Written by Daphne Stamos Keshishian, M.D.
April 28, 2015
Sometimes called “alligator pears,” avocados are shaped like pears and have tough, green and bumpy skin, which resembles alligator skin. They are fatty fruits, not vegetables, and come from the avocado tree, known as Persea americana, which is native to Mexico and Central America. Easy to incorporate into one’s diet, they are tasty and versatile. Avocados are a nutrient dense food filled with an incredible amount of health benefits. Some of the most important include the following:
1. Avocados are nutritious sources of potassium, Vitamin B complexes, Vitamin K as well as trace elements manganese, copper and zinc.
2. Avocados are rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat (MUFA) which is heart-healthy and also found in olive oil. Monounsaturated fats have been shown to have protective effects against certain disease processes including development of cardiovascular disease, stroke and possibly cancer. Avocados do not contain cholesterol and may indeed lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
3. Avocados, unlike most fruits, are low in sugar and carbohydrates, which makes them an ideal food for a diabetic diet. Half an avocado contains only 1/2 gram of sugar, has a low glycemic index and does not raise blood glucose significantly.
4. Avocados contain high levels of dietary fiber, which can help regulate digestion. Though not a low calorie food, they can actually be part of a weight loss regimen because of the indigestible fiber and their property of satiety, which help make people feel and stay full.
5. Avocados are rich in phytonutrients including anti-inflammatory carotenoids such as lutein, which is protective against certain eye diseases associated with aging. Carotenoids are fat soluble, so the combination of the fats in avocado and the presence of this antioxidants aids the body’s ability to absorb these important nutrients.
Avocados are easy to include in salad or a sandwich, to use as a spread substitute for mayonnaise or butter on bread, or to incorporate as a base for a dip such as guacamole. Here is a simple, delicious recipe for guacamole.
Easy Guacamole
Author: Daphne Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 5 mins Total time: 15 mins Serves: 4 portions
This a simple and delicious way of making fresh guac; serve with tortilla chips or dip vegetables such as carrot or celery sticks. Topping cucumber slices is also delicious.
Ingredients:
2 whole avocados
2 cloves garlic, minced
½-1 medium tomato, diced
½ juice lemon
½ teaspoon salt
fresh pepper
Instructions:
1) Slice avocados in half. Remove pits and use spoon to scoop out green flesh.
2) Use a fork to coarsely mash avocado.
3) Add garlic, diced tomato and continue to mash with fork.
4) Squeeze juice from lemon and add salt and pepper to taste.
5) Continue to mix until desired consistency.
Serve with tortillas, vegetable sticks and tomato salsa for dipping.
Daphne Keshishian, M.D. is a chef and internist who practices medicine in Rockville, MD. Visit her website for more nutrition info and delicious recipes!
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