Alligator Pear?! Did you know that the avocado is considered by many nutritional experts to be a perfect food? It’s considered a superfood by many. And surprise, it’s not really a vegetable, it’s a fruit. In areas south of the border, it’s often called the alligator pear because of its shape and dark green roughly textured skin.
Great For the Heart and Brain
Though avocados are heavy in calories, those are nutrient dense calories. And the fats are heart healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3. Dr. Daniel G. Amen, author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life considers avocados as one of the top brain-healthy foods. The folate in them contributes to preventing the formation of brain tangles that are considered a factor for Alzheimer’s.
Good for your Overall Health
Avocados are also high in folic acid, making them a great food for pregnant women, lutein, making them great for eyes, and plant phytonutrient polyphenols and flavonoids, which have been discovered as anti-inflammatory agents. And don’t forget that avocado is one of the few foods that contains the master antioxidant glutathione which supports the liver, nervous system and immune system, and the fiber sitosterol, which helps remove fat from the intestines and lower cholesterol.
For a delicious helping of avocado, try this guacamole recipe:
Holy Guacamole
- 2 medium to large avocados
- 4 green onions
- Fresh juice from ½ a lime or lemon
- 1 small to medium tomato
- 1-2 sweet bell peppers
- 1 handful fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
Instructions: Chop or mash all ingredients by hand or in a food processor until desired consistency. Dip raw or baked crackers, chips, or fresh veggies in this guacamole, or use it to add some extra flavor to a salad or sandwich. Yum!
