Superfoods, like California Avocados are a natural choice for health conscious snackers. This superfruit contributes nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients at 50 calories for a 1-oz serving (about 1/5 of a medium avocado). And the good fats in California Avocados help boost nutrient absorption of fat soluble nutrients, like vitamins A, D, E and K, from foods eaten with the fruit.

Avocado and Good Fats

Avocados are virtually the only fruit with good monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. What’s more, these good fats do not raise LDL “bad” cholesterol levels.

The California Avocado Superfood

All of that good nutrition is packaged with the great taste of California Avocados. As a chef and registered dietitian it doesn’t get much better than that, which is why I love creating snack recipes that feature the premium fruit. Delicious and nutritious, the California Avocado Spinach and Greek Yogurt Dip and California Avocado and White Bean Wrap recipes have fewer than 200 calories per serving, are high in folate, vitamins A and K, and provide the minerals potassium and magnesium.

Both recipes are simple to prepare and don’t require heating the oven, making them cool summer snacks. Enjoy!

What are your favorite ways to include California Avocados in your superfood snacks? Let me know in the comments!

California Avocado and White Bean Wrap

My tasty wrap offers a beautiful rainbow of colors and array of nutrients. Naturally cholesterol free, this vegan-friendly wrap is rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C. It’s also low in sodium and provides your body with iron and protein. Cut it in half for two scrumptious snack servings. Or a full wrap can even satisfy your appetite as a balanced plant based lunch.

Serves: 2

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup canned white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar, plus additional for drizzling
• 1 (8-in.) low-sodium whole-grain tortilla
• 1/2 ripe, fresh California Avocado, seeded, peeled and sliced**
• 1/4 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 1/4 tsp. salt-free garlic and herb seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

 

Instructions

1. Place the beans and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl and mash with a fork.
2. Spread a thin layer of the mixture on the bottom two-thirds of the tortilla plus spread a line of the mixture at the top edge of the tortilla, to help seal the tortilla after wrapping.
3. Lay the avocado slices on top of the beans on the bottom half of the tortilla. Place the bell pepper strips in a horizontal line above the avocado. Sprinkle with the garlic and herb seasoning and the black pepper. Top with spinach and drizzle a few drops of balsamic vinegar over the spinach.
4. Starting with the bottom of the tortilla, roll it tightly. Cut in half diagonally.
5. For optimal freshness, enjoy on the same day of preparation.

 

Nutrition Information Per Serving: Calories 170; Total Fat 6 g (Sat 1 g, Trans 0 g, Poly 1 g, Mono 4 g); Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 60 mg; Potassium 590 mg; Total Carbohydrates 26 g; Dietary Fiber 6 g; Total Sugars 2 g; Protein 6 g; Vitamin A 1228 IU; Vitamin C 24 mg; Calcium 80 mg; Iron 2.7 mg; Vitamin D 0 IU; Folate 99 mcg; Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.1 g

% Daily Value*: Vitamin A 25%; Vitamin C 40%; Calcium 8%; Iron 15%

Footnotes:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 Calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

*Large avocados are recommended for these recipes. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly. As with all fruits and vegetables, wash avocados before cutting.

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Besides its unique flavour and fragrance, guava has been hailed as one of the

super fruits due to the numerous health benefits it offers. It indeed is a powerhouse of nutrients. “This humble fruit is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants that are beneficial for skin.

 Guavas are also rich in manganese which helps the body to absorb other key nutrients from the food that we eat. Guavas contain folate, a mineral which helps promote fertility. The potassium in guavas helps

normalise blood pressure levels as well. In fact, a banana and a guava contain almost the same amount of potassium. Since it contains about 80% of water

 it helps keep your skin hydrated”, says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Sukhda

Hospital.

1. Improve Immunity

Did you know: Guavas are one of the richest sources of vitamin C? It’s true. Guavas contain 4 times the vitamin C content present in oranges. Vitamin C helps improve immunity and protects you against common infections and pathogens.

