We begin our homage to super foods – one for each letter of the alphabet. We will share our favorites, along with what makes them so super, and throw in a recipe for good measure. Why, we hear you say? Because super foods not only are tasty, but they are also SUPER healthy, and we think you should all know!

It isn’t just the delicious taste of avocados that have us swooning – these incredible fruits are bursting with health benefits and are as super as super foods get.

We are huge fans of avocados and it’s no secret. We are happy to shout our love for this delicious fruit from every rooftop. While some people avoid avocados due to their high fat content, we know that they are packed with the good kind of fat: the kind that can even help you lose weight. Plus, these healthy staples are packed with nutrients.





Benefits

• Nutrient-dense

Avocados are actually large berries, and just one can contain one-third of your daily Vitamin K requirement. They are also packed with folic acid, pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C. They even have twice the potassium of a banana – now that’s saying something.

• It’s Healthy Fat

Avocados contain high levels of monounsaturated fat. Now, don’t panic – this is the good kind of fat and can decrease the risk of heart disease. As a result, these fruits can improve your cholesterol and brain function.

• Help Prevent Cancer

The glutathione in avocados is believed to prevent certain types of kinds of cancers. Scientists discovered that avocados can kill or stop the growth of the pre-cancerous cells that lead to oral cancer. They also prevent prostate cancer – so gents, stock up.

• Improves Eyesight

The high level of lutein and zeaxanthin in avocados can protect your eyes from age-related degeneration and improve your vision.

• Aids Weight Loss

Research suggests that if you eat half a fresh avocado with lunch, you will see a 40% drop in your desire to eat for 3 hours, and 28% less desire to eat for 5 hours.

• Good For Fertility

Since avocados are rich in Vitamin B6 and folic acid, they help regulate hormone functions. In males, consuming this delicious green can also boost testosterone production.

• Be Beautiful

Avocados are regularly used in beauty treatments, as the glutamine amino acid helps cleanse skin, reduce age spots and heal scars and burns. We all love a two-in-one.



Recipe:

Simple but Super Kale, Grapefruit, Mango and Avocado Salad

Serves 2

Ingredients:

4 cups black kale

1 pink grapefruit, segmented

1 large avocado, sliced

1 mango, diced

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

2 tablespoons flax seeds

2 tablespoons chia seeds

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

2 tablespoons fresh grapefruit juice

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 lemon, juiced

1 teaspoon honey

½ cup olive oil

½ cup pomegranate seeds

Salt and pepper, to taste



Instructions:

1. For the vinaigrette dressing: Combine the grapefruit, lemon, and orange juice with crushed garlic. Add honey and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Slowly stir in the olive oil. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

2. Using a bowl, drizzle the kale with olive oil, massaging the leaves for a few minutes, or until they begin to break down.

3. Mix in pomegranate seeds and add mango.

4. Arrange onto plates and garnish with grapefruit and avocado.

5. Sprinkle with sunflower, flax and chia seeds and drizzle with vinaigrette.

More superfoods: The Best Super Foods A-Z: B Is For Buckwheat​