The Lovely Avocado – A Lions Health Tip

Posted on May 7, 2014

Native to Central & South America, and cultivated since 8,000 B.C, the avocado is also grown in FL and CA.

The avocado has inflammatory properties…its ability to prevent unwanted inflammation is absolutely unquestionable in the world of health research…and is particularly well-documented with problems involving arthritis.

The avocado is very high in antioxidants… which increase the benefit you receive from contents of a salad, like spinach/carrots/lettuce.  The avocado increases your body’s absorption of the good lycopene and beta-carotene from the other contents.

The avocado has potential anti-cancer properties,and contains materials  also found in olives and olive oil which help lower the risk of heart disease.

The greatest concentration of good oils, etc, is in dark green flesh that lies just beneath the skin….so peel the avocado carefully!

A ripe, ready-to-eat avocado is slightly soft but should have no dark sunken spots.  Ripen less mature, firm fruit at home (it will be less likely to have bruises) – in a paper bag or a table top basket at room temperature.  As it ripens, skin turns darker, refrigerate.  Avocados should not be refrigerated until they are ripe.

Uses:

  • Add to favorite creamy salad dressing
  • chop with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice and seasonings for guacamole.
  • Spread on bread as healthy replacement for mayonnaise
  • makes any salad better

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