Guacamole, a classic summertime party food, contains ingredients that not only taste great, but also are good for you.  Avocados provide heart-healthy, mono-unsaturated fat that boosts absorption of the antioxidants lycopene and beta carotene in tomatoes.  The allium vegetables garlic, onions and scallions boost immunity and play a role in our natural detoxification process, as does the herb cilantro.  Limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that fights free radicals and reduces inflammation.  Capsaicin, a beneficial chemical compound in jalapeno peppers, improves circulation and may increase metabolism.

 

 

 

Guacamole Goodness Recipe

Ingredients

3 ripe avocados

4 plum tomatoes, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup cilantro

1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped

½ red onion, diced

3 scallions, chopped

½ lime, juiced

Salt and pepper, to taste

 

Instructions

Slice ripe avocados in half and remove pit, then dice into 1” pieces.  Add the rest of the ingredients and mix together to make the guacamole.  Serve guacamole in a bowl with whole-grain corn tortilla chips or as a tasty filling in grilled vegetable and black bean tacos.