Grasshopper Avocado Mousse Parfait

For many years (more than I care to admit to) I was afraid to eat a lot of fat.  We had been told that eating more fat would make us fat.  Fatty foods do contain more calories but not all fat is created equal.  Avocados are one of the fattiest plant foods on the planet but I still highly recommend including them as part of a healthy lifestyle.  After years of avoiding a lot of fat I now include fatty foods like avocados into my daily life and yet I am healthier than ever!

Contains healthy fats|  Avocados do not contain just any fat, they contain the good kind of fat.  The majority of fat in avocados are oleic acid which is a monounsaturated fatty acid.  This type of fat is known to be a heart healthy fat due to its ability to reduce blood pressure, lower LDL (bad cholesterol), and possibly increase HDL (good cholesterol).

Loaded with Fiber|  With 1/2 an avocado contain around 5-7 grams of fiber which includes both soluble and insoluble.  Your body needs both to keep your digestive system and gut bacteria functioning at its best.

Helps absorb other nutrients|  One problem with avoiding all fat, particularly healthy fats, is that you may be prohibiting your body from absorbing certain nutrients.  We have fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) that require fat in order to be utilized properly.  Adding this creamy fruit to any vegetable-dense meal can help you get all of the benefits.

Keeps you full|  The fiber and healthy fat in avocados can slow the breakdown of carbohydrates in your body, helping you feel full for longer.  This may even be beneficial to control blood sugars and help with weight loss.

Nourishes inside and out|  Avocados are full of compounds that nourish your skin and help maintain a youthful skin tone.  They contain amino acids a antioxidants that help protect your skin from environmental damage and aging.  If you find yourself with dry skin, other than ensuring adequate water intake, make sure you are eating enough healthy fats to moisturize your skin.

Avocados are so versatile and can be used in so many dishes. They work well in sweet or savory recipes which really makes it so easy to incorporate into your diet.  Today’s recipe is a prime example of how delicious it can be to eat more avocado and get in on their amazing health benefits.