Eileen Z. Fuentes | S.O.U.L Food Series: Avocados
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27 Mar S.O.U.L Food Series: Avocados

Have you ever gone to the Doctor and been recommended a diet of SOUL food?  Well, I am here to give you the green light and encourage you to do this as much as possible.  So what is SOUL food?  It might not be exactly what you think…SOUL food can be defined as foods that are:

Seasonal

Organic

Unprocessed

Local

avocados in Dominican Republic www.thespeach.com

Avocados are one of the most satisfying, nutritious superfoods that Mother Earth has blessed us with. Could you believe that some people are afraid of this amazing fruit (yes fruit) because of its high calorie content? These poor souls are truly missing out on one of life’s grandest gifts. Avocados are considered a complete food because they supply potassium, magnesium, vitamins, protein, starch, fiber and very-good-for-you fat…the monounsaturated kind that has the power to protect your heart and lower your cholesterol. And contrary to popular belief, avocados can actually aid in weight loss as the body prefers to burn monounsaturated fat when exercising over the saturated kind found in meat and dairy. It can also help your body absorb other nutrients more efficiently. If that is not enough, emerging research indicates that eating avocados supports brain health and function.

Selecting avocados is easy. There is really no need to select the organic version as this fabulous fruit is #4 on the clean fifteen, meaning it is less likely to test positive for pesticide residue. The avocado is native to the Caribbean, Mexican and South/Central America, so you can easily get them anytime beginning in the spring through early fall. When buying avocados, you should go for those that are free of dark spots or cracks. It should yield slightly to the touch when pressed but should maintain some firmness. You can also take off the stem for more clues. If it is green underneath, the avocado is ripe. If it’s brown, it’s not. If you happen to get them before they are ready to eat, just place it in a paper bag on your counter until it ripens. When all else fails, just ask the person selling it to pick one for you until you learn to do this yourself.

Also note that the rough skinned smaller variety is grown primarily in California but originates in Mexico and Guatemala. You see them more often because they can ship with less bruising and are available year-round. The larger, smooth avocado is grown in Florida but hails from the Caribbean. This version has a higher water content, has less fat and is cheaper (particularly now that it’s in season). Due to its delicate skin, they are primarily found in the east coast.

There are so many things you could do with avocados from a basic salad to using it as a spread on your sandwich instead of butter or mayo. You can also top your soup with it or blend it with a couple of other ingredients it to make a homemade creamy dressing. I personally love love love guacamole and if you want some great recipes, click here. Rick Bayless is the world’s greatest guacamole guru hands down. For those of you who still aren’t convinced that you should run out and eat an avocado right now, here is some targeted advice.

*Men: Protect your goods…avocado is a potent prostate protector as it inhibits the growth of cancer cells specifically in this precious body part. Here’s a fun fact: The avocado had an ancient reputation for increasing sexual prowess. The Aztecs, whose name for the avocado was ahuacatl, which means testicle, used the ahhhhh-vocado as a sex stimulant and believed so deeply in its sexual nutrients that virgin women were forbidden to leave their houses during avocado harvest days. Click here for more trivia on this topic.

*Ladies: Did you know you could get your sexy on with avocados? In one word, YES! There is probably nothing else that moisturizes and nourishes your hair (and skin) like homemade avocado conditioner. Some of you may already know that a mashed ripe avocado, mayonnaise, olive oil, honey and an egg (vegans can substitute mayo for coconut milk and omit the egg/honey) can turn your hair from dry and brittle to shiny and supple. And note, leftovers can be frozen for later use or rubbed on your feet for an at-home pedicure.

*Parents: Sneaking health into our children’s bellies has never been easier! Start introducing the avocado to your kid’s diet right away. Avocados make an excellent baby food when pureed with other vegetables. As your kids grow, you can sneak it into their food, which is easy because of its creamy texture. Add it to a fruit smoothie and its consistency will be very similar to ice cream. They will have no idea.

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Eileen Z. Fuentes

After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2008, Eileen became her own Self-Healthcare Activist. She is an Integrative Cancer Coach and works full-time helping patients do more than just survive at Columbia University’s Cancer Center in New York City.

5 Comments
  • Brianne
    Posted at 07:09h, 02 April Reply

    Hi Eileen! Your blog is terrific. I am going to be following it and keeping up with all the wonderful health and wellness ideas and info you share. I LOVE avocados! Thanks for all this excellent info here about them. I am encouraged to continue to keep them in my diet and try to sneak them into my kids’ diets too! ~Brianne

  • Eileen
    Posted at 07:44h, 02 April Reply

    Thank you Brianne! I am so happy to have shared this weekend with you. Love, love, love your blog too. Your kids are gorgeous… wish I woulda known you home-schooled 😉 sooo many questions xoxo

  • The SPEACH » S.O.U.L Food Series: Avocados
    Posted at 07:47h, 07 May Reply

    […] first SOUL food post was such a hit that I am super excited to feature another of many more articles in this series. My […]

  • Niurka
    Posted at 14:06h, 11 April Reply

    Hi Eileen, now I”m part of your wonderful site! Thanks so much for all the work you put into it !! Muahhh
    Niurka Reynoso

    • Eileen
      Posted at 08:24h, 13 April Reply

      NIURKA!!! How wonderful to have you visit me here. I’ve put a lot of work into this site and am currently working on a relaunch. I’m happy you like it and hope you will visit often.

      Besos!

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