My obsession

Avocados.


The most important thing about avocados is learning how to pick a ripe one. Keep the following in mind (courtesy of ehow.com)

1. Choose an avocado without bruises or scars.
2. Examine the stem end. If the avocado is ripe, you will be able to pull the stem out very easily.
   
3. Hold the avocado in your hand and gently squeeze it. An unripe avocado will feel like a stone. An over-ripe avocado will feel loose under the skin. A ripe avocado will feel the same as if you were to squeeze the palms of your hand

I normally buy a couple avocados at all different stages of ripeness, so they don't all ripen at the same time.

Some of the ways I've been eating avocados lately are:

Hummus or chicken and avocado sandwiches (they are so creamy and make the best addition to any sandwich)
As a main salad ingredient
On top of turkey burgers (copied this from Angie! both the turkey burgers and using avocado as a topping!)
Cut up with tomato and red onion, drizzled in EVOO and white balsamic vinagrette
Smushed up with garlic, minced onion, lime juice, s&p - easy quick simple guacamole

Honestly if you have not tried avocados, you MUST!

Here are some well-known health benefits of avocado for both adults and kids.

1. It protects cholesterol related heart diseases. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
2. It is used both in prevention and treatment of prostate and breast cancers.
   
3. Avocado includes necessary minerals like potassium, calcium, vitamin C and K, folic acid, copper, sodium and dietary fibers.
   
4. Oleic acid in avocado can be used to lower cholesterol level in the blood.
5. Potassium in avocado regulates pressure of blood.
6. Sodium reduces the risk of high blood pressure and stoke.
7. It improves the ability of the body to absorb carotenoids.
8. Avocado is used to help people who have sexual problems.
9. It is a good antioxidant.
10. It can be used in the treatment of skin disorders.
11. It is used to heal people who suffer from digestive and circulatory problems.

Do you really need any more reasons? Ok, avocados help with bad breath, beauty aid, blood pressure, eyesight, fetal development, immune system, kidney stones, psoriasis... the list just keeps going!

Here's the nutritional information for one avocado.

To sum it all up.... TRY an AVOCADO today!!