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Originally published November 21 2013

The many health benefits of avocados - Plus an unusual recipe featuring avocados

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.

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:

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!

12 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled (preferably cage-free organic)
1 ripe, fresh California Hass avocado, seeded and peeled
1/4 cup mayonnaise**
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp capers, finely chopped
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 lime, juiced and zested
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cut the eggs lengthwise into halves. Slip out the yolks and mash yolks with a fork.

2. Add the avocado and mash with a fork.

3. Mix the mashed yolks and avocado with the mayonnaise, cumin, capers, mustard, lime juice and zest, salt and jalapeno.

4. With large pastry bag, using a large star tip, fill the egg whites with the egg yolk mixture (about one tablespoon in each half).

5. Sprinkle with chili powder and garnish with the cilantro.

**Either purchase soy and canola-free mayonnaise or else make your own with this recipe:

http://www.tbyil.com

For the healthiest recipe, choose organic and fresh content as much as possible. Likewise, as with all fruits and vegetables, wash avocados before cutting.

Sources included:

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.undergroundhealth.com

http://www.whfoods.com

http://www.californiaavocado.com

About the author:
"See more articles by Tony Isaacs"



Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best Years in Life website for those who wish to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Mr. Isaacs is the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and is working on a major book project due to be published later this year.

Mr. Isaacs also hosts the Yahoo Oleandersoup group of over 3000 members and the The Best Years in Life Radio Show" on BlogTalk Radio.


"See more articles by Tony Isaacs" Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best Years in Life website for those who wish to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Mr. Isaacs is the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and is working on a major book project due to be published later this year. Mr. Isaacs also hosts the Yahoo Oleandersoup group of over 3000 members and the The Best Years in Life Radio Show" on BlogTalk Radio.


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