Friday, May 28, 2010

Avocados: Heart-healthy aphrodisiac

Avocados, a staple in Mexico and Central and South America, were considered an aphrodisiac by the Aztecs, who called the pear-shaped fruit ahuacate. Avocados were first grown in the U.S. early in 20th century.

In the 1920s, farmers changed the name to avocado because ahuacate was difficult for Americans to pronounce. Worse yet, it is the Aztec word for testicle. As it turns out, the ancient Aztecs may have been onto something!

Few would argue that good health is essential for good sex. Food affects how we feel and function, and one of the best ways to build sexual health is through good nutrition.

Avocados contain many nutrients considered essential to sexual health, such as vitamin E. Sometimes called the “sex vitamin,” Vitamin E is believed to promote the production of sex hormones, which support attraction, mood and desire. Avocados are also rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, which are essential for the production of sex hormones.

It’s true that avocados are high in fat, however most of the fat is monounsaturated like that found in olive oil, which can actually help lower blood cholesterol.1 Avocados are a good source of potassium and folate, nutrients important to circulation and heart health and good circulation is essential for erectile health.

Avocados are also rich in phytonutrients including cholesterol-lowering beta-sitosterol2 and the antioxidant glutathione. Evidence suggests that beta-sitosterol may also help prevent certain cancers, including prostate cancer.3

The avocado is a fruit that is often thought of as a vegetable. It adds a creamy texture and rich green hue to dips, salads, and sandwiches.

The chunky avocado salsa, below, combines diced avocado with colorful tomatoes, red bell peppers, and chilies. Researchers have found that avocado enhances the absorption of phytonutrients in carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables, such as bell peppers and tomatoes.4

Note: Individuals with a latex allergy should avoid avocados as they may experience a reaction (sometimes severe), caused by the similarity of allergens in avocados and natural latex.


Chunky avocado salsa

This delicious dip gets its zip from tasty and convenient Mexican stewed tomatoes and is lower in fat than traditional guacamole.

6 servings

* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 3 medium scallions with 2” green, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
* 1 stalk celery, chopped
* ½ cup diced red bell pepper
* ½ cup diced jicama
* 1 (or 2) serrano pepper, chopped (to taste)
* 1 ripe large Hass avocado, diced
* Juice of one lime
* 1 (14 ½ ounce can) Mexican stewed tomatoes, diced
* ½ cup fresh or frozen white corn
* ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
* Hot pepper sauce, to taste

In a medium bowl, combine garlic, scallions, celery, bell pepper, jicama,* chilies, avocado, and lime juice. Add tomatoes, corn, cilantroc and hot pepper sauce. Serve immediately.

*Jicama is a round root vegetable with mild flavored, crunchy white flesh. Simply peel away the brown skin and dice.
Chunky avocado salsa
Nutrition analysis per serving: 1 cup
Calories = 85
Protein = 2g
Carbohydrate = 13g
Fiber = 4g
Total fat = 4g
Sat Fat = 0.5g
Cholesterol = 0mg
Calcium = 30mg
Sodium = 262mg

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