2. Lowers Risk of Cancer

“Lycopene, quercetin, vitamin C and other polyphenols act as potent

antioxidants which neutralise free radicals generated in the body, preventing the growth of cancer cells.

 Guavas have shown to be widely successful in reducing prostate cancer

risk and also inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells since it is rich

 in lycopene”, says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.

3. Diabetes-Friendly

Due to the rich fibre content and low glycaemic index, guavas prevent the development of diabetes. While the low glycemic index inhibits a sudden spike in sugar levels, the fibre content ensures the sugar levels are well regulated.

4. Heart Healthy

Guavas improve the sodium and potassium balance of the body, thereby regulating blood pressure

 in patients with hypertension. Guavas also help lower the levels of

triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL), which contribute to the

development of heart disease. This magical fruit improves levels of the

good cholesterol (HDL).

5. Treats Constipation

It is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber in comparison to other

 fruits and just 1 guava fulfills about 12% of your daily recommended

intake of fibre, which makes it extremely beneficial for your digestive

health. Guava seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent

laxatives too, helping the formation of healthy bowel movements.

6. Improves Eyesight

Due to the presence of Vitamin A, guava is well known as a booster for vision health. It can not only prevent degradation of eyesight,

 but even improve eyesight. It can help slow down the appearance of

cataracts and macular degeneration. Even though guavas are not as rich

in Vitamin A as carrots, they are still a very good source of the

nutrient.

7. Guava During Pregnancy

Guavas contain folic acid, or vitamin B-9, which is recommended for

pregnant women since it can help in developing the baby’s nervous system

 and protect the newborn from neurological disorders.

8. Beats Toothache

Guava leaves have a potent anti-inflammatory action and a powerful

antibacterial ability which fights infection and kills germs. Thus,

consuming guava leaves works as a fantastic home remedy for toothache.

The juice of guava leaves has also been known to cure toothaches,

swollen gums and oral ulcers.

9. Stress-Buster

The magnesium present in guavas helps to relax the muscles and nerves

 of the body. So after a hard workout or a long day at the office, a

guava is certainly what you need to relax your muscles, combat stress

and give your system a good energy boost.

10. Good for Your Brain

“Guavas contain vitamin B3 and vitamin B6, also known as niacin and

pyridoxine respectively, which help in improving blood circulation to

the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves”, remarks Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.

11. Weight Loss

Want to shed a few pounds? Guava is just the ticket. Without compromising your intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber,

 guava helps you lose weight by regulating your metabolism. It’s a

win-win! Guava makes for a very filling snack and satisfies the appetite

 very easily. Guava, especially raw guava, also has far less sugar as compared to apples, oranges, grapes, and other fruits.

12. Cough and Cold

Guava has one of the highest quantities of vitamin-C and iron among

fruits, and both are proven to be preventive against cold and viral

infections. The juice of raw and immature guavas or a decoction of

guava-leaves is very helpful in relieving cough and cold since it helps get rid of mucus and disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.

13. Anti-Ageing Properties

Guavas are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants like carotene

and lycopene which help protect the skin from wrinkles. A guava a day,

keeps fine lines away!

14. Improves Complexion

Guava helps regain the skin’s radiance and freshness.

 Reap the benefits by preparing a DIY scrub at home: All you have to do

is mash some guava flesh with an egg yolk and apply it on your face.

Rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water. When used once or twice a

week, this scrub will remove dead cells from your skin and lighten your

complexion. Guavas are also a great source of Vitamin K, which helps get

 rid of skin discoloration, dark circles, redness and acne irritation.

15. Improves Texture

Guavas rank high in astringent properties, guava leaves and unripe guavas even higher. Guava helps tone up and tighten the facial muscles, so apply a decoction of the leaves and fruit on your skin and voila!

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Superfoods, like California Avocados are a natural choice for health conscious snackers. This superfruit contributes nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients at 50 calories for a 1-oz serving (about 1/5 of a medium avocado). And the good fats in California Avocados help boost nutrient absorption of fat soluble nutrients, like vitamins A, D, E and K, from foods eaten with the fruit.

