The avocado may very well have been 2015’s most popular produce. And the accolades are well deserved. The beloved fruit (why yes, they are a fruit!) has played a starring role on toast, in smoothies, in baked goods and so much more. What’s not to love? They are versatile (served whole, sliced, diced, or mashed), delicious and satisfying at any time of the day. Plus, they are packed with loads of nutritional benefits no matter how or when you eat them!
Avocados from Mexico have even made them entertaining. Following up on their popular 2015 Big Game ad, be sure not to miss #AvosInSpace during the first commercial break after kickoff!
To celebrate this delectable dietary dynamo, here are 6 reasons why we love avocados:
1. Avocados have more potassium than bananas.
Sure, bananas are well known for being rich in potassium. But the 487 milligrams per large fruit pales in comparison to the 975 milligrams of potassium from a single avocado.
2. They can fit into a variety of healthy eating plans.
Avocados are virtually the only fruit that contains monounsaturated fat (the good fat). They are also cholesterol- and sodium-free and are high in protein. Each avocado packs four grams of protein — the highest of any fruit.
3. They’re good for skin and hair.
We know that avocados taste great, but you don’t have to just eat them to reap their benefits. This superfood can moisturize dry skin, help heal damaged hair, treat dark circles and puffy eyes, and even soothe sunburn. Try some of these remedies using ingredients found right in your own kitchen!
4. They are essential for truly delicious guacamole.
What’s a gathering without this party favorite? Try your hand at a Classic Mexican Guacamole recipe from Avocados from Mexico, or give the traditional dip a little upgrade with a Pineapple and Cucumber Guacamole recipe. Throw in some chickpeas, Kalamata olives and sundried tomatoes and you have a delicious Mediterranean Guacamole.
5. They add moisture, good fats and nutrients to baked goods.
The creamy texture and healthy fats in avocados make for an easy substitution in baked goods in place of butter. Substituting butter with avocado not only lowers the calorie content – half a cup of butter is 813 calories while the same amount of mashed avocado is only 184 – but it also makes for a moister baked good.
6. They’re great in smoothies and shakes.
We all enjoy avocados mashed into dips, sliced onto sandwiches and spread on toast. But we can’t get enough of avocados blended into delicious drinks as well.
