by Tony Isaacs
(NaturalNews) Many health experts consider avocados to be among the healthiest foods in the world, and studies have shown that avocado eaters tend to be healthier than those who do not eat them. Though often referred to as vegetables, avocados are actually fruits. And, though they have a few extra calories, the calories are the good nutrient-dense kind.
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In addition to being good sources of fiber, protein and healthy monounsaturated and omega-3 fats, avocados contain over 25 essential nutrients including B vitamins, such as folic acid and folate, and vitamins A, C, E and K. Minerals found in avocados include copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium.
Avocado Health Benefits
Avocados also contain phytochemicals noted for their ability to protect against and fight disease and illness, including beta-sitosterol, glutathione and lutein.
Among the many health benefits of avocados are:
Brain health
Healthier hearts
Healthier arteries
Lower LDL cholesterol
Blood sugar regulation
Healthier blood pressure
Eye health
Healthier pregnancies
Skin health
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-aging
Anticancer
Better digestion
How to Select and Ripen Avocados
Avocados are easy to ripen at home, something many people are sadly unaware of. In fact, unless you plan to consume an avocado immediately after purchasing, it is best to pick firm green avocados and ripen them yourself. Whether in the store or at home, the way to tell when an avocado is ripe remains the same: the skin will turn from green to a darker brown-green and will give slightly without dark sunken spots or cracks.
To ripen an avocado at home, simply place it in a brown paper bag. That will trap the ethylene gas that they produce and help a firm avocado ripen in about three to six days. You can speed the ripening time up to one to three days if you place a tomato, banana or apple in the bag. Thus you can control the time you want to consume your avocados by storing them in a cool, dark place* until a few days prior to when you want them to be ripe.
*Never store avocados in the refrigerator, as they will not properly ripen.
An Easy and Unusual Avocado Recipe
Avocados are most often consumed either by themselves, in guacamole or other salsas, in salads or perhaps in soups. However, avocados are quite versatile and can also be consumed in other kinds of dishes as well, including this one, courtesy of the California Avocado Commission:
Avocado Deviled Eggs
If you love avocados and deviled eggs, it just doesn’t get any better than this!
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