We’ve come a long way from the days when dieting meant cutting every last bit of fat out of your meals. But when it comes to the avocado, even the least fat-phobic dieter may wonder: Can anything with that rich a taste really have a place at a table geared towards weight control?
Happily, the answer is yes. Once called “poor man’s butter,” avocados are actually more like olive oil, both of them being rich in the monounsaturated oleic acid that appears to support healthy cholesterol levels.
Avocados also provide generous amounts of fiber—another bonus for weight-conscious eaters—along with folate, lutein, potassium and other minerals, and vitamins B6, C, E and K.
Native to Central and South America, avocados are now grown in tropical and semitropical climates worldwide, including California and Florida in the US. Harvest times depend on the specific variety, but avocados are available year round.
When shopping for avocados, look for firm specimens without cracks or sunken areas; keep them on the kitchen counter until they ripen to a slightly soft consistency. Peel an avocado by cutting it lengthwise from top to bottom and gently twisting the halves apart. Then remove the large center pit and slip off the skin. Cut out any dark spots in the flesh.
Avocados are best known as the main component in guacamole, in which they are mashed with chopped tomato, lime or lemon juice (to prevent browning) and salt. Other ingredients may include onions, garlic, chilies, cumin and cilantro. Mashed avocado can also be used to garnish baked potatoes or steamed vegetables, or as a sandwich spread. Diced avocado makes an unusual omelet addition.
Sliced avocado is popular as a salad ingredient. But you can stuff the slices into rolled chicken breasts or wrap them with shrimp and basil leaves in prosciutto for grilling. You can even honor the avocado’s role as a fruit (its technical designation) by using it in desserts, such as in the recipe shown below.
If you’re looking to lose weight, feel free to make the avocado—and its healthy fat content—a welcome part of your diet.
California Avocado and Mango with Yogurt, Honey & Lime
2 large ripe California avocados, chilled, halved, seeded and peeled
2 mangoes, chilled, halved, seeded and peeled
cayenne pepper, to taste
salt, to taste
3/4 cup plain, low-fat yogurt (Greek style preferred)
2 large limes, juiced
3 tbsp honey
4 mint sprigs
Yields 4 servings
Source: California Avocado Commission
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**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
