Everything you need to know about Avocados …and then some

An avocado is considered a superfood and a healthy fat.  It is the rage right now.  But is it all it is cracked up to be?  That depends on how much you are eating, how often and what you are eating it with. 

• Avocados are a good source of vitamin C which supports your immune system, folate which helps regulate cell function, vitamin K for bone health and carotenoids for eye health.

• They contain as much fiber per gram as nuts and seeds.

• Avocados assist in nutrient absorption particularly fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K.

• They are versatile. Eat it on toast for breakfast, as a garnish to a salad, in a smoothie, as a dip, or with a little salt and pepper by itself.

• One avocado (136g) contains:

• 227 calories

• 21g fat

• 12g carbohydrates

• 3g protein

• 9g fiber

• Vitamin K, C, Folate, potassium and magnesium

• Less than 1/2g of sugar

• One quarter to one half of an avocado is the recommended daily consumption

Fun Avocado Facts

• Store a cut avocado in an airtight container with the stone in for the least amount of spoilage.

• An avocado is a fruit, not a vegetable.

• Avocado trees do not self-pollinate.

• Avocados only ripen when they have been removed from the tree.

• To speed up the ripening process, place an avocado in a brown bag with a banana.

• 3 Million pounds of guacamole is eaten during the Superbowl each year.

• Avocado is the Aztec symbol for love and fertility.

• Avocados pits and skins are poisonous to birds, cats, dogs, and rabbits.

• Many celebrities are avocado farmers. Tom Selleck and Jamie Foxx to name a couple.

• Avocados have higher levels of potassium than bananas.