avocado as the base instead!
4. Creamy Avocado Potato Salad – Mashed replaces the mayo in this healthy, tasty side dish.
5. Avocado and Pomegranate Salad – Two superfoods team up in this delicious salad.
Related Reading: Superfood: 10 Delicious Pomegranate Recipes
6. Avocado Reuben Sandwich – Talk about decadent!
7. Vegan Enchiladas with Cilantro Avocado Cream Sauce – I’ve always said that avocado is perfect for mimicking the creaminess of cheese, and this recipe proves it!
8. Avocado and Basil Mayonnaise – The avocado base for this recipe gives you the creaminess of mayo without any high cholesterol eggs.
9. Mexican Pizza – Another delicious example of avocado standing in for saturated fat-laden cheese!
10. Avocado Lime Cupcakes – The avocado adds a bit of richness to these decadent vegan cupcakes.
* Becky Striepe is a green blogger and independent crafter with a passion for vintage fabrics. She runs a crafty business, Glue and Glitter, where her mission is to use existing materials in products that help folks reduce their impact without sacrificing style! She specializes in aprons and custom lunch bags. Like this article? You can follow Becky on Twitter or find her on Facebook!
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