Avocado & Cavier?

Here are ten reasons I love avocados:

Prostate Cancer Prevention
Avocados have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.

Oral Cancer Defense
Research has shown that certain compounds in avocados are able to seek out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.

Breast Cancer Protection
Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies.

Eye Health
Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two disabling age-related eye diseases.

Lower Cholesterol
Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week.

Heart Health
One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. Studies show that people who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don't. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart.

Stroke Prevention
The high levels of folate in avocado are also protective against strokes. People who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower risk of stroke than those who don't.

Better Nutrient Absorption
Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado. In one study, when participants ate a salad containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes lycopene and beta carotene) than those who didn't include avocados.

Glutathione Source
Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, an important antioxidant that researchers say is important in preventing aging, cancer, and heart disease.

Vitamin E Powerhouse
Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health. (Excerpt from Healthdiaries.com)

I ABSOLUTLY ADORE AVOCADOS!  I add them to my salads, sandwiches, fresh salsa, wraps, etc.  BUT now (thanks to my neighbor’s rockin mom) I also use them in my favorite Cowboy Caviar Recipe.

Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (17 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 or 2 large avocados, peeled and diced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Dressing

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
3-4 Tbsp. lime juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Cover and chill. Garnish, if desired with additional avocado slices or basil sprigs, and serve with whole wheat tortilla chips.

So, put on your Cowboy boots, grab some of the green goodness and have at it!

Until next time, Be Well,

Jen

Why Not YOU?

Millions of Americans are searching for more …
time with family … extra income … freedom from debt … an overall balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Individuals from all walks of life are realizing that through AdvoCare they can find the “more” they’ve been looking for and help others along the way. You can too.

AdvoCare offers a proven vehicle for success. You can earn income quickly and take advantage of a business opportunity that can last a lifetime. Many families across America are discovering the joys of running their own home based business and seeing that they can reach their true potential.



Your timing is perfect. So many people are concerned about their nutritional and financial well being. The AdvoCare products and business opportunity are poised to meet the growing numbers of Americans who are searching for answers to meet their healthcare and budgetary needs.



Over the past 18 years, millions of product users have experienced amazing results with weight loss, renewed energy and a new level of physical and financial fitness by using the AdvoCare products. Our energy drinks and nutritional supplements have helped people achieve a more healthy and active lifestyle. There are many others out there who desire a way to feel better, look better and get more out of the their lives.



At AdvoCare, we build champions. See how you can reach new levels of success:

Become a part of team AdvoCare!

Why I Love Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)

• They are inexpensive and easy to find. Buy them dried or canned.
• They are versatile. They can be used in soup, stew, chili, on salads, tossed with pasta, added to sauces, made into hummus….or roasted.
• They are a very good source of folic acid, fiber & manganese. Also rich in the minerals iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium.
• They are also a good source of protein.
• They are low glycemic….good for insulin resistant and people with diabetic conditions.
• OH….AND THEY TASTE GOOD!!!!!!

What I do with them…

HUMMUS

I am a huge fan of Hummus – I make my own using this basic recipe. You can play with a basic recipe to create many versions.  I also like a sundried tomato hummus, as well as a pesto hummus which is the addition of fresh basil! Get creative…the most creative I have been was a pumpkin hummus.   I use hummus as a dip with veggies, as a spread on rice cakes or wraps, and add into sauces for added fiber and protein! 

Ingredients:

• 2 (15.5-ounce) cans no-salt-added chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:

Place beans and garlic in a food processor; pulse 5 times or until chopped. Add 1/2 cup water and remaining ingredients; pulse until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.

ROASTED CHICKPEAS

A delicious, low-fat, high-fiber snack that is a great crunchy alternative to the high fat, high calorie chips and snacks out there.  I love these for munching, but also a perfect on-the-go snack, and great for the kids!  I must say...these are slightly addicting...just a fair warning!

About 1/2 cup per person. This recipe will yield about 6 servings.

NOTES:

• You can use regular olive oil or flavored. Roasted garlic oil is great.
• If you are going sweet you might want to add a bit of honey before roasting.
• You can also toss them with some hot sauce if you want them spicy.
• Some seasonings to consider: Black Pepper, Rosemary, Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Curry Powder, Chili Powder, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ground Ginger, Ground Mustard, Cayenne, etc.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chickpeas, or 2 15-ounce cans of beans, drained and rinsed.  Pat DRY with towel.
• 1 T canola or olive oil to lightly coat, or nonstick cooking spray
• Seasonings: I like sea salt and rosemary

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425˚F.  Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet in a single layer.  Dry roast them for about 20 minutes.  Stir them to avoid sticking and add a little oil and the spices at this time. Bake for another 10-20 minutes until golden brown and crunchy.  Let them cool completely before serving. They get much crunchier after they cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Chickpeas pack a lot of nutrients and are a great snack arsenal to have at the ready!

Until next time…Be Well.

Jen