The Super Bowl teams are set: the New England Patriots & L.A. Rams! Guacamole has become one of the most popular dips being served with chips and salsa during the Super Bowl.
Now, avocados go with The Super Bowl like eggnog with Christmas.
Guacamole is an avocado-based dip, spread, or salad first developed by the Aztecs in what is now Mexico. It has become part of international and American cuisine as a dip, condiment and salad ingredient.
The main ingredient of guacamole, avocado, is a rather unique fruit. It is botanically a large berry containing a single large seed scientifically known as “Persea Americana,” long thought to have originated in South Central Mexico. There are many types of avocados which vary in shape from pear-shaped to round and in color from green to black. Avocados weigh anywhere from 8 ounces to 3 pounds.
The most popular variety is the Hass Avocado. It’s often called the “alligator pear” which is very descriptive, as it tends to be pear-shaped and has green, bumpy skin like an alligator. The yellow-green flesh inside the fruit is eaten, but the skin and seed are discarded.
How healthy is eating guacamole?
Numerous studies show that guacamole has powerful health benefits.
Here are several benefits of avocado that are supported by scientific research:
- Avocados are incredibly nutritious, containing many different vitamins such as Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B5 and B6, Vitamin E, Folate, Potassium, and small amounts of magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorous and vitamins A, B1(thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin).
- This tasty fruit contains protein, healthy fats, and contains more potassium than bananas which may support healthy blood pressure levels.
- The avocado is loaded with Heart-Healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids. The majority of the fat is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that is also the major component of olive oil. It is believed to help reduce inflammation and help you absorb nutrients from foods, so not only is avocado nutrient-dense, it can also increase the nutrient value of other plant foods you are eating.
- Avocados are high in antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients are very important for eye health and lower your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Avocados tend to be rich in fiber that can contribute to weight loss, reduce blood sugar spikes, and is strongly linked to having a lower risk of many diseases.
- It is a low carb friendly plant food and does not contain cholesterol or sodium and is low in saturated fat.
Avocados are not only healthy, they’re also incredibly delicious and go with many types of food; however, guacamole is the most famous use of avocados.
The best way to make guacamole is to include ingredients like garlic, lime, a pinch of salt and a few others depending on the recipe.
Here’s my favorite recipe:
- 2 large avocados mashed
- 1 tomato chopped
- ½ small onion chopped
- 1 tsp garlic (fresh fine diced or powder)
- 1 pinch of salt to taste
- OPTIONAL: Cilantro!
If you will be hosting a Super Bowl party this year be sure to include some guacamole dip with those chips! You’ll be the most popular person in the room!
