Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Nutrition Of Guacamole







Nutrition of Guacamole


Looking for a healthy snack? Look no further than guacamole. This delicious and easy-to-prepare dip is always a hit, whether it's just an evening snack or dish to pass at a party.


History


Guacamole dates all the way back to the Aztecs, who called the delicious mixture ahuaca-mulli. In fact, the basic recipe we enjoy today is similar to what the Aztecs made.


Types


Traditional guacamole combines avocado, tomato, onion, chilies, cilantro and lime juice. But there are endless variations with tasty twists such as goat cheese or cayenne pepper.


Benefits


Avocados are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They're also rich in lutein, which is important for eye health.


Considerations


As nutritious as guacamole is, the calories can still add up. A 2-tbsp. serving of classic guacamole dip has approximately 50 calories and 4.5 g of fat.


Warning


Guacamole is a nutrient-dense food, but chowing down on high-calorie chips is counterproductive. Try dipping crunchy vegetables in your guacamole instead.


Fun Fact


The Aztecs believed that avocados were an aphrodisiac--a good reason for their popularity.

Tags: Nutrition Guacamole