Ever dig into some Guacamole that rocked your socks off at a football party?! Well, you know - Guac is made of avocados. Traditionally known only in Mexican dishes, avocados can fit their way into the diet of a variety of eaters.
They contain oleic acid which has been shown in studies to reduce high cholesterol, a huge problem in this country affecting millions of men. Also, one avocado apparently contains more potassium than a banana!
Potassium is a key element in a healthy lifestyle because as the US FDA states, "Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke." This is because potassium quite literally keeps the blood flowing with vibrancy and vigor.
Several studies have demonstrated as well that diets with a significant folate count (which avocados have a lot of) can seriously reduce one's chances of heart disease or cardiovascular illness. All of this is welcome news to the male half of the human species because men tend to have more heart troubles than their counterparts.
So, what do you do with an avocado? Well you can mash it up with a bit of sour cream and some tomatoes and make a rich dip for nacho chips. Or you could pack it into a healthy burrito filled with black beans, rice, cheese, and lettuce and tomato.
Avocados are a smart addition to a bell-pepper-and-onion-stuffed omelet, particularly if you add a bit of feta cheese to it with a dash of hot sauce. Avocados lend themselves to salads too. They are packed with healthy fats and proteins which many salads lack, helping you get essential vitamins and minerals without leaving you hungry.
(Note: Avocados are technically a fruit, but do not uncommonly pass for a vegetable)
