Avocados–Another Superfood!

I don’t know what it is about super things, but from the time we were children, we have loved them.  Check out the play time of any three- or four-year-old, and you’ll see lots of capes and masks.

You like the rolling pin for a weapon?

This kid of mine wore this cape for about a year. Every. Single. Day.
But are we adults much different?  I don’t think so.  We are always looking for things that are extraordinary.  That do more than just the basics.  That give us some added punch.  A new exercise routine, a new job, friends, even the food we eat.  Luckily, mother nature has provided some wonderful foods that go the nutritional extra mile.  We call them Superfoods.  (Click here for our post on Superfoods.)

Avocados are such a food.  Technically a fruit–a single seeded berry–avocados pack a super amount of nutrition into that delicious creaminess.  Avocados have almost 20 nutrients (potassium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins E, K, C, B6, Leutin, Folate, and Magnesium, among others) and healthy fats.  An avocado has more potassium than a banana!  Unlike most other fruits, avocados contain protein–4 grams per avocado.  And like other proteins, avocados contain amino acids, which are easily used by the body.  Some have called the avocado one of the world’s healthiest foods.

Did you know that you can substitute avocados for some of the butter or other fats when baking?  This website gives you more details, but the upshot is that you can use avocado instead of about half of the butter or other fats in recipes like brownies, banana bread, or even cookies!  The result will be soft and chewy.  Yum!

Avocados are one of the easiest superfoods to use.  Eat them plain, sliced in salads, chopped in side dishes, as a topping for soups.  They are a great addition to sandwiches or burgers, and of course, nothing beats it with chips and salsa!  Here is my recipe for guacamole–you’ll love it!
Make sure that you include organic avocados to your healthy diet!  Lassen’s always has a great selection, and we also support local organic avocado producers.  Click here to read about Las Palmalitas Ranch in Santa Barbara, one of our great Avocado Producers!
Excuse me while I go make my lunch–a whole wheat tortilla, topped with melted cheese, green onions, chopped tomatoes, sprouts, and of course, avocado!
Enjoy this delicious Superfood today!
Love,
Lassen’s