Wellness Wednesday.

I'd like to introduce you all to my new favorite fruit...

The avocado!

That's right, the avocado is a FRUIT - known botanically as a berry with a large seed.  They grow on super tall trees (the trees can be as tall as 70 feet!) and some varieties can weigh as much as 3 pounds!  Whew, I'm not sure I could eat an avocado that weighs that much...

Avocados are very healthy - when eaten in moderation of course (like everything else).  Here's a quick list why...

• Most of the calories of an avocado come from fat.  That fat just-so-happens-to-be monounsaturated fat...Studies show that monounsaturated fats can help improve blood cholesterol levels, which can decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease.  Research also shows monounsaturated fats can help control insulin levels and blood sugar, which can be particularly accommodating if you have type two diabetes.
• Avocados are rich in potassium, B vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin K.  
• They contain a lot of fiber.  Remember the Wellness Wednesday about fiber?
• Probably the coolest reason avocados are healthy...they are currently under preliminary research for potential anti-cancer activity.  Makes sense because they contain glutathione, an important antioxidant that researchers say is important in preventing aging, CANCER, and heart disease.

We buy avocados weekly.  We're usually putting them in salads, but the possibilities for eating an avocado are endless.  Sometimes I'll even just eat one plain - well, plus a sprinkle of salt.  Here is a recipe I love that includes avocado.

Recipe from whatsgabycooking.com

Quinoa Cowboy Caviar

1 cup cooked quinoa
¼ cup fresh corn, cut off the cob
¼ cup cooked black beans
¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
¼ cup chopped red onion
½ lime, juiced
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 avocado, cut into small pieces (or guacamole – whatever you prefer)
Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.
Meanwhile combine the corn, black beans, red bell pepper and red onion in a bowl. Toss to combine.
Add the cooked quinoa into the mixture, and add the lime juice and salt and pepper to taste.
Add chopped avocado right before serving.