I've recently travelled to the amazing country of Peru. Apart from fascinating Inca ruins, great weather and lovely people, it also had some seriously yummy foods. Case in point: the avocado. Whilst trekking up to the breathtaking (get it, get it) city of Machu Picchu, stopping for lunch by the ruins of Wiñya Wayna pictured above, our guide informed us that the Peruvians simply peel an avocado and eat it whole. So that is exactly what we did!
But the question always remains - are avocados healthy?
It can be a little confusing, as avocados are high in fat. Yet, they are considered healthy. Why is this?
The simply answer is that they contain mostly the good kind of fat, called unsaturated fat. This kind of fat helps to increase your levels of protective HDL 'good' cholesterol, which assists in lowering levels of LDL 'bad' cholesterol, in turn decreasing your risk of heart disease. Simples?
The only consideration is that even though they are full of 'good fats', they are also calorie-heavy, so should be eaten in moderation, particularly if following a calorie controlled diet. Best option? Replace unhealthy 'bad fats' such as butter with avocado and you'll be right as rain!
Simple Ways to Use Avocados:
- On toast/in sandwiches instead of butter
- Use to whip up a surprisingly delicious chocolate mousse
- Atop a yummy crunchy salad
- In a green smoothie to make it velvety smooth and luxuriously glossy
- Alongside a yummy weekend brunch
- Homemade guacamole
- In, up and around any Mexican fare - tacos, fajitas, enchiladas etc
As an old TV slogan in the 90's encouraged us - "go on, 'ave an avo"
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