Avocados.....what you didn't know.

I cant believe we have not talked about avocados.  what is going on with us?

Avocados were introduced to Florida in 1833.  Since then Americans love affair with the avocado has risen in popularity in the last 15 years.  Hass Avocados are the most popular with 95% of the sale in the US alone for avocados.   There are many varieties of avocados.  Here is a great site that explains them.... Avocado Varieties

Here are a few reasons for their popularity. They contain 20 different vitamins and minerals.

• Vitamin K 

• Folate

• Vitamin C

• Potassium

• Vitamin B5

• Vitamin B6

• Vitamin E

Avocados help absorb fat soluble such as vitamin A, K, D,and E because they have such a high fat content.  Without fat in your diet you can not absorb fat soluble vitamins. 

Yet what is truly important about their nutritional value is they contain NO cholesterol or sodium making them and ideal fruit to consume.

They contain more potassium than bananas, which we are not getting enough of in our daily diet.  High levels of potassium in our diet help reduce high blood pressure which is the "silent killer."

Along with the Oleic Acid, the avocado is loaded with fiber.  The fiber helps with weight loss, and lowering blood sugar, just to name a few benefits.

Studies have shown avocados have helped…

• Reduce total cholesterol levels.

• Reduce blood triglycerides

• Lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol 

• Increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol

Now remember avocados alone will not make you healthy and will not cure everything that may come along.  All we are saying is there are many healthy benefits to avocados and unless you are allergic to them, they are a nutritious for your body and should be considered as part of your diet.

Here is a small fact I was surprised to learn about the nutritional value of an avocado.  The most valuable part of the avocado is actually the seed inside.  Now it is a little tricky to grind up but not impossible.   It is also rather bitter so it is not a good idea to eat it alone.

Avocado Sandwich

I am not going to tell you how to put a sandwich together.   Mainly because you already know, but also for the simple fact I always make mine to big and it never closes.  What is a cook to do....

Here is what I used...

Nice wheat bun

horseradish mayo

mustard

turkey bacon

slice tomato

sliced yellow pepper

slices apple

sliced avocado

fresh cracked pepper

I didn't buy anything specials for the sandwich.  I used what I had in the fridge.  It turned out great.   Next time I will change it up. I really shouldn't be eating bread so I will use lettuce and make lettuce wraps.  

Now go make a tasty sandwich for yourself or someone you love.  Enjoy!