Weight Loss Help: Top 10 Superfoods - #10 Avocados

At one time avocados were considered somewhat unhealthy due to their high levels of fat. Nowadays, avocados are widely considered as one of the healthiest fruits available and can be used to greatly improve your personal health. Although they are widely believed to be vegetables, avocado's are actually considered fruits. Avocados are mostly grown in tropical climates like Mexico, Hawaii and Florida, but can be grown in temperate climates like California and Texas, as well. Mexico is by far the largest producers of avocados.

Today, the Hass avocado, due to it's ability to grow year round, is the most common avocado in the world and makes up for 80% of the market. Other types of avocado cultivars include: Gwen, Fuerte and Bacon. Most chefs prefer Haas avocado's. Whatever you choose, avocados can definitely provide weight loss help and boost your personal health.

The health benefits of avocados are endless. Avocados provide an excellent source of monounsaturated fats and are very high in fiber. They're loaded with B vitamins as well as vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K. Avocados also contain 60% more potassium than bananas.

The healthy fats in avocados play a key role in absorbing carotenoid antioxidants from other healthy foods. Studies have shown that, unless the key nutrients found in vegetables and fruits are consumed along with healthy fat, the body has a hard time absorbing the carotenoid antioxidants. Therefore, the healthy fats found in avocados play a vital role in delivering disease-fighting nutrients to your body. Regularly eating avocados can definitely improve your personal health.

When selecting an avocado, look for those that are heavier than their size would indicate. This shows that the fruit contains a significant amount of moisture. The avocado should be soft enough to yield to slight thumb pressure. If it yields too much, then it is overripe. Also, the skin of the avocado should not have tears or bruises.

The prime season for avocados is later winter to early spring. Hass avocados, however, are generally available year-round. Over the past few years avocado prices have become somewhat expensive. Generally speaking, you should expect to pay anywhere from $1.00 to $1.75, depending on the size of the avocado.

Avocados are most commonly used to make guacomole. However, there are a number of ways in which avocados can be prepared. They are great in salads, on sandwiches and can be used to make avocado salsa. Throughout Southeast Asia, avocados are even used to make milkshakes, smoothies and ice cream.

General Preparation

Here are the basic steps for getting the avocado out of the skin and ready to be used:

1. Wash the avocado
2. Cut in half lengthwise down to and around the pit
3. Twist and separate the two halves
4. Remove the pit
5. Separate the avocado from the skin

If you are looking for a simple and delicious way to eat avocados, simply mix the fruit with milk and sugar and enjoy!

This avocado salsa recipe is by Mary Vosika from allrecipes.com.

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
• 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups chopped sweet red pepper
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro or parsley
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• Tortilla chips

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients; mix well. Serve immediately with chips.

This recipe provides 20 servings and can be prepared in 15 minutes.