Once dismissed for their fat content, avocados are enjoying their newfound popularity on salads, sandwiches and of course, toast. In fact, today is National Avocado Day. And they’re so popular at the moment that their price has almost doubled compared to this time last year. To help you decide whether or not it’s worth it to shell out extra cash for this fun (and fiber-filled!) fruit, check out these quick facts:
- Avocados have the least amount of sugar per serving than any other fruit.
- One-third of a medium avocado has three grams of fiber. Spread this on a slice of whole-wheat toast and enjoy with a cup of strawberries. You’ve just met 30% of your fiber needs for the day.
- Following the Food Exchange System? Two tablespoons of avocado count as one fat exchange. This is roughly the size of a golf ball.
- Avocados contain heart-healthy unsaturated fat. Eating foods with saturated and trans fats may raise the level of “bad” cholesterol in your blood.
- “Avocado hand” is a real, and potentially dangerous, thing. Make sure you cut avocados properly to avoid this mishap.
Do you have a favorite way to enjoy avocados? You know the drill–tell me about it in the comments section!
Sources:
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Diabetes Association
- American Heart Association
- Avocados From Mexico
Maggie you ROCK!
Aww thank you, Mary! You rock, too 🙂
Rather than high cal dressing on salad I use cubes of avacado
Love that idea, Louise.
I so enjoy putting the avocados in my smooths . It gives the smooth a real smooth texture.
I so enjoy putting the avocados in my smooths . It gives the smooth a real smooth texture.
I use the avocados in my smooths, it makes the texture smooth. !!!
I add half an Avocado to half can of Albacore Tuna. Mix in one tablespoon of both dill relish and finely chopped onion. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use as a salad over lettuce or make into a sandwich with thin buns or bread. Add leaves of lettuce to the sandwich and enjoy.
Tried eating them before. Don’t care for the taste. Anyone have ways to prepare them with other foods (besides smoothies) to make them palatable? Thanks!
PS Yes, this web site ROCKS! 🙂
I mash about 1/3 of an avocado on the 2 toasted pieces of my cinnamon raisin English muffin in the morning. Thin slices of banana on top makes it sweeter. I am addicted to avocados now.
I have a new addiction, scrambled egg (eggs) with smoked paprika, on toast spread with avocado sprinkled with a bit of hot sauce or your favorite seasoning. It is additive I warn you, hope you enjoy it.
My favorite way to enjoy an avocado is with a spoon!
I like incorporating diced avocado into scrambled eggs, while the eggs are cooking in the pan. I add the avocado pieces once the eggs are about halfway cooked. They add nice flavor (and color)!
Here’s to mixing avocado w/mayo* (*guac.) and making a spread for chips…MMM!;D Appreciate all the interesting recipes that are great to try; plus, out of the ordinary.;D
Forgot to add that it goes great on pizza too!!!
Buy a 16 oz container of cottage cheese and use one serving. Mash a whole avocado then mix it into the container of cottage cheese. Mix in lemon juice (I don’t measure it). Use the mixture On crackers, as a dip for vegetables, or whatever way strikes your fancy.
When we lived in CA we found a restaurant that put avocado on top of a hamburger. It was very yummy. No pickles or onions needed.
I cube avocados and put in a bowl if hot soup
For breakfast I like a slice of sourdough toast with avocado and fresh broccoli sprouts, I grow myself in a Mason jar. The sprouts have a bite to them. I want to add allium to every meal. I sometimes add this chili mixture made with dried onions, garlic and roasted onions and cayenne pepper in olive oil, mix well and drizzle the crunchy bits on the avocado. Yum. I like garlic so I sprinkle on some extra garlic powder. (very spicy it and spikes the immune system!) Add a hard boiled or over easy egg for protein.