Avocado and Good Fats

Avocados are virtually the only fruit with good monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. What’s more, these good fats do not raise LDL “bad” cholesterol levels.

The California Avocado Superfood

All of that good nutrition is packaged with the great taste of California Avocados. As a chef and registered dietitian it doesn’t get much better than that, which is why I love creating snack recipes that feature the premium fruit. Delicious and nutritious, the California Avocado Spinach and Greek Yogurt Dip and California Avocado and White Bean Wrap recipes have fewer than 200 calories per serving, are high in folate, vitamins A and K, and provide the minerals potassium and magnesium.

Both recipes are simple to prepare and don’t require heating the oven, making them cool summer snacks. Enjoy!

What are your favorite ways to include California Avocados in your superfood snacks? Let me know in the comments!

California Avocado Spinach and Greek Yogurt Dip

Tart Greek yogurt combined with creamy avocado gives this spinach dip a nutritious twist on a classic party staple. Each ¼ cup serving delivers a good source of vitamin C and fiber. Dip in with whole grain pita chips and vegetable crudités. Enjoy it as a snack or bring to the next potluck. Your friends are sure to be impressed.

Serves: 8

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 scallions, cut into 4 pieces each
• 2 ripe, fresh California Avocados, seeded, peeled and quartered**
• 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp. and 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. and 1 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, moisture squeezed out well

 

Instructions

1. Place scallions in a food processor and blend until finely chopped.
2. Add the avocados, yogurt, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic powder and pepper, and puree until smooth.
3. Add spinach and pulse just until incorporated.
4. For optimal taste, refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

 

Nutrition Information Per Serving: Calories 90; Total Fat 6 g (Sat 1 g, Trans 0 g, Poly 0.5 g, Mono 4 g); Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 160 mg; Potassium 350 mg; Total Carbohydrates 6 g; Dietary Fiber 4 g; Total Sugars <1 g; Protein 3 g; Vitamin A 4260 IU; Vitamin C 7 mg; Calcium 74 mg; Iron 1 mg; Vitamin D 0 IU; Folate 90 mcg; Omega 3 Fatty Acids 0.1 g

% Daily Value*: Vitamin A 90%; Vitamin C 10%; Calcium 8%; Iron 6%

Footnotes:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 Calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

*Large avocados are recommended for these recipes. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly. As with all fruits and vegetables, wash avocados before cutting.

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Experts also suggest eating guava is beneficial during pregnancy. Taking in the right nutrition, vitamins and minerals is an important aspect when you are expecting and guava is a great choice.

here are 12 Benefits of Guava during Pregnancy

1. Rich Source of Vitamins

Guava is a rich source of vitamin C, A, B2 and E. Also contains copper, calcium, thiamine, potassium, manganese and phosphorous. In fact, it is believed that the vitamin A and vitamin C content of guava exceeds that of the amount present in oranges and lemons.

2. Great Source of Ascorbic and Folic Acid

 One of the best health benefits of consuming a guava is that it’s rich in ascorbic acid. Micro nutrients present in a guava like folic acid and vitamin B-9 are good for healthy circulatory system. Also consumption of such nutrients helps your baby from risk of neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease and regulates nervous system development.

3. Source of Lycopene Pigment

Guava also contains lycopene – a pigment that lends the pulp its characteristic colour. A lycopene-rich diet decreases the risk of developing pre-cancerous growths in and around your mouth.

Advantages of Guava During Pregnancy

Here are the numerous health benefits of eating guava during your special nine months.

1. Regulation Of Blood Sugar

Consumption of guava during pregnancy is thought to keep your blood sugar levels under control, thus playing a vital role in the prevention of gestational diabetes in pregnant women.

2. Balanced Levels Of Blood Pressure

Guava helps keep your blood pressure levels in control. During pregnancy, keeping a stable blood pressure level is important in order to avoid miscarriage and premature births.

