Junk Food That Isn’t
BLMurch Flickr Photo (CC)
Guacamole is not only not junk food, it’s one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Seriously. Avocados (the primary ingredient in guacamole, duh) are high in calories, so you don’t want to make a career of it. But digging into a bowl of guacamole is practically the same as swimming in a vat of Omega-3’s, without the obvious logistical issues.
The nutritional lowdown of this fattening fruit:
- More than 20 vitamins, minerals and “phytonutrients” (ooooh!)
- A nice jolt of the antioxidant lutein (great for your eyes)
- One of the best natural sources of beta-sitosterol (this helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels)
- As mentioned, plenty of cardiovascular love thanks to the EFAs (essential fatty acids)
And that’s just the avocados. Toss in a bit of salsa and some jalapenos to your guacamole creation, and you’ll get an added antioxidant cancer-fighting boost. Now, don’t go ruining this junk-food-that-is-not by smearing your guacamole all over some greasy meaty tortilla thing!
Think omelets (here’s an idiot-proof guide), Southwest salad, and grilled citrus ‘n herb chicken fajitas.
Web it out:
Only a Million or So Guacamole Recipes
Hint: you can do all kinds of guacamole gourmanding (garlic, chipotle, grilled tomatillos) or you can be completely lazy and just dump a little dollop of your favorite salsa into some fork-mashed avocado halves. A dash of salt, a squeeze of lime, and you’re set! Just promise me you will never, ever say “holy guacamole”.
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POSTED IN: Food, Junk Food That Isn't, Nutrition
7 opinions for Junk Food That Isn’t
Raymond Johnson
Jul 18, 2007 at 12:02 pm
That’s good to know about guacamole and omega 3’s. Also, which is better from an omega 3 standpoint to be taking, flax oil or fish oil? Also, does olive oil have omega 3’s in it?
Sara
Jul 18, 2007 at 12:55 pm
There are three types of Omega-3 fatty acids: ALA (alpha linoleic acid), EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid). ALA is typically found in vegetables, nuts, oils and seeds (like flax and avocados). Your body has to convert it to make use of it. I recommend going straight for EPA and DHA, which are found in fish and fish oil supplements, though they are all good for you and infinitely preferable to trans fat and saturated fat (though I do want to note that a little saturated fat is perfectly fine if you are eating a balanced diet).
steve
Jul 25, 2007 at 10:12 am
About flax seeds, since you mentioned them…I’ve heard conflicting information about properly harnessing the nutritional benefits of flax seeds. Are there any special preparations for flax seeds you need in order to extract the nutrients properly, or can I continue to sprinkle them in my pasta sauce, on my oatmeal, in sandwiches, etc.? To sum up, do I HAVE to use flax oil?
Sara
Jul 25, 2007 at 10:19 am
Steve, no, you do not have to use flax oil. Although, it’s so delicious, why wouldn’t you? ;) Fresh flax seeds, especially ground, are excellent for you. Toss a few into your smoothies, sprinkle on anything you like, and enjoy (sort of, anyway). It’s best to grind them, which is why they make a smart addition to home-made sauces, marinades, smoothies and so on. Grinding eases digestion. Another nice benefit of the raw seeds over the oil: fiber!
steve
Jul 25, 2007 at 10:49 am
Yeah, I can be fiber-crazy at times, but I like it that way. No tummy complaints. :D
Thanks for the input.
san
Aug 22, 2007 at 12:46 am
you could say omega3 is a good way of eating Yeah everyone should agree to that saying no to fruits and vegs are will be doomed
Stooks
Nov 13, 2007 at 10:19 am
uumm????i dont get fat when i dont eat good food!!!!
FAT ASS
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