Tuesday, May 12, 2015

5 Reasons to Eat an Avocado Today

That beautiful green avocado is one versatile and yummy powerhouse of health!

I didn't grow up in an avocado household so I've only just embraced them in the last couple years - at first it was a bit tricky to think about ways to use them but now I can't imagine a day without them…lol - ok maybe one day but definitely not TWO!

Why should YOU eat more avocado?
  1. They are full of healthy fat  - the good stuff that boosts your HDL (good) cholesterol - which helps lower bad cholesterol! The good fats in avocado also prevent diabetes. (Do we really need 4 more reasons past this???)
  2. Protein - avocados contain all 18 essential amino acids making them a complete and clean protein. Unlike animal protein, this plant based protein is easier for your body to digest and absorb. 
  3. Fibre - 1 cup of sliced avocado has 40% of your recommended daily fibre - keeping your digestive system happy and aiding in your body's natural detoxification process - also preventing against colon cancer. The fibre and protein keep you full - perfect to keep the munchies away.
  4. Folate - dietary folate intake (from food, not supplements) had been shown to protect against cancer - especially cervical and breast cancers. 1/2 an avocado provides about 20% of your recommended daily folate intake.  Guacamole anyone?
  5. They have Vitamin K - less popular than calcium and vitamin D in the healthy bones department, Vitamin K improves calcium absorption in the body, keeping bones healthy and preventing osteoporosis. 1/2 an avocado has 25% of your recommended daily vitamin K intake. 
Now that you are ready to fight all the bad diseases with your new fav superhero food - the avocado - you might ask, how do I get more in my diet? Easy…
  • spread it on toast with some salt and pepper or sprinkle some hemp seeds on for delicious Avocado Toast - works as breakfast or lunch or a perfect snack!
  • make some of my favourite Flavio's Guacamole (click for recipe)
  • slice it up on top of vegan chili
  • mash it up and use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps
  • slice it up on top of your salad 
  • add 1/2 of one to your smoothie to make it nice and creamy
  • cut one in half, leave the skin on, take the pit out and drizzle a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, sprinkle sea salt and fresh ground pepper and eat it with a spoon! Yum!
Sending you sunshine, happiness and avocado love, 
Kim

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