Avocados

It took a friend's comment about how delicious she found this fruit to make me give it another look. I had tried them in my teens but wasn't keen, so I hadn't tasted them again since. Avocados had a bad rap for awhile because of their high fat content, but with J.'s rapturous endorsement, I did a little research and found that they are packed with all sorts of healthy properties.

Avocados:

1. Are rich is Vitamins A, C and E, and potassium.

2. Are high in protein.

3. Are high in oleic acid, a fat that activates the part of the brain that signals that you are full, thus helping with weight control.

4. While high in fat, they are monounsaturated fats and actually maintain the good cholesterol (HDL) and lower the bad (LDL). They also lower triglycerides.

5. With more carotenoid lutin than other commonly eaten fruits, they protect the eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts.

6. Protects against strokes

7. 1 cup of avocado contains 23% of recommended daily value of folate, which may lower the incidence of heart disease.

8. High in vitamin E, which protects against many diseases.

9. Contains glutathione, an important antioxidant, helpful in preventing symptoms of aging, cancer and heart disease.

Last week I bought my first avocado, tried it, and liked the mild creamy taste. So I will add avocado to the list of foods that I Iike and will aim to eat one a week, simply sliced and served without any embellishments, because I think it tastes great just like that.