Native to Central & South America, avocados have been cultivated since approximately 8,000 B.C. By the mid-1800s, they had been introduced to Asia & Jamaica, but they did not arrive in the United States until the early 20th century. U.S. avocados are now grown in California & Florida, but other commercial producers exist in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.

While most of us appreciate avocados in the form of good guacamole, many of us are not aware of the many health benefits that this delicious food has to offer. Aside from the avocados themselves, there are many other ingredients that go into the creation of a good organic guacamole recipe. These ingredients offer some surprising benefits for our overall health.

Ingredients in Organic Guacamole

• Organic Avocado – Contains Lutein (a carotenoid along with Vitamin E), Magnesium, and monounsaturated (healthy) fats. Avocado helps fight cancer of the mouth, breast, and prostate, and improves skin tone. It also improves absorption of nutrients in other foods.
• Himalayan Crystal Salt – Stabilizes blood sugar levels and regulates heart beat. Himalayan salt also improves absorption and cell communication, and relieves the sinuses and lungs.
• Organic Lime Juice – Contains potassium, as well as antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties to strengthen the immune system. It also helps to cleanse the blood and liver.
• Organic Cilantro – Contains several antioxidants, and is a natural deodorizer. It relieves nausea, bloating, urinary tract infections, and indigestion. Consumption of cilantro also helps to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and has antibacterial properties that aid in killing salmonella.
• Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Helps reduce asthma and arthritis inflammation, and also aids in reducing blood pressure. It helps to increase metabolism, and is a cancer fighter, particularly of the ovaries and breast.
• Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar – Once lauded as a cure-all by Hippocrates, apple cider vinegar (raw & unfiltered) helps reduce allergies, asthma, cholesterol levels, calcium deposits, and acne breakouts. It also helps to lower blood sugar, and aids in reducing symptoms of food poisoning and muscle fatigue. It strengthens the immune system, improves metabolism and stamina, and provides relief for sore throats. I personally recommend Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar.
• Organic Cumin – A natural antioxidant that helps fight cancer of the liver, improves digestion, and strengthens the immune system.
• Organic Garlic – An antioxidant that may lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and helps to cleanse the liver. Garlic has unique benefits whether consumed raw, cooked, or aged. It also contains unique properties that make it an excellent fighter against stomach cancer.
• Organic Lemon Juice (fresh) – May aid the body in removing gallstones when mixed with olive oil, relieves stomach discomfort, and may help prevent arthritis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and kidney stones.
• Organic Onion – Onions contain an antioxidant called Quercetin, which is a flavenoid. They also contain Vitamin E, Potassium, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, and Fiber. Onions are known to relieve congestion and allergy symptoms, and help to reduce cholesterol. In addition, they remove heavy metals from the body, and help fight cancer of the lungs, bladder, ovaries, and breast.
• Organic Pepper – Pepper helps fight cancer of the thyroid, stomach, prostate, and intestines. It contains an antioxidant called Capsaicin, which relieves congestion, headaches, allergies, colitis, ulcers, and pain. Eating peppers can aid with blood clotting, cholesterol reduction, and the rate of stroke. Peppers also increase metabolism.

As you can see, there is not a single ingredient in organic guacamole that has a bad health benefit. The avocado itself is certainly an ideal food that is delicious to eat on its own. Still if you prefer to eat your avocado in other foods, you cannot go wrong with a good homemade guacamole.

Tips for Buying Organic Avocados

When shopping, look for avocados that are slightly soft, but without dark sunken spots or cracks. Tree-ripened avocados generally have a better flavor, and you can identify these by their slight neck. California avocados usually have a richer taste than avocados grown in Florida. Be sure that you only purchase avocados that have a dark green skin. If avocados are too light & bright, avoid purchasing them.

My Favorite Recipe for Organic Guacamole

Here’s a simple recipe for chunky style guacamole that you can enjoy in a short while.

Ingredients In My Guacamole Recipe

• 2 ripe, medium Organic Avocados
• Juice from 1 Organic Lime (to taste)
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh Organic Cilantro
• ½ Tsp Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ½ Tsp Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
• Juice from 1 Organic Lemon
• ½ Tsp Organic Cumin
• 2 cloves Organic Garlic
• ¼ cup finely chopped Organic Onion
• ¼ Tsp freshly ground Organic Pepper
• ¼-½ Tsp Finally ground Himalayan Crystal Salt (to taste)

Peel avocados and remove the pit. Dice avocado; mince garlic cloves; chop onion and cilantro. Squeeze your lemon and lime and grind your pepper as needed. Combine all your ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Toss well instead of mixing, to maintain the chunky consistency.

Related Articles About Guacamole Benefits:

• Interesting Facts About Avocados
• WebMD: The Avocado Advantage
• The Ultimate Guacamole Party Dip Recipe