Guacamole is a healthy tasty dip that compliments just about any snack. The primary ingredient and health benefits stem from the avocados. Avocados are a rich superfood that everyone should be eating. They are full of heart healthy fatty acids, potassium and fiber. Although you can purchase guacamole from the store it is always best to make it at home. It is extremely healthy and easy to make. Sometimes store bought option lacks flavor. Alternatively you can purchase from the store and then zest it up at home. However, with just a few added ingredients you can create your perfect dip.
Guacamole is perfect with chips, crackers or all by itself as a snack. If you want to make it even more healthy substitute crackers or chips for vegetables. Mexicans eat this zesty green mush with tacos, enchiladas, burritos or even fajitas. If you like nachos be sure to include fresh guacamole on top. If you are into tasting outside the box replace butter on toast with guacamole. Get creative, taste it on or with different foods.
Health Benefits of Avocados
Despite being a simple dish to put together the health benefits are extensive. Here are six of the most beneficial reasons to consume this green superfood.
Heart Health – As a result of the primary ingredient being avocados guacamole will be full of folate and vitamin E. Both of these reduce heart disease risk. Another bonus, the healthy fats of avocados lower blood pressure readings quite significantly. If you suffer with high blood pressure consider adding guacamole to your menu.
Lower Cancer Risks – the most obvious characteristic of guacamole is that it is green. Anything green is full of folate. Folate is great for lowering cancer risks. This is why people who have cancer are put on a ‘green diet’. A green diet is one that is full of leafy greens and other green superfoods. Taking it one step further, phytochemicals from avocados offer an advantageous dietary strategy for cancer prevention.
Immunity Boosting – guacamole recipe calls for either lime or lemon juice which is high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for boosting your immune system therefore warding off colds and bacteria. Did you know that avocados are a good source of copper? Copper is a beneficial mineral that boosts your immunity. Overall this incredible green fruit can keep your body feeling great and going strong.
Guacamole Keeps you Looking Good
Shiny Hair and Skin – vitamin C and E is necessary for shiny hair and skin. The amount of these vitamins present in guacamole is enough to keep blood vessels, tendons, and other connective tissues healthy as well. Vitamin E helps support a healthy scalp which in turn assists with increase in hair growth and shine.
Slim Down Effect – as a result of all the fiber available in these green fruits, they aid digestion and keep weight down. Remember you can never eat too much fiber. So if you find yourself eating the whole bowl of guacamole it will only be a good thing for you! It’s the high fiber content that keeps the weight down while keeping you feeling full longer. Overall it reduces appetite yet revs your metabolism at the same time! If you are gluten free, vegan or on a keto diet you can indulge in this fruit as often as you want without negative side effects.
Wards Off Belly Fat – a recent study conducted by University of Illinois found that women who consumed avocado as part of their daily meal had a reduction in visceral abdominal fat. In the abdomen there is two kinds of fat. Subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Visceral fat surrounds our organs therefore if there is too much can cause diabetes and other similar health problems. However, consuming an avocado a day can hep to reduce the visceral fat away from the organs particularly in women.
Healthy Guacamole Recipe
- 4 ripe avocados (peeled and pitted)
- 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cut cilantro
- 1 jalapeno pepper (chopped)
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- ¼ tsp ground coriander
- 1 lime (freshly squeezed juice)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mash the avocados and lime juice together. Fold in onion, cilantro, garlic and jalapeno pepper.
- Add salt, freshly ground pepper and coriander and mix with wooden spoon.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour so flavors can set.
- Serve straight from the fridge with favorite chip, cracker, vegetable or bread.