3. Controls Blood Cholesterol

The fiber content of guava actually helps control high blood cholesterol levels in your body, which is the major risk factor associated with many cardiovascular diseases.

4. Healthy Iron Content

The iron content of guava may reduce the risk of anemia during pregnancy. What’s more, guava also has certain essential nutrients that help keep the hemoglobin levels in your body in check.

5. Helps Reduce Constipation And Hemorrhoids

Being a rich source of fiber guava helps in common complaints such as hemorrhoids and constipation during pregnancy.

6. Muscle And Nerve Relaxant

Guava is a rich source of magnesium that promotes relaxation of muscles and nerves in your body during pregnancy.

7. Fights Prevent Health Infections

Guava is a rich source of polyphenols, carotenoids, isoflavanoids, vitamin E and vitamin C which are known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are good in fighting the damage of free radicals on your body and help prevent infections during pregnancy.

8. Prevents Neural Tube Defects

Guava helps prevent neural tube defects in the newborns as it contains folic acid.

9. Great Source Of Calcium

Guava is also a good natural source of calcium for you, which makes it a must have for a pregnancy diet.

10. Enhanced Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count

The folic acid content of guava helps your body increase its production of red blood cells, which helps improve function of the nervous system, particularly the brain, and also prevents anemia.

11. Helps In Fetal Development

The Vitamin B9 content of guava is yet another essential factor when it comes to the development of your baby’s nervous system.

12. Helps In Healthy Digestion Process

Guava is also known to keep the digestive system healthy. It prevents any sorts of digestion related problems, which is certainly important during pregnancy.

Side Effects of Guava

With pluses come minuses, here we have listed some disadvantages of guava consumption for you:

• Since guava is rich in fiber, excess consumption can cause diarrhea.
• Consumption of unripe or half-ripe guavas during pregnancy should be avoided, since it may also lead to toothache.
• It is important to wash guavas properly before peeling, especially during pregnancy. To avoid Listeriosis or bacterial infections.
• Steer clear of any medication or supplemental sources of guava- it is best to consume it in its natural form.

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The avocado is a rather unique type of fruit.

Most fruit consists primarily of carbohydrate, while avocado is high in healthy fats.

Numerous studies show that it has powerful beneficial effects on human health.

Avocado is Incredibly Nutritious

What we refer to as “avocado” is the fruit of the avocado tree, called Persea americana

This fruit is prized for its high nutrient value and is added to all sorts of dishes due to its good flavor and rich texture. It is the main ingredient in guacamole.

These days, the avocado has become an incredibly popular food among health conscious individuals. It is often referred to as a superfood… which is not surprising given its health properties

There are many kinds of avocados, and the shape (from pear-shaped to round) and color (from green to black) can vary between them. They can also weigh anywhere from 8 ounces (220 grams) to 3 pounds (1.4 kg).

The most popular type is called Hass avocado.

This is what a typical avocado looks like

It is often called “alligator pear,” which is very descriptive because it tends to be shaped like a pear and have green, bumpy skin… like an alligator.

The yellow-green flesh inside the fruit is eaten, but the skin and seed are discarded.

Avocados are very nutritious and contain a wide variety of nutrients, including 20 different vitamins and minerals.eHere are some of the most abundant nutrients, in a single 3.5 ounc (100 gram) servin:

• Vitamin K: 26% of the RDA.
• Folate: 20% of the RDA.
• Vitamin C: 17% of the RDA.
• Potassium: 14% of the RDA.
• Vitamin B5: 14% of the RDA.
• Vitamin B6: 13% of the RDA.
• Vitamin E: 10% of the RDA.

Then it contains small amounts of Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin)

This is coming with 160 calories, 2 grams of protein and 15 grams of healthy fats. Although it contains 9 grams of carbs, 7 of those are fiber so there are only 2 “net” carbs, making this a low-carb friendly plant food.

