avocado/mparachichi

Their bumpy texture and pear-like shape and tasty as it is a must;because the nutrients in it fight a variety of conditions as they are known to guard your health and please the taste buds.

There are ways to enjoy your avocado other than the usual Guacamole. Instead,buttering your toast or sandwich with mayonnaise,use avocado. Its tastier and with less saturated fats. Add some diced avocado to salads too. The fat in it helps the body absorb nutrients such as vitamins A,D,E and K.

Points to note:

• The potassium helps regulate blood pressure and lowers risk for stroke. Avocado has as much potassium as a banana.
• Soluble fibers helps lower cholesterol.
• Avocados give a good dose of mono-unsaturated fat,as they contain little to no carbohydrate. Thus it has no effect on blood sugar.
• As it is a good source of Vitamin K it helps protect your bones from osteoporosis. The additional magnesium and Vitamin C help build bone mass and prevent bone loss and fractures.

Cook's corner.

• Choose an avocado that does not shriveled or puckered skin.
• To speed up the ripening process,put an avocado in a paper bag. Its natural ethylene gas does the trick.
• Avocados brown quickly after being cut,but drizzling lemon or lime on it prevents that and adds some flavor too.
• Serve avocados in many ways. Serve slices with cooked food, purèe in cold soups or desserts. Just DON'T cook avocados or they become bitter.