Salsa has long been seen as the king of the chip dips and toppings for Hispanic foods in the United States; that being said, it’s cousin guacamole is making a real push for the number one spot. Garlicky, savory, salty, and just the slightest bit sweet, even the most basic guacamole recipe goes great with everything, from your mornings eggs to your favorite tortilla chip. You might know just how delicious guacamole is, but you might be floored to learn that the guacamole health benefits are just as fantastic as this classic dip’s flavor.
Three Health Benefits of Guacamole That Prove It’s OK to Eat Your Favorite Green Dip
- Guacamole Aids in the Absorption of Antioxidants
- Fresh Guacamole Dips Stave off Bad Cholesterol
- A Great Source of Vitamin K
As the World’s Healthiest Foods, a popular nutritional website, writes, one of the greatest health benefits of guacamole is its ability to increase your body’s absorption of antioxidants. Avocado, the main ingredient in guacamole, contains compounds that help your body absorb lycopene and beta-carotene. These chemicals have been shown to reduce the chance of developing certain kinds of cancer and improve eyesight, respectively.
Heart health has become one of the biggest concerns for medical professionals throughout the United States, especially as Americans continue to increase their daily intake of fat and salt. What you might not know is that one of the many health benefits of guacamole is its ability to reduce heart-damaging cholesterol. Avocado contains high levels of monounsaturated fats. These fats reduce blood pressure, fight off bad cholesterol, and improve heart health, as SF Gate points out.
Of the many beneficial nutrients and vitamins guacamole contains, LiveStrong suggests that Vitamin K may be one of the most beneficial. Because Vitamin K, also known as potassium, aids in the absorption of calcium, it is essential in fighting off osteoporosis. Further, it increases your body’s ability to clot your blood when you’re injured.
What’s your favorite way to prepare and eat classic guacamole recipes? Let us know in the comment section below. More research here: sabra.com
