vegetarian Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Jay Halford

Did you know that the avocado is actually a fruit? Well, it is and is also known as the fruit of the avocado tree, which is called Persea Americana and often referred to as an “alligator pear” due to the texture of its skin!

It’s renowned for being a superfood, due to its nutritional values increasing popularity amongst nutritionists, dieticians and food enthusiasts. This is for good reason 

FACT 1

Avocados contain more soluble fibre potassium than other fruit and is also filled with various minerals, which include iron, potassium and copper. They are also a good source of the folate, a B vitamin.  

FACT 2 

As well as being a virtuous. nutritious food, consuming avocados can increase the nutrient value of other plant foods that you eat. So, all those plant-based recipes you’ve been re-creating at home will provide your body with even more antioxidants, which can often go to waste. Don’t fancy avocado with your dish? Then drizzle avocado oil over your vegetables and continue to reap the benefits. 

FACT 3

Avocados may help relieve symptoms of arthritis.  Studies have shown that avocado oil and soybean oil can significantly reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Research is still ongoing, but if there’s anything we can do to help alleviate this common problem in the Western world, then it’s worth doing. 

FACT 4

Avocados are an excellent source of vitamin E and monounsaturated fat – so, very good for the skin but should be consumed in moderation due to the high fat content. Don’t worry, it’s the good type of fat and said to be better for heart health than saturated fat. So choose an avocado over crisps! 

FACT 5

They are delicious and versatile.

I surely don’t need to expand on this but I will anyway… That creamy, rich texture well it blends with so many ingredients but one of my favourites is my Guacamole and Baked Avocado and Egg. They go well on toast, with eggs, salads oh and chilli chocolate mousse – yes, you read that correctly: a healthy, chocolate mousse… Just one thing you need to be aware of it ensuring it is ripe enough for consumption. Nobody likes an overripe avocado.  

The avocado should feel slightly soft and another good indicator is if the pip at the top comes off easily.  Another tip is to add lemon juice to you avocado; once spooned out of it’s skin, the nutrients in avocado can oxidise very quickly so this will prolong the benefits. Lastly, don’t put them in the fridge until they are ripe.