Senior Citizens no longer need to sacrifice taste for healthy eating. At Discovery Villages, our Sensations Dining meals give you all the adequate nutrition you need to live a healthy, energetic and vibrant life. Our made from scratch meals take into account your dietary restrictions while making each meal delightfully enticing and deliciously pleasing.
“I love things that are indescribable, like the taste of an avocado or the smell of a gardenia.” Barbara Streisand
If you’ve never tried an Avocado, you are in for a surprise. Avocados are hard to describe until you eat them, but once you do, they are addictive! Luckily they are extremely beneficial in maintaining a healthy mind and body, especially for Senior Citizens. They are an extremely nutritious super food that can aid in longevity and quality of life.
Avocado trees originated in Mexico millions of years ago. They are also native to Central America, and now grow in various Mediterranean climates throughout the world.
There are so many delicious and creative ways to eat Avocados. Guacamole is one of the most popular dishes containing avocados. Some other ways Avocados can be eaten include:
- Just Plain or grilled (with a little olive oil and salt)
- Sliced onto sandwiches and pizza
- Blended into Smoothies
- Mixed in Cold Soups
- Used as a Butter Substitute
- Put into Chicken Salad
- Baked with an Egg
- Mixed into Pesto
- Stuffed and baked with your choice of other ingredients, herbs and spices
Avocados are a great source of potassium, insoluble and soluble fiber, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids. The fat content in avocados helps the body to properly absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. When avocados are eaten with fruits and vegetables containing Vitamin A, K, D and E, your body will more easily be able to absorb these fat-soluble nutrients. Other benefits of eating Avocado regularly might include:
Calms and Improves Arthritis– Avocados are an anti-inflammatory agent due to its combination of omega 3 fatty acids, phytosterols, antioxidants and fatty alcohols.
May Reduce Risk of Cancer– Studies show that the Phytochemicals in Avocados may prevent cancer cells from growing, particularly cancers relating to the prostate, skin and mouth.
Avocados can help replace glutathione during Chemotherapy. This is important as low levels of the antioxidant glutathione can make the healthy cells in the body vulnerable to chemotherapy damage.
Improves Eye Health– Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which act as antioxidants for the eyes. The fat content in avocados protect the eye tissue from sun damage and aging, preventing macular degeneration and cataracts.
Helps with Weight Loss– The fiber in avocados make people feel fuller longer, and is frequently used as an aid in weight loss.
Lowers Cholesterol– Avocados contain monounsaturated fats, which reduces bad LDL cholesterol levels and increases good HDL cholesterol levels.
Promotes Heart Health– The high levels of potassium and folate in avocados help to regulate blood pressure, which in turn protects the body from stroke and heart disease.
Improves Immune System Health– When avocados are eaten regularly, the body’s immune system is strengthened due to its high content of nutrient rich vitamins, minerals and monounsaturated fats.
Remedies Duodenal Ulcers– The nutrients and enzymes in avocados sooth the sensitive surfaces of the stomach and duodenum, helping to heal ulcers.
Natural mouth wash and beauty aid– Avocados are a wonderful remedy for bad breath, removing intestinal putrefactions. The oils in avocados make it an excellent hydrating beauty product that can be used topical on the skin or hair.
How do I know when an Avocado is Ripe?
When choosing a ripe avocado, make sure that it is soft to the touch and dark green in appearance. Eat very soft avocados immediately or they will brown and go bad. If you get a firm avocado that appears light green or green, it will take about three to five days to ripen. Keep in a dry, cool place (not in your refrigerator). Word of Caution: A firm, unripe avocado is like eating an unripe piece of fruit. Its deliciousness will not be fully enjoyed until it has ripened.
How do I cut an Avocado?
Once your avocado has ripened, cut it in half lengthwise and twist it to open. Take the seed out by inserting your knife into the center of the seed and twisting it gently, so that it comes out. Prevent your avocado from browning easily by leaving the seed intact or squeezing lemon or lime juice on it.
Easy and Quick Guacamole Recipe
2 Ripe Avocados
1 small onion, chopped and sliced
1 garlic clove, diced
1 tomato, diced
1 tablespoon or more lime juice (depending on taste)
Salt to Taste
Fresh Cilantro
Cut avocados and mash, adding in the chopped tomato, onion, garlic clove and lime juice. Add salt to taste and finish with freshly chopped cilantro. Use a food processor for a smoother guacamole or if you prefer chunkier, leave as is. Chill for at least half an hour. Enjoy with corn chips, pita chips, or crudités.
Try incorporating some Avocado in your diet each day. Your body and mind will benefit tremendously!
Finally, enjoy the full benefits of eating and cooking with this delicious fruit from Mother Nature with community, friends and family. Socializing can make food taste better and can be more stimulating for the brain. Visit Discovery Villages today, and see how living in a supportive and fun community can benefit your overall health and well being!
Discovery Village At Westchase offers a variety of senior living programs to keep seniors healthy and active. Learn about our senior living options and amenities today when you contact us at 813.820.6131.
