So what is the number one healthiest fruit in the world? Well, in my opinion (and it’s just my opinion) it has to be the avocado. Although it’s technically a fruit, the avocado is used as a vegetable. It is native to central America and is sometimes known as an alligator pear because of the textured skin. It is a very nutritious food and contains essential nutrients such as vitamins B6, C and E, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium and Niacin. Unlike other fruits, it contains oil, which makes it a fatty food item BUT most of it is monosaturated fat, i.e. the ‘good’ fat, which has been shown to help lower our risk of heart disease.
Avocados are full of protein and are filling and nutritious. They are rich in vitamin E, which is beneficial to the skin and helps maintain healthy circulation. Eat avocados as soon as they are ripe as they start to lose important antioxidants as they ripen. Cut them and remove the skin and stones at the very last minute to avoid discoloration
Add to salads, stir fry dishes, smoothies and roast in the oven.
Typical Nutritional Information
1 Avocado (201g) =
322 calories
4g protein
17g carbohydrate
14g fibre
29g fat (4.3g saturated)
5% (of required daily intake) Vitamin A
33% Vitamin C
6% Iron
2% Calcium
25% Vitamin B6
14% Magnesium
Here’s a smoothie idea using a ripe avocado:
Strawberry, Avocado and Cocoa Smoothie
Ingredients:
2 handfuls of chopped strawberries
1 chopped avocado
A handful of spinach
5 tbsp of Greek yogurt
2 tsp 100% cocoa powder
A squeeze of organic maple syrup
1/2 cup of spring water
1/2 cup of coconut milk
Ice
Put all of the ingredients into a blender and blend for 1 minute. This is 3 of your 5-a-day.