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(NAPSI)-The pleasing taste and creamy texture of avocados is
innately appealing. Beyond satisfying flavor, avocados provide important
nutrients and phytochemicals necessary during the early developmental years
of life and beyond.
Nutrient-dense avocados are an ideal food to introduce when
babies are old enough to eat table foods. Soft in texture and digestible,
avocados come with their own natural "packaging," which makes them
convenient for meals.
In the later years of life, avocados promote successful
aging by providing nutrients that have been linked to disease prevention,
including folate, beta-sitosterol, lutein and monounsaturated fat. Avocados
also can help maintain a healthy weight as a delicious, satisfying
alternative to unhealthy sandwich spreads and salad dressings laden with
harmful cholesterol and saturated fat.
Compared to other fruits, ounce-per-ounce, California
avocados rank highest in the following key nutrients that can promote
optimum growth and help protect against a variety of diseases:
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Folate-Lowers homocysteine levels in the blood stream, which
may prevent heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease; reduces the risk
of birth defects like spina bifida and promotes healthy cell and tissue
development.
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Vitamin E-Helps slow the aging process and protects against
heart disease and various forms of cancer.
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Monounsaturated Fat-Helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and
boost HDL (good) cholesterol. Avocados are one of the only fruits that
provide babies with the "good" fat. Monounsaturated fat is essential for
cognitive and visual development.
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Beta-Sitosterol-Helps inhibit the absorption of cholesterol
and promotes lower cholesterol levels.
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Lutein-Protects against prostate cancer and eye diseases
such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
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Glutathione-Functions as an antioxidant like vitamin E to
neutralize free radicals that can cause cell damage and lead to disease.
California Avocado Sweet Spread is a delicious substitute
for butter on your toast in the morning. Spread on whole grain toast or
English muffins or serve as an afternoon snack on crackers. It also makes a
great dip for strips of red bell pepper, jicama or celery sticks. To ripen
an avocado, simply place in a paper bag with a banana or apple at room
temperature until ready to eat, about 2-5 days.
California Avocado Sweet Spread
1/5 ripe Genuine California Avocado (1 oz.)
2 1/2 teaspoons orange marmalade
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 slice whole wheat toast
In medium bowl, mash avocado with a fork. Stir in marmalade,
then ginger to taste. Spread on toast and serve. Makes 1 serving.
Nutritional information per serving: calories: 182, total
fat: 5.9g, saturated fat: 0.7g, % calories from fat: 29%, protein: 5g,
carbohydrates: 28g, cholesterol: 0mg, dietary fiber: 3g, sodium: 173mg
Avocados are a member of 5 A Day The Color Way's green
group. Eating a wide range of colorful fruits and vegetables every day,
helps you stay healthy and energetic. For more California Avocado recipes
and information, visit the Web Site
www.avocado.org; and
for more information about 5 A Day The Color Way, visit
www.5aday.org and
www.aboutproduce.com.
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