Avocados do not contain any cholesterol or sodium, and are low in saturated fat. I personally don’t think that matters, but this is one of the reasons they are favored by many “old school” experts who still believe these things are inherently harmful

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Lemons are among the world’s most popular citrus fruits.

They grow on lemon trees, and are a hybrid of the original citron and lime.

There are many ways to enjoy lemons, but they taste very sour and are usually not eaten as whole fruit.

Instead, they are eaten in little slices, as garnish with meals, and their juice is often used to provide a sour flavor. They are also a key ingredient in lemonade.

Lemons are a great source of vitamin C and fiber, and contain many plant compounds, minerals and essential oils. Eating lemons may help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and kidney stones.

Nutrition Facts

Lemons contain very little fat and protein. They consist mainly of carbohydrates (10%) and water (88-89%).

A medium sized lemon only contains about 20 calories.

Calories	29
Water	89 %
Protein	1.1 g
Carbs	9.3 g
Sugar	2.5 g
Fiber	2.8 g
Fat	0.3 g
Saturated	0.04 g
Monounsaturated	0.01 g
Polyunsaturated	0.09 g
Omega-3	0.03 g

Carbs

The carbohydrates in lemons are primarily composed of fibers and simple sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose.

Fiber

The main fiber in lemons is pectin.

Soluble fibers like pectin can lower blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion of sugar and starch.

Dietary fibers are an important part of a healthy diet, and linked with numerous health benefits. 

Vitamins and Minerals

Lemons contain several vitamins and minerals.

• Vitamin C: An essential vitamin and antioxidant. It is important for immune function and skin health.
• Potassium: A diet high in potassium can lower blood pressure levels and have positive effects on cardiovascular health.
• Vitamin B6: A group of related vitamins that are involved in converting food into energy.

Other Plant Compounds

Plant compounds are natural bioactive substances found in plants, some of which have powerful health benefits.

The plant compounds in lemons, and other citrus fruit, may have beneficial effects on cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammation.

These are the main plant compounds found in lemons:

• Citric acid: The most abundant organic acid in lemons, and may help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
• Hesperidin: An antioxidant that may strenghten our blood vessels and prevent atherosclerosis.
• Diosmin: An antioxidant that is used in some drugs that affect the circulatory system. It improves vascular muscle tone and reduces chronic inflammation in blood vessels.
• Eriocitrin: An antioxidant that is found in lemon peel and juice.
• D-Limonene: Found primarily in lemon peel. It is the main component of lemon essential oils, and responsible for the distinct smell of lemons. In isolation, it can help relieve heartburn and stomach reflux.

Many of the plant compounds in lemons are not found in high amounts in lemon juice, so it is recommended to eat the whole fruit for maximum benefit. 

Health Benefits of Lemons

Citrus fruits, including lemons, have been associated with numerous health benefits.

This is attributed to the vitamins and fiber content, as well as their powerful plant compounds.

Prevention of Kidney Stones

The citric acid in lemons can increase urine volume, which may help prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Some studies have shown that lemon juice and lemonade can be effective at preventing kidney stones, but other studies have found no effect.

Prevention of Anemia

Anemia is often caused by iron deficiency, and is most common in pre-menopausal women.

Lemons contain small amounts of iron, but they are a great source of vitamin C and citric acid, which can increase the absorption of iron from other foods.

Because lemons can enhance the absorption of iron from foods, they may help prevent anemia.

Cancer

Lemons may help reduce the risk of many types of cancers, including breast cancer. This is mainly due to plant compounds like hesperidin and d-limonene.

  in vitamin C is linked to reduced cardiovascular disease.

Low levels of vitamin C in the blood are also linked to increased risk of stroke, especially among those who are overweight or have high blood pressure.

Intake of isolated fibers from citrus fruits has been shown to decrease blood cholesterol levels, and the essential oils in lemons can protect LDL cholesterol particles from becoming oxidized.

Recent studies on rats show that the plant compounds hesperidin and diosmin may have beneficial effects on some key risk factors for heart diseases. 

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