Holy-Moly Grab a Plate of Guacamole!

Before we say a final farewell to summer, it’s time to celebrate National Guacamole Day! Guacamole gets its green color from its main ingredient, avocado. Did you know that the avocado is native to Mexico and that guacamole was made all the way back to the 1500s by the Aztecs? Guacamole is great because it’s easy to make, healthy, and absolutely delicious!

Given today is National Guacamole Day, I thought it’d be the perfect time to dive further into everyone’s favorite dish!

The Power of the Avocado 

Not only does guacamole taste great, but it’s filled with health benefits; many of which that come from its main ingredient… avocado. Avocados are naturally sodium free and filled with monounsaturated fatty acids, which is great for your heart health. They also pack a punch of the following nutrients:

• Vitamin K: boosts the body’s ability to clot blood and plays a role in bone health.
• Folate: crucial to the central nervous system development during pregnancy.
• Vitamin C: boosts your immune system.
• Potassium: keeps blood pressure in normal range with the help of sodium.
• Vitamin E: acts like an antioxidant and protects your cells from any damage.

Selection and Storage

Now that you know more about avocados, how do you pick them out at the grocery store? Luckily I have some tips below to help you on selecting and storing avocados:

• When selecting an avocado, look for ones with firm skin and no soft spots.
• It should be firm, but yielding to gentle pressure when ripe.
• Store unripe avocados in paper bag at room temperature.
• Store ripe avocados in refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Must Love Guacamole 

One of my favorite things about guacamole is how easy it is to make! All you have to do is mash two or three avocados and then add whatever ingredients you desire! When I make it I love adding the classic onion, tomato, cilantro, and lime juice to really pack in some great flavor. Others prefer adding some jalapeño peppers or garlic; the possibilities are endless!

Another benefit of making your own guacamole is that you know exactly what is in it, leaving all the processed stuff behind! Guacamole is perfect for a healthy snack, I personally like cutting a pepper in half and filling with guacamole. Since it’s a great source of monounsaturated fats it will keep you fuller longer, making it perfect for in-between meals!

Guacamole also goes great on toast, salads, and sandwiches! Try something new! Happy Guacamole Day!

Your turn to take action: Now that you know some of the many benefits of this delicious treat what will you choose to add to it? Let me know in the comments